January 14, 2026
Category: Foot Health / Seasonal Care Reading Time: 3 Minutes
It’s January in Jacksonville. You are likely wearing socks, closed-toe shoes, or boots. The last thing on your mind is how your toes look in sandals.
But here is a medical reality check: If you want clear, healthy nails by summer, you need to start treating fungal infections today.
Many patients wait until May or June to address discolored or thickened nails. Unfortunately, by then, it is too late to get results for the beach season. Here is why winter is the critical window for fungal nail treatment.
1. The Math of Nail Growth
Toenails grow incredibly slowly—much slower than fingernails. On average, a healthy toenail grows only about 1 millimeter per month.
When you treat a fungal infection (onychomycosis), the “fungal” part of the nail doesn’t turn pink again. Instead, the new, healthy nail must grow out from the base (cuticle) to replace the infected nail.
- To replace a big toenail completely: 12 to 18 months.
- To see significant visual improvement: 3 to 6 months.
The Timeline:
- Start Treatment in January: By June/July, you have significant clear growth.
- Start Treatment in June: Your nails won’t look clear until next Christmas.
2. Winter Boots are a Fungus Trap
While you are covering your feet to keep them warm, fungi are thriving. Fungal spores thrive in dark, warm, and damp environments.
Heavy winter socks and boots trap sweat and heat against your skin all day. If you already have a mild infection, this environment acts like an incubator, causing the fungus to spread deeper into the nail bed or to other toes (and even to your family members via shower floors).
Treating it now prevents further spread and prevents permanent damage to the nail matrix.
3. Medical Treatment vs. Drugstore Lacquers
You might have tried over-the-counter polishes or creams with little success. They often fail because the infection lives beneath the hard nail plate, where creams can’t reach.
At Meridian Podiatry, we use medical-grade protocols that penetrate the nail plate to attack the fungus at the source. This is not just a cosmetic fix; it is a medical intervention.
4. Your “Summer Feet” Strategy
Don’t let a fungal infection dictate your footwear choices this summer. Use the “hiding season” to your advantage.
Your Action Plan:
- Inspect: Check your nails tonight. Look for yellow/white discoloration, thickening, or crumbling edges.
- Hygiene: Rotate your shoes daily (let them dry out for 24 hours) and use moisture-wicking socks.
- Act: If you suspect an infection, book an exam immediately.
Ready to get started? Don’t wait until sandal season to take care of your toes. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robinson today and get a head start on healthy feet.
📞(904)701-3140
