Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Toe nail fungus is very common and very very hard to get rid of for good. But mostly it is just a cosmetic problem, not a health concern.

You mentioned a disturbing article about complications from toe nail fungus. What can happen is in people who have diabetes or other illnesses that compromise the immune system in an ongoing way, if the fungal infection causes cracks or break down in the skin, then bacteria can cause an infection in the tissues called cellulitis.

If you notice a red, hot, tender area of skin starting, this may be a bacterial cellulitis infection. Soaking the area in hot water (not so hot that it burns the skin, of course) several times per day for a couple of days can nip it in the bud. But if it spreads or worsens, then you need to see a doctor and get on an antibiotic. Of course with soaking, you'll want to dry the skin well afterwards, because moisture makes a good environment for fungi to grow.

If your skin is otherwise looking healthy (except for the athlete's foot fungal infection), there is no need for hot soaks. Instead, take care to keep your feet from being moist - such as changing socks if they get sweaty, or going without socks and shoes when you have your feet up watching TV. Dry your feet well after a shower/tub and if you have a hand-held hair dryer, you can dry them further on the lowest setting. Then apply an anti fungal cream (you can get over the counter at a drug store) according to directions for 7-10 days (depending on the medicine you are using). The anti fungal cream won't help the toenail infection, but it will help the athlete's foot problem. By the way, use a separate towel for your feet than you do for the rest of your body, or that anyone else uses. And after touching your toes and feet, don't touch any other skin and wash your hands. Because toe nail fungus can spread to the groin or hands (although it is easier to treat there than it is in the toenail).

Nylon stockings and some shoes keep moisture in, and don't let the skin breathe. Fungi love warm, dark, moist environments. So anything you can do to not create warm, dark, moist situations for your feet is helpful. But won't necessarily make the toenail fungus go away.

When you see your podiatrist again, you can ask him or her about a new medication for toe nail fungus called efinaconizole. This is a topical medicine that was recently approved. It is considered to be as effective as the oral anti fungal medicines (Diflucan, etc), only without the concerning risks for liver side effects that the oral anti fungal medication has. Still, toe nail funguses have a way of coming back.

And getting some sun on your feet in the summer is a good thing, too, although I don't know of studies that say it cures the fungal infections. But it is the opposite of the warm, dark, moist environment that fungi love.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

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