Hey everyone, I’ve seen a lot of people suggesting that just wearing sandals and letting the sun hit your feet will cure a fungal infection. I really wish it were that simple! While UV rays have some antimicrobial properties, the fungus usually lives deep inside or under the nail bed where the light simply can’t reach.
Also, walking barefoot outside to “air things out” can sometimes expose you to more spores in damp soil. Fresh air helps keep feet dry, which is good, but don’t expect the sun to do the heavy lifting for a stubborn infection.
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I tried the ‘sun therapy’ all last summer. My feet got tan but the fungus stayed exactly where it was. Definitely a myth.
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Good point about the depth. People forget that nails are like armor for the fungus. It’s safe and sound under there regardless of how bright it is outside.
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So what actually works for the nail bed then? I feel like I’ve tried everything and it just keeps coming back.
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I had the same question. I eventually tried ProNail Complex (i order from here) because it has those fungus-fighting oils and vitamins. It really helped my nails look healthy again and built up some resistance.
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I think the only thing the sun does is dry out the skin, which might stop it from spreading, but it won’t kill it.
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My doctor told me the same thing. You need something that actually penetrates the keratin. Sun is just surface level.
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What about those UV shoe sanitizers? Do those fall into the same category?
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The shoe sanitizers work on the shoes, not your feet! Don’t put your feet in those lol. But they do help prevent reinfection from your own sneakers.
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I spent way too much money on ‘special’ sandals thinking they’d fix it. Total waste of cash.
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The biggest thing for me was switching to moisture-wicking socks. Keeping the sweat away is half the battle won.
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Wait, so if I’m at the beach, the salt water doesn’t help either? I always thought that was a cure-all.
Salt water might dry it out a bit but it’s not a cure. Fungus is way hardier than people think. It can survive in some pretty harsh environments.
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I’ve heard that filing the nail down helps treatments get in deeper. Has anyone tried that successfully?
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Yes, filing is key. Just make sure you sanitize the file after or you’ll just reinfect yourself next time you use it. I use alcohol wipes on mine.
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Thanks for the info, op. I was literally about to spend my weekend barefoot in the yard hoping for a miracle. Back to the drawing board!
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