Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Stop Toenail Fungus Before It Starts
How is Toenail Fungus Spread? Causes & Best Treatment!
How is Toenail Fungus Spread? The #1 cause is communal areas where family members or the public walk barefoot. STOP CATCHING IT!
Why Toenail Fungus Spreads Easily —and Who's Most at Risk
Toenail fungus spreads easily because the fungi that cause it are highly contagious and can live on surfaces for a long time. Once your toenail is damaged, cracked, or exposed to moisture, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for infection.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Walk barefoot in public wet areas
- Share nail tools or footwear
- Have sweaty feet or wear tight shoes
- Have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Have a history of athlete’s foot or nail trauma
Prevention is key—maintain good hygiene, avoid damp environments, and treat signs early.
Toenail Pain (Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails)
Get Expert Help for Toenail Fungus Before It Spreads
If you suspect toenail fungus, don’t wait—it only gets harder to treat over time. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment to stop toenail fungus at the source.
Toenail Fungus Picture Gallery:
This gallery shows different types of toenail fungus.
Look:
- The most common type is called subungual onychomycosis. This is when the toenail fungus gets underneath the toenail and lifts the nail.
- This can cause damage to the toenail bed, preventing future attachment of the toenail.
- It is also possible to get superficial white onychomycosis. This is the buildup of white superficial fungus on top of the toenail.
- If you just removed your toenail polish, this may not be fungus. It may be something called keratin granulations.
- This may not be fungus if you have white horizontal lines or white horizontal ridges on your toenails.
- It is also possible to get it throughout the entire nail, or the nail is destroyed and is dead.
- The good news is these are all very treatable!
So click on the photos for gallery mode & description!
Click On Pictures For Full Size & Descriptions
How is Toenail Fungus Spread Overview:
- The number one way toenail fungus is spread is in communal areas like showers, bathrooms and pool decks.
- At the same time it is unlikely to catch toenail fungus unless you have certain precursory conditions.
- The most common causes of these precursory conditions are long cracked toenails, small cracks and dry skin.
- This is also susceptible if you have ingrown toenails or swollen toes.
- People are also more susceptible to catching toenail fungus with increased health conditions, and poor health.
- The older you are, the more likely you are to catch foot fungus.
- If you have foot fungus, can very easily spread to your toenails.
Risk Factors For Catching The Fungus:
There are certain risk factors that make you much more likely to catch toenail fungus:
- People who are over age 65 are very likely to catch toenail fungus.
- People have health conditions such as diabetes, obesity or autoimmune conditions are very likely to catch toenail fungus.
- The older you are, the more likely you are to catch toenail fungus.
- Being a smoker can decrease the blood flow to your feet, this makes it much more likely to catch toenail fungus infections.
- The thicker and drier your toenails and skin are, the more the cure to catch toenail fungus.
- The more poor your hygiene is, the more likely you are to catch toenail fungus.
Causes:
- The number one cause is public areas where people walk around barefoot.
- Another common cause is a nail salon or after a pedicure if the tools are not sanitized properly.
- And lastly, you can catch toenail fungus unless you are susceptible from a health standpoint.
- Certain very healthy and well groomed people, are very unlikely to catch toenail fungus.
- It is also common in wet moist conditions such as standing in dirty socks all day.
- It is also common in old moist or sweaty shoes.
How to Prevent Toenail Fungus From Spreading to Family:
- The best ways to prevent toenail fungus from spreading to family members is to make sure you don’t have it yourself.
- If you’re walking around barefoot in public areas, make sure you’re wearing sandals.
- If you have old running shoes or sneakers, make sure you use an anti-fungal spray to clean them.
- Stick to moisture wicking socks, and change them regularly.
- Standing in wet shoes or what socks all day and create a breeding ground for toenail fungus.
How Does Toenail Fungus Spread
How does toenail fungus spread? The most common way it spreads is from susceptible person to susceptible person.
- Focus on reversing the causes we outlined above, and you’re very unlikely to catch toenail fungus.
- It is also very important to treat foot fungus, if you can treat foot fungus and make sure you have foot fungus, you’re very unlikely to get toenail fungus.
- Use moisture wicking socks, and use clean breathable shoes.
Fix Your Foot Fungus
- it is also very important to fix your foot fungus, it is a very short distance for fungus to travel across your skin and attached your toenails.
- Thus it does make sense to treat your toenail fungus, while leaving your foot fungus unattended.
Toenail Fungus Home Treatment:
- These are our favorite products to treat toenail fungus at home.
- It is difficult to properly diagnose any health problem such as toenail fungus with 100% certainty. So see your podiatrist and make sure you are not missing anything!
- Also, many of these products are considered beauty products more so than health products. Just be aware that they are not always FDA evaluated or approved in any way.
How to Fix Toenail Fungus:
- There are many different types of toenail damage.
- In our experience, about easily 50% or more is related to toenail fungus.
- The key to toenail fungus is to trim it as much as possible and file that nail down vertically and length-wise.
- If you can do that, you have to make sure you can kill fungus the rest of the way with creams and topical medication.
- The best way to do that is to soak exfoliate the affected toenail skin. So, foot soaks can be a strong anti-fungus solution.
- At the same time, you have to apply anti-fungal medication such as these medications evaluated here or the toenail repair pens.
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Best Toenail Repair Pen.
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Great Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Price:
$16.99
$22.88
$17.97
Price not available
Overview:
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Tea Tree Oil is well studied and an all natural anti-fungal treatment.
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Great reviews at 4.7/5 at 500+ overall reviews. Well proven and natural option.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Not the greatest amount of solution, the all natural solutions can be more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Although tea tree oil does nave studies and is antifungal, it is not an FDA approved medication and not studied for this specific use.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Best Toenail Repair Pen.
Price:
$16.99
Overview:
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Price:
$22.88
Overview:
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Price:
$17.97
Overview:
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Great Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Tea Tree Oil is well studied and an all natural anti-fungal treatment.
Pros:
Great reviews at 4.7/5 at 500+ overall reviews. Well proven and natural option.
Cons:
Not the greatest amount of solution, the all natural solutions can be more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Although tea tree oil does nave studies and is antifungal, it is not an FDA approved medication and not studied for this specific use.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Recommended Foot Fungus Products:
- It is also vital to fix your foot fungus.
- Athlete’s feet can be beneficial to remove from the foot because if left unchecked, they can quickly spread back to the toenails even if they are fixed.
- Even if you cure your toenail fungus, keep your toenails trimmed in healthy: your foot fungus can spread back into toenails.
- So make sure you treat your foot fungus, as well as your toenail fungus.
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$26.31
$17.99
$16.95
$18.97
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Price:
$26.31
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Shower Body Wash
Price:
$17.99
Overview:
Great cost effective shower wash.
Pros:
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Price:
$16.95
Overview:
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$18.97
Overview:
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Fungus Clippers & Files:
- You have to be careful using at home, and definitely be safe and don’t use these if you have dangerous health conditions.
- It is important to see a podiatrist for foot evaluation and care if you have continued health care issues or problems with your feet.
- These are some great value heavy-duty clippers and sets.
- The key is to cut straight across and file the nail down from the top to keep it from impinging in the corners.
- It is also important to make sure all dead, dry skin is removed surrounding the foot.
- This is where you should really see your podiatrist if you have any concerns or are worried about cutting or hurting yourself.
- This is something covered, so don’t take chances with your health!
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$9.99
$21.99
$18.49
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Price:
$9.99
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Price:
$21.99
Overview:
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Cons:
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$18.49
Overview:
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Fungus Polish and Remover:
- There is some great toenail fungus polish options and polish removal options.
- There are no acetone-based toenail polish removers, they don’t dry as quickly, but they are less like a dehydrator toenail.
- This also applies to your fingernails and hands.
- The benefits of using these non-toxic toenail polishes are that they are filled with non-fungal options such as tea tree oil, preventing toenail fungus.
- These can also work well for the fingernails.
- So great combo is to use one of these healthier toenail paint options, as well as a non-acetone-based toenail polish remover.
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Non-Acetone Toenail Polish Remover
Great Clear Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Nail file and removal equipment set.
Price:
$11.99
$19.95
$8.99
Overview:
Great non-toxic and non-acetone toenail remove. Great budget price with removal.
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients.
Great reviews and value for toenail polish remover with nail file.
Pros:
Great reviewed product: 4.4/5 with 1600+ reviews. No acetone.
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.4/5 with over 200+ ratings. Great brand.
Great reviews at 4.4/5 with 270 ratings. Includes nail files which are important.
Cons:
There are some questions about what organic really means for this brand. Some prefer the faster drying of acetone.
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly.
More of a value budget set.
Crucial Tips:
Some prefer the quicker drying of acetone, but this works better if you are having drying and fungus issues.
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
The key is after removal, the nail files are useful for removal dry superficial nails and keratin granulations.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Non-Acetone Toenail Polish Remover
Price:
$11.99
Overview:
Great non-toxic and non-acetone toenail remove. Great budget price with removal.
Pros:
Great reviewed product: 4.4/5 with 1600+ reviews. No acetone.
Cons:
There are some questions about what organic really means for this brand. Some prefer the faster drying of acetone.
Crucial Tips:
Some prefer the quicker drying of acetone, but this works better if you are having drying and fungus issues.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Clear Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Price:
$19.95
Overview:
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients.
Pros:
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.4/5 with over 200+ ratings. Great brand.
Cons:
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly.
Crucial Tips:
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Nail file and removal equipment set.
Price:
$8.99
Overview:
Great reviews and value for toenail polish remover with nail file.
Pros:
Great reviews at 4.4/5 with 270 ratings. Includes nail files which are important.
Cons:
More of a value budget set.
Crucial Tips:
The key is after removal, the nail files are useful for removal dry superficial nails and keratin granulations.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Shoes For Toenail Injuries:
- The key to prevent toenail ripping and lifting is to have good supportive shoes.
- If you have a good supportive shoe that keeps pressure off your toes in your toenails, there will be no lifting and cracking to allow bacteria and fungus to get in.
- This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people make a switch to perfect supportive shoes that fit properly, their toenail problems almost always get better over the next few months or a year.
- Your current nail is already likely destroyed, especially with joggers toe, but let the new nail growing healthy without new damage.
- Click the following link for our most recommended shoes. Try to focus on shoes with mesh and room around the big toe and also the smaller toes.
Best Antifungal Moisture Wicking Socks:
- These are some great options for moisture-wicking sucks.
- The more you can wick moisture from your foot, the less chance there is that toenail fungus, and athlete’s foot can survive.
- We tried to focus on budget value stocks that are not too expensive.
- Sure there are better stocks out there, but these are great socks for a great price for most people.
- If you have diabetes, focus on getting yourself some diabetic socks.
Best Woman’s Antifungal Socks:
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great choice for women’s running socks with moisture wicking design.
Best Seller & Most Reviewed Crew Socks
Best Overall Women’s Dress Sock
Great reviewed crew length bamboo sock.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
$23.99
$14.99
Overview:
Ankle height socks, great for running with moisture wicking design, great company.
This is a great reviewed budget crew sock. It has more cushion and bulk than the running sock.
Great overall full length dress socks, great reviews and good overall price.
This is a great alternative to the other crew sock. Great reviews.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with over 5,000+ reviews! Great reliable company with great reviews.
The best seller for moisture wicking women’s socks. Great reviews at 4.2/5 with over 3,000+ reviews.
Great reviews 4.4/5, which suprisingly is better than most dress socks. Excellent overall choice.
Very well reviewed sock: 4.4/5 rating and over 700+ reviews.
Cons:
These are thinner and more likely to curl/fall apart.
Not the world’s most expensive socks. Main complaints are the durability long term.
Dress socks are less durable than crew socks. They can work well.
Not much downsides. Good overall sock.
Crucial Tips:
Not as well cushioned as other socks. Make sure to combine with a good supportive orthotic and breathable sock.
These are great everyday socks. Combine with good breathable shoes and orthotics for best results.
Make sure to get a good 3/4 length dress orthotic or dress shoe orthotic with a good shoe.
Make sure to combine with a good breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great choice for women’s running socks with moisture wicking design.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Ankle height socks, great for running with moisture wicking design, great company.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with over 5,000+ reviews! Great reliable company with great reviews.
Cons:
These are thinner and more likely to curl/fall apart.
Crucial Tips:
Not as well cushioned as other socks. Make sure to combine with a good supportive orthotic and breathable sock.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Seller & Most Reviewed Crew Socks
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is a great reviewed budget crew sock. It has more cushion and bulk than the running sock.
Pros:
The best seller for moisture wicking women’s socks. Great reviews at 4.2/5 with over 3,000+ reviews.
Cons:
Not the world’s most expensive socks. Main complaints are the durability long term.
Crucial Tips:
These are great everyday socks. Combine with good breathable shoes and orthotics for best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Overall Women’s Dress Sock
Price:
$23.99
Overview:
Great overall full length dress socks, great reviews and good overall price.
Pros:
Great reviews 4.4/5, which suprisingly is better than most dress socks. Excellent overall choice.
Cons:
Dress socks are less durable than crew socks. They can work well.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to get a good 3/4 length dress orthotic or dress shoe orthotic with a good shoe.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great reviewed crew length bamboo sock.
Price:
$14.99
Overview:
This is a great alternative to the other crew sock. Great reviews.
Pros:
Very well reviewed sock: 4.4/5 rating and over 700+ reviews.
Cons:
Not much downsides. Good overall sock.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to combine with a good breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Antifungal Socks:
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
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How Is Toenail Fungus Spread? 10 Facts & Prevention Tips
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is more common than you might think—and it’s highly contagious. Whether you’ve noticed yellowing, thickening, or crumbling of your toenail, the culprit could be a fungal infection. But how does it spread, and how can you protect yourself?
In this guide, we break down the 10 key facts about how toenail fungus spreads and the best prevention tips to keep your feet healthy and fungus-free.
1. Toenail Fungus Spreads Through Direct Contact
If you touch an infected toenail—or share items like nail clippers, socks, or shoes—you can contract the fungus easily. Even skin contact around the infected area can be enough for transmission.
2. Fungi Thrive in Warm, Moist Environments
Locker rooms, public showers, swimming pools, and gyms are perfect breeding grounds. Walking barefoot in these places can expose your feet to fungal spores that cling to surfaces.
3. Shared Nail Tools Can Harbor Fungus
Salons that don’t properly disinfect pedicure tools or foot baths can unintentionally spread toenail fungus from one client to another.
4. Sweaty Feet Increase Risk
Excess sweat trapped in socks and tight shoes creates a moist environment where fungus thrives. Changing socks regularly and using breathable footwear is essential.
5. Athletes and Runners Are More Vulnerable
Constant pressure, moisture, and small nail injuries from repetitive motion make athletes more prone to fungal infections. This includes people with athlete’s foot, which can spread to the toenails.
6. Nail Injuries Can Be a Gateway
Cracked or injured toenails allow fungus to enter beneath the nail surface, starting an infection that’s hard to detect early and harder to eliminate later.
7. Poor Foot Hygiene Spreads Infection
Failing to wash and dry feet properly allows fungus to linger and spread—especially between the toes or into shoes.
8. Fungus Can Live in Shoes and Socks
Spores can survive inside footwear even after you’ve treated the nails. It’s important to disinfect shoes and avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row.
9. Weakened Immune Systems Increase Risk
People with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or poor circulation are at higher risk of getting toenail fungus and facing complications if it spreads.
10. Fungus Can Spread to Other Nails and Skin
If untreated, toenail fungus can spread to neighboring nails and even your skin, causing athlete’s foot, jock itch, or body ringworm.
Top Prevention Tips
Always wear flip-flops in public showers or locker rooms.
Change socks daily and let your shoes air out.
Keep toenails trimmed and clean.
Avoid sharing nail clippers, socks, or shoes.
Use antifungal foot sprays or powders if you’re at risk.
Disinfect your shoes regularly using UV light or antifungal sprays.
When to See a Specialist
If your toenail is changing color, shape, or causing discomfort, early diagnosis is key. Delayed treatment often leads to more aggressive infections that are harder to treat.
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, with offices in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, our podiatrists offer advanced treatments like laser therapy, topical antifungals, and personalized care plans to eliminate toenail fungus and stop it from coming back.
Take Action Before It Spreads
Don’t wait until it worsens—fungus won’t go away on its own. Let us help you restore your nail health with safe and effective treatments.
Book Your Appointment Today—Relief Starts with One Call
Fast, Friendly, and Professional Treatment You Can Trust
Toenail Pain (Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails)
Toenail Fungus Spread – Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially through shared towels, nail tools, and walking barefoot in shared spaces.
Yes, if the salon doesn’t properly sterilize tools and foot baths.
No, it spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist shoes—especially if shared or worn without socks.
Yes, particularly if you touch infected toes and then your fingers.
Public pools and showers are common sources if you walk barefoot.
It’s possible, especially in damp or unclean hotel environments.
Yes, it can spread from the skin to the nail if untreated.
Yes, it can affect skin (like jock itch or ringworm) if not managed.
Yes, due to slower nail growth and reduced immune defense.