Toenail fungus can certainly come back if you are not careful. Even once you’ve eliminated the infection entirely, if the conditions are right, re-exposure to the pathogen can cause a brand new infection. This is particularly likely if you don’t eliminate the residual fungus in your shoes, or you walk barefoot in high risk areas. When you have a fungal nail infection and wear shoes, some of the pathogen can transfer to the inside of your footwear. The damp, enclosed conditions can allow it to continue to fester and grow. Certain location, like pools, public restrooms, locker rooms, and saunas also provide great environments for the infection to spread, so walking barefoot there can put your feet and nails back into contact with the fungus.
The only way to keep the infection from coming back is to take preventative measures now, before a problem arises. Our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. can help you with this, as well as getting rid of the problem in the first place. Contact our offices in Castle Pines, Parker, Aurora and Cherry Creek, CO, for information or an appointment today. Call (303) 805-5156 or use our online forms to reach us.