Fungus lives in dark, moist places — especially inside your shoes.
You can treat your nails all day long, but if you keep stepping into a contaminated shoe, the fungus will come right back.
Spray the inside of your shoes regularly. Let them dry completely between wears. Don't wear the same pair every day. And make sure your socks are clean, dry, and changed daily.
A lot of people pick up nail fungus at the salon. If the instruments aren't sterilized properly, it's easy for one person's infection to spread to the next.
I always recommend bringing your own tools if you go. Or at the very least, ask how they sanitize their equipment.
I talk to all my patients about this. If your immune system is weak, or if you have poor circulation, your body won't be able to keep the fungus out.
That's why I sometimes recommend supplements like reishi mushroom — to help balance the immune system and improve your resistance to infection.
Diet matters too. A healthy gut and strong immune function go hand in hand.
Even after your nails clear up, you have to stay consistent with prevention. That might mean continuing a topical treatment a few times a week, keeping your feet dry, and avoiding anything that puts you at risk again.
Remember, this is an infection — not just a cosmetic issue. Treat it with respect and you'll be able to keep it away for good.