Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have toenail fungus?

Author: Elvera Williamson  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

If you just finished treating nail fungus, throw away shoes, boots, skates, and other footwear that you wore before you started treatment. Put on a clean pair of socks every day and whenever your socks get sweaty. Wear shoes that: Alternate shoes.

How do you disinfect shoes with toenail fungus?

Spray Lysol inside your shoes to remove any lingering fungus. Ensure that your shoes dry completely before wearing them again. As athletes' feet fungi can spread in warm, wet places like showers can be a good place for them to thrive.

Can toenail fungus stay in shoes?

With regards to lowering your risk for toenail fungus and athlete's foot, one of the first places to look at is with your shoes. Fungi need warm, damp environments to survive, but do not need sunlight. This means shoes and socks can harbor these microorganisms and put your feet at risk for infection.

Do I need to throw away my socks if I have toenail fungus?

We still recommend using a topical antifungal with terbinafine or tolnaftate daily until the skin infection has resolved. Throw out any old shoes and socks. Don't relegate old sneakers to mowing the lawn or doing yard work. Old worn shoes harbor fungus and bacteria.

Is it better to go barefoot with toenail fungus?

Though you shouldn't walk barefoot, you also don't want to wear shoes that are too tight. This prevents air from getting to your feet, which, when combined with the fact that fungus grows well with moisture, increases your risk of infection.

How to kill fungus in your shoes

What not to do with toenail fungus?

Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.

Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?

Keep your feet and toes covered

Protect your partner from being exposed to fungus by covering your feet at night. If you wear socks to bed, there's no chance your bare feet will make contact with theirs.

What kills toenail fungus permanently?

Prescription medications, laser treatments, or surgical removal offer the best chance of permanently killing toenail fungus.

Can toenail fungus live on sheets?

If you share a bed with another person, the fungus may transfer to them via shared linens.

Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?

Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.

Is it OK to live with toenail fungus?

While toenail fungus is common, it's usually not harmful. Symptoms mostly affect the look of your toenail. Toenail fungus may spread to the skin between your toes or other areas of your body. When getting dressed, put your socks on first to reduce the chance of spread.

What spray kills toenail fungus in shoes?

Terpenicol Shoe Spray. Our Terpenicol Shoe Spray kills the bacteria and fungus living in your shoes.

Are Crocs good for toenail fungus?

Sweaty Feet – The everyday use of Crocs can lead to moist environment causing moisture related issues such as athletes foot, nail fungus and bacterial infections etc.

How long can toenail fungus live in unworn shoes?

Fungal spores can live up to two years in footwear, so even if treatment appears successful it is recommended that socks and hosiery are washed at 60 degrees to kill off the fungal cells, or that an antifungal agent is added to your wash.

Can I spray Lysol in shoes?

According to wiki how: You can use an antibacterial spray, such as Lysol or Clorox, to disinfect the inside of your shoes. [7] Spray the entire insides of your shoes, and allow your shoes to dry completely before putting them on. Using an antibacterial spray will disinfect your shoes and help eliminate bad odors.

Will nail salons do nails with fungus?

You absolutely can get a pedicure with a fungal infection, but it is important to honestly address the situation with the salon ahead of time. When doing so, find out if the salon has the proper sterilization practices and necessary tools to handle fungal nails.

Is it bad to pick at toenail fungus?

Left untreated toenail fungus can become a foot fungus, spreading from your toenail, to the skin in between your toes, your arch and the heel of your foot. Scratching it or picking at it can also spread it to your fingers, and then to other parts of your body.

How to wash socks if you have toenail fungus?

Use hot water (60 C) and your regular detergent for infected laundry. Lower temperatures will not kill the fungus and can transfer spores to other fabrics in the same load. For white cotton socks, you can use chlorine bleach along with the hot water to disinfect the fabric.

Can fungus live on toenail clippers?

Shared nail clippers, towels and socks can also harbor the organisms that cause toenail fungus, so it's important to wash these items regularly to prevent transmission.

How do I get rid of nail fungus asap?

Often, you can take care of a fungal nail infection at home:
  1. Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments. Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil). ...
  2. Trim and thin the nails. This helps reduce pain by reducing pressure on the nails.

What worsens toenail fungus?

Older age. Wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily. Having had athlete's foot in the past. Walking barefoot in damp public areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms.

Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?

Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.

What shoes to wear with toenail fungus?

Sandals or open toed shoes - Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

Should you cut down toenail with fungus?

For example, you can buff the nail down with a file to keep it thin, so the fungus has a less of a home to live in. You should also keep the nail trimmed. If you let your toenails grow long, it creates more places for the fungus to grow.

What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine (Lamisil). Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives and has the fewest side effects. Terbinafine resolves toenail fungus about 72% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.

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