Dr. Ashford, Podiatrist at Nail Health Journal

04/05/2026

Eric and I were already discussing these treatments back in 2019, Epsom salt soaks, iodine applications, antifungal socks, oral terbinafine, and more. Yet today, the number of affected individuals has doubled compared to just 7 years ago.

The issue isn’t simply that you may be diabetic. The real problem is that toenail fungus is often underestimated and ignored. Too many people delay taking action, hoping it will go away on its own, until it reaches a point where surgery becomes the only option.

And that’s when everything changes.

At that stage, you’re no longer dealing with a simple condition. You’re facing procedures that can exceed $15,000, and more importantly, your nails will never look the same again. The shape, the texture, the way they grow back… it’s permanently different.

As specialists, we’re telling you this for a reason. Take this seriously. Follow our recommendations and act now, while the situation is still within your control.

03/30/2026

This is what an untreated nail fungus can lead to, so stop putting it off and delaying treatment. It’s urgent!

03/30/2026

Great summary from my colleague Jen! We’re working on part 2 for you ;)

03/30/2026

03/29/2026

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. After 28 years in podiatry, I have seen just about everything when it comes to toenail fungus. Today I am happy to share my very first post on this page, and I wanted to make it count.

Here are the 8 things I tell every single one of my patients who want to get rid of this infection and feel confident enough to go to the beach or the pool this summer, because most of them are too ashamed to even think about it right now:

1/ Never walk barefoot at home. Fungal spores can live on carpets, couches, and hard surfaces for months, and every step you take without protection risks reinfecting you or spreading it to others in your household.

2/ Avoid washing your feet with hot water. It increases moisture in the deeper layers of skin and actually helps the fungus pe*****te and settle in. Lukewarm water is all you need.

3/ Dry your feet thoroughly every time, and make sure you get between each toe. Use a separate towel for your feet and wash it daily at 140°F to kill any spores that may have transferred onto it.

4/ Do not cut your nails too short or tear off pieces. Doing so creates small openings that give the fungus a direct path to go deeper. Trim carefully and straight across.

5/ Always disinfect or throw away any tool that comes into direct contact with your nail, such as nail clippers or files, after every single use. Reusing contaminated tools is one of the most common ways people unknowingly keep reinfecting themselves.

6/ Avoid nail polish and artificial nails. These products trap moisture underneath and create a warm, enclosed environment where fungus thrives.

7/ Never wear damp shoes or socks. Fungus lives and multiplies in that kind of environment. If your feet sweat a lot during the day, change your socks and let your shoes air out completely before wearing them again.

8/ Wear antifungal socks. This is one of the most important steps and the one most people overlook. Their antibacterial properties kill spores on contact, slow down fungal growth, prevent the infection from spreading to your other toes, and allow your treatment to finally do its job properly.

That is all for today. If you feel like you could use some guidance from a professional who has been working with skin, feet, nails, and infections every single day for 28 years, feel free to send me a message. I am always happy to help.

Warm regards,

Dr. Howard Ashford