Why Does Nail Fungus Come Back?

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, may be an embarrassing condition but it’s a lot more common than you think. It makes up 50% of nail abnormalities, and affects up to 18% of the worldwide population. It usually affects adults, and the chances of getting a toenail fungal infection increases as you age. However, there are plenty of other factors that can cause toenail fungus. This includes poor hygiene, wrong footwear selection, certain medical conditions, and related diseases such athlete’s foot. It can affect one nail or even several at a time, spreading and infecting the neighboring nails if left untreated for too long. It can become unsightly and painful.

Unfortunately, toenail fungus doesn’t go away on its own. However, the good news is that toenail fungus is highly treatable. The bad news? It can become a recurring situation. Toenail fungus has the tendency to come back if you’re not careful. In fact, 1 out of 4 people who experienced successful treatment suffer from recurring nail fungus.

The question here is: why does nail fungus come back?

If it wasn’t already a bothersome situation the first time around, it could become twice as aggravating in its second run. Hence, it’s good to note what makes a fungal infection come back, so you can take extra precaution. Here are the reasons why recurring nail fungus occurs:

Not fully treated

Because the infection is located under the nail, it can become difficult to know whether the infection is fully treated or not. While over-the-counter treatments and home remedies can reduce or relieve symptoms, it doesn’t always get rid of the fungus completely. The most effective treatment for recurring nail fungus is a topical solution that comes with a brush applicator. Continue using the treatment for several weeks after the nail has cleared up, just to be extra sure.

Repeated exposure to infected spaces

A common cause for recurring nail fungus is the continued presence of the fungus – whether it be at the nail salon, public pool or shower, or even in your own shoes. Exposure to previously infected spaces that didn’t go through proper disinfection techniques makes it easy for toenail fungus to recur. Sharing a bathroom with someone with a fungal infection is another common cause for recurring nail fungus.

Wearing nail polish

It’s not the polish itself that causes the fungal infection. Nail polish traps the moisture beneath the nail bed, and fungus thrives in moist environments. You may think using nail polish can hide the fungal infection when, in fact, it could just be making the infection return or become worse.

Weak immune system

Your body has natural defenses that fight against infections. When this is weakened due to certain conditions or medication, it can get harder to get rid of fungal infections.

Other health conditions

Certain health conditions that cause poor blood circulation to the feet, such as diabetes or nerve problems, can affect the ability of the infection to heal completely. This also puts you at a greater risk for recurring nail fungus.