How to Prevent Fungal Nails (Even If You’ve Had Them Before)

Introduction: The Recurring Nightmare of Fungal Nails

You finally got rid of that stubborn fungal nail infection, only to notice your toenails starting to change again. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Fungal nails have a frustrating habit of returning, especially if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Whether you’ve dealt with fungal nails before or want to avoid them altogether, prevention is key. This guide will explain why fungal nails return, where they thrive, and how to keep them away for good.

Why Do Fungal Nails Keep Coming Back?

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) occur when fungi get beneath the nail, thrive in warm, moist environments, and multiply. But even after successful treatment, fungal spores can linger, and reinfection is common. Here’s why:

1. You Didn’t Fully Eliminate the Infection – Stopping treatment too soon can leave behind microscopic fungal spores.

2. Your Shoes and Socks Are Contaminated – Fungal spores love damp environments; your footwear could harbour them.

3. You Walk Barefoot in High-Risk Areas – Gym showers, swimming pools, and hotel carpets are hotbeds for fungi.

4. Your Feet Stay Sweaty – Excess moisture from workouts, long days at work, or poor ventilation creates an ideal environment for fungi.

5. Your Immune System or Nail Health Is Weak – If your nails are damaged or you have circulation issues, your risk of reinfection increases.

The good news? You can break the cycle with simple, effective strategies.

10 Proven Ways to Prevent Fungal Nails

1. Keep Your Feet Dry and Clean

Fungi thrive in damp conditions, so keeping your feet dry is the number one way to prevent reinfection.

✅ Wash your feet daily with soap and water, then dry thoroughly—especially between the toes.

✅ Use an antifungal foot powder or spray if you’re prone to sweaty feet.

✅ Change socks daily (or more often if they get sweaty) to prevent moisture build-up.

2. Disinfect Your Shoes and Socks

Even if your feet are clean, fungal spores can linger in your shoes and socks, waiting for the right conditions to strike.

✅ Wash socks at high temperatures (60°C+) to kill fungal spores.

✅ Use an antifungal spray inside your shoes at least once a week.

✅ Rotate your footwear—wearing the same shoes daily doesn’t give them time to dry out properly.

✅ Opt for moisture-wicking socks made from natural fibres like cotton or bamboo.

3. Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas

Communal areas like gyms, swimming pools, and hotel rooms are breeding grounds for fungi.

✅ Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in shared showers, locker rooms, and poolside areas.

✅ Avoid sharing towels, nail clippers, or socks with others, as fungal spores can spread through contaminated surfaces.

4. Keep Your Nails Trimmed (But Not Too Short!)

✅ Trim nails straight across to reduce the chance of injury or lifting, which allows fungi to enter.

✅ Avoid cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, as this can lead to ingrown toenails and make infections more likely.

✅ Use sterilised nail clippers, and don’t share them with others.

5. Wear Breathable Footwear

Your choice of shoes can make or break your fungal nail prevention strategy.

✅ Opt for breathable shoes made from leather or mesh, which allow airflow.

✅ Avoid tight-fitting shoes that compress toes and create friction.

✅ If your feet sweat a lot, choose shoes with moisture-wicking linings.

6. Be Careful with Nail Salons

Many people pick up fungal infections from unsanitary nail salons. Here’s how to reduce the risk:

✅ Choose a salon that sterilises its tools (or bring your own).

✅ Avoid artificial nails and gel polish if you’ve had fungal infections before—these can trap moisture and weaken nails.

✅ Don’t let anyone cut your cuticles too aggressively, as this can create an entry point for fungi.

7. Strengthen Your Nails and Immune System

Strong, healthy nails are more resistant to fungal infections.

✅ Take a biotin supplement to support nail growth and strength.

✅ Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet to promote nail health.

✅ If you have diabetes or circulation issues, check your feet regularly and seek professional foot care.

8. Treat the Athlete’s Foot Promptly

Athlete’s feet and fungal nails go hand in hand—if left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to the nails.

✅ Use an antifungal cream or spray at the first sign of itching, redness, or peeling skin between your toes.

✅ Keep feet dry and wear breathable socks to prevent recurrence.

9. Be Cautious with Home Remedies

Many people try home remedies like vinegar soaks, tea tree oil, or baking soda—but do they work?

🚨 Reality check: While some natural remedies have mild antifungal properties, there’s little scientific evidence that they cure fungal nails. At best, they may help slow fungal growth but stick with proven strategies for real prevention.

10. Consider Preventative Treatment Options

If you’ve had fungal nails before, it might be worth taking proactive steps to prevent reinfection.

✅ Antifungal nail lacquers like amorolfine can be used as a preventative measure.

✅ Class IV Laser Therapy can be an option for stubborn infections and to reduce fungal recurrence.

✅ If you’re prone to fungal nails, regular foot checks with a podiatrist can help catch early signs before they worsen.

Final Thoughts: Stop Fungal Nails Before They Start

Preventing fungal nail infections isn’t complicated—but it does require consistency. By keeping your feet clean, dry, and protected, you can significantly reduce the chances of reinfection.

If you’ve struggled with fungal nails before, don’t wait until they return—take action now. Prevention is always better than cure.

🚨 Long-term fungal nail infections won’t go away on their own—speak to a professional today.