Nail fungus is a common infection that affects the nails and the skin around the nails. Once you get over the infection, it’s important to take steps to avoid a relapse.
A nail fungus relapse can be frustrating and undo the progress you’ve made during treatment. For this reason, it is important that you make every effort to prevent a recurrence. Here are 7 tips that can help you avoid nail fungus recurrences:

1. Avoid humid environments
Nail fungus thrives in moist environments. Therefore, avoid humid environments such as swimming pools and hot tubs. When you’re in these environments, wear rubber sandals or other protective footwear.
2. Keep your nails clean and dry
You should clean your nails regularly and keep them dry. Use a towel to dry your nails after you have showered or washed your hands.
3. Wear breathable shoes
Wear shoes that are breathable, such as e.g. Leather or fabric sneakers. Avoid shoes made of plastic or rubber, which could cause your feet to sweat.
4. Avoid socks made of synthetic materials
Use socks made of natural materials such as wool or cotton, as they are more breathable and help keep your feet dry.
5. Avoid sharing personal items
Avoid sharing personal items such as nail files, nail scissors, or towels, as nail fungus can be easily transmitted.
6. Use foot powder
Use foot powder to keep your feet dry and absorb moisture. Foot powder can also help reduce unpleasant odors.
7. Monitor your feet regularly
Monitor your feet regularly for signs of nail fungus or other infections. The sooner you catch an infection, the easier it will be to treat.
Tip #1: Ventilate your feet regularly
To be protected from nail fungus relapses, it is important to ventilate your feet regularly. This measure can help prevent fungal spores from settling on your feet as quickly.
You can ventilate your feet in several ways. One option is to wear open-toed shoes, especially in summer. Breathable socks and shoes can also help keep your feet dry and ventilated.
If you exercise, remember to take off your athletic shoes and socks and dry your feet as soon as you are done. The same is true if you do water activities. Dry your feet thoroughly and wear open-toed shoes if possible.
In addition, you can also wash your feet with a mild soap and dry them thoroughly. When doing so, be sure to dry your feet well between the toes, as moisture can accumulate here, which can contribute to the development of nail fungus.
Follow these measures regularly to get rid of your athlete’s foot and prevent relapses. If you notice symptoms of nail fungus, such as yellow or brittle nails, you should get checked by a doctor.
Tips to protect against nail fungus relapses: Keeping your feet clean and dry
Good hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of nail fungus. To prevent a recurrence, make sure your feet stay clean and dry at all times. Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy:
- Wash your feet daily with warm water and soap. Make sure you dry your toes thoroughly,
- Use a towel only for your feet and change it regularly,
- Wear clean socks that you can wash at least 60 degrees,
- Avoid wearing shoes and socks that keep your feet damp,
- Let your feet air dry before putting on shoes and socks.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your feet stay healthy and free of nail fungus. Remember that good hygiene is the key to preventing fungal infections.
Clean socks and shoes properly – tip #3 to protect against nail fungus recurrence
Thorough and regular cleaning of socks and shoes can help prevent re-infection with nail fungus. It is important to remove all shoes when you are at home to prevent the growth of fungus in your shoes.
Socks should be washed at a minimum of 60°C to kill all fungal spores. It is also advisable to add an antifungal agent to the washing powder. Socks should always be made of breathable materials such as cotton or wool to keep moisture away from the feet.
Cleaning shoes is also important. Some shoes can be washed in the washing machine, while others should only be treated with a leather cleaning solution. It is also advisable to dry out shoes outdoors so they are completely dry before you wear them again.
- Wash socks at a minimum of 60°C
- Add an antifungal agent when you wash your shoes
- Socks should be made of breathable materials
- Clean shoes thoroughly and then dry them outdoors
By properly cleaning your socks and shoes, you can reduce the risk of a nail fungus recurrence. It is also advisable to wear shoes on public floors such as swimming pools, showers and gyms to avoid infection. Regular pedicures and cutting nails in a straight cut can also help prevent the growth of fungus.
Hygiene is the key to protecting against nail fungus relapses
Good hygiene is the best protection against nail fungus recurrence. To prevent the growth of fungus, you should always keep your feet and nails clean and dry. Use a disinfectant spray or cloth to clean your feet and nails regularly. Make sure you don’t share shoes or socks with other people to avoid transmitting fungus.
Cleaning nail tools and pedicure utensils is also very important. Use disposable nail files and regularly remove dead skin cells to prevent the development of nail fungus. If you go to a pedicure studio, make sure the studio is hygienic and all tools are properly cleaned and disinfected.
- Clean your feet and nails regularly to prevent the growth of fungus
- Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to clean your feet and nails
- Do not share shoes or socks with others to avoid fungal transmission
- Clean nail tools and pedicure utensils regularly and use disposable files
- Make sure pedicure studios are hygienic and all tools are properly cleaned and disinfected
By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of nail fungus recurrence and keep your nails healthy.
Tips to protect against nail fungus recurrence – Tip #5: Get medical treatment
If you have nail fungus, it is important to get medical treatment to get rid of it and avoid a relapse. There are several ways to treat a nail fungus infection, including topical antifungals, oral medications and surgical removal of the nail.
Topical antifungals, such as creams and polishes, are applied to the nail and can help fight the infection. Oral medications are taken and work from the inside out. However, these may have side effects and must be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
In some cases, surgical removal of the nail may be necessary to eliminate the fungus. However, this is usually a last resort and is only recommended for severe infections.
Regardless of which treatment method you choose, it is important to complete treatment according to your doctor’s instructions and have regular follow-ups to ensure that the nail fungus has been completely eliminated. If you stop treatment prematurely or do not complete it completely, it can lead to a relapse.
Also note that nail fungus infections are very contagious. It is important to keep your feet dry, wear clean socks and shoes, and avoid public bathrooms and swimming pools to prevent re-infection.
Tip #6: A strong immune system
A strong immune system is essential to protect the body from nail fungus recurrences. The immune system is responsible for fighting off pathogens and keeping the body healthy. There are several factors that can strengthen the immune system.
- A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables provides important nutrients to support the immune system.
- Regular exercise helps to strengthen the immune system.
- Getting enough sleep is important to regenerate and strengthen your immune system.
- In addition, special foods such as garlic, ginger or citrus fruits can support the immune system.

A balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, adequate sleep and a healthy diet can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from nail fungus relapses.
Avoid sports with a higher risk of infection
One of the most effective ways to protect against nail fungus recurrences is to avoid sports with a higher risk of infection. This includes, in particular, sports where you exercise barefoot or with non-breathable shoes.
Examples of sports with a higher risk of infection include sharing mats, equipment and showers at gyms, and team sports such as soccer, handball, volleyball or basketball. Swimming in public pools or lakes can also pose an increased risk.
- Avoid walking barefoot, especially on damp or wet surfaces
- Make sure you wear breathable footwear to prevent moisture from building up
- Use non-slip shoes or non-slip socks during your workouts to prevent slipping
- Bring your own towels, mats and other equipment to avoid cross-contamination
- Use sanitizer after your workout to clean your equipment
Ultimately, it’s important that you understand the risks in any sport and take appropriate steps to protect yourself from potential infections. A combination of preventive measures can help ensure that you are permanently spared from nail fungus relapses.