The question of how long toenail fungus can live in your shoes is a difficult one.
The answer depends on how often you wear the same pair of shoes, what type of shoe it is, and whether or not the shoe has ventilation holes.
If you wear them every day for an extended period of time then there’s no telling just how long that might be.
However, the period of time that toenail fungus may live in shoes ranges from six months to several years.
The shoes you wear may play a role in how long your toenail fungus lives.
For example, if the pair of shoes has ventilation holes it is likely that the fungus will die more quickly because there is going to be more fresh air coming into contact with the nails.
If they are made from leather or another material with poor ventilation then the fungus may be able to survive in the shoe for a longer period of time.
It is recommended to wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around the feet.
Can you get foot fungus from old shoes?
Because the fungus can survive a long time in your shoes even if you haven’t worn them, the likelihood of re-infection is high.
If you have a moldy or musty pair of old shoes that you haven’t worn in a couple years then it’s possible that the fungus has grown in the shoes.
The older and more moist the shoe, the worse it is for your feet.
The fungus also thrives in warm and moist environments. This makes it more likely that you will get the fungus into your shoes, and then back onto your feet if they stay moist and warm for a long time.
Before putting on old shoes, make sure to dry them out thoroughly first by leaving them outside for a few days before wearing them.
You can also spray them with bleach to kill the fungus.
For shoes that you don’t want, such as ones that were previously owned by someone else or a pair of second-hand shoes, keep them in a box and away from your feet.
Don’t let them sit around where they will be exposed to moisture and warmth, or wear them for extended periods of time.
How long does foot fungus live on surfaces?
Athlete’s foot is highly transmissible. It may survive for weeks on surfaces and is frequently found at public pools and in public shower and locker rooms, among other places.
As mentioned above, athlete’s foot thrives in moist and warm areas.
If you use a public restroom and don’t dry your feet thoroughly after taking a shower or bath then you’re likely to transfer the fungus onto surfaces such as the floor, showers, changing benches, etc.
The fungus can survive on surfaces for several days, especially if the surfaces are moist and warm.
The fungus may last even longer on surfaces such as plastic or wood, which do not allow air circulation.
Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after showering and to stand off of mats while you’re in public locker rooms and restrooms. Also, use a towel to wipe down benches before you sit down.
Can toenail fungus spread through bed sheets?
If you share a bed with someone, the fungus may spread to them via shared linens.
Though it’s not as likely to spread via sheets as it is to spread from other surfaces, such as a floor mat in a locker room, the fungus can live on bed sheets for several days.
This means that if your partner or flatmate has athlete’s foot then there’s a good chance that you’ll be exposed to the fungus if you sleep on the same sheets.
Does going barefoot help toenail fungus?
Shoes keep germs away from your feet. However when you go barefoot, your feet are able to breathe and ventilate, which is beneficial for their health.
If you wear closed toe shoes too often, it might be difficult for your toenail fungus to dry out and heal.
Take the time to walk barefoot along dirt paths or in grassy areas regularly. This can help to expedite the healing process of your foot fungus infection.
However, for the purposes of public areas, it is important to wear shoes to decrease the risk of fungal problems spreading to others.
How do you clean shoes with toenail fungus?
Shoes that you wear every day should be cleaned and disinfected regularly in order to prevent the growth of fungus.
Fungus thrives in moist and warm environments, so it’s important to keep your shoes clean and dry in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Here’s how you should clean your shoe-
1. Use a stiff brush to clean the inside of your shoes, paying particular attention to areas where you are most likely to sweat.
2. Remove the shoelaces and use an old toothbrush to scrub them too. This will help get rid of any fungus that might be growing in these areas.
3. Coton balls are also great for getting into the inside of your shoes and cleaning out any dirt or debris that might be present.
4. After you’ve removed all visible traces of grime from the outside and inside of your shoes, wipe down with rubbing alcohol to kill any remaining fungus in these areas.
5. Finally, once your shoes have been allowed to dry completely, use paper sheets to stuff them so that they maintain an optimal shape.
See One Simple Way To Maintain A Fungus-Free Life