Fungal toenails are a common condition that many people find embarrassing or frustrating to deal with. They happen when fungi infect one or more of your toenails, usually starting slowly and getting worse over time. For some people, fungal toenails are simply a cosmetic concern. But for others — especially those with diabetes or reduced circulation — they can lead to more serious health issues if not treated.
What causes fungal toenails?
Fungal toenail infections happen when fungi get into the nail, usually through small cracks in the nail or the skin around it. Some of the most common reasons people get fungal toenails include:
- Warm, damp environments: Fungi love places like public swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers.
- Sweaty feet: Wearing the same shoes for long periods can trap moisture and warmth, which helps fungi grow.
- Injured nails: A small injury or repeated pressure on the nail can create openings for fungus to get in.
- Weakened immune system: Some people are more likely to get fungal infections if their immune system isn’t working at full strength.
- Poor circulation: This can make it harder for the body to fight off infection, which is more common in people with diabetes or certain health conditions.
Signs of a fungal toenail infection
Fungal toenails often start with subtle changes, and you might not realise you have an infection straight away. Knowing what to look out for can help you catch the problem early and get the right treatment. Common signs include:
- Discolouration – Sometimes starting with a simple white or yellow spots or streaks in the nail. The nail may turn white, yellow, brown or even black.
- Thickened nails – The infected nail may become unusually thick and hard to cut.
- Brittle or crumbly texture – You might notice the nail breaking, flaking, or crumbling at the edges.
- Changes in shape – The nail may begin to curve or grow in an uneven way.
- Loosening or lifting – In more serious cases, the nail can start to lift away from the nail bed.
- A foul smell – Some fungal infections can cause a noticeable unpleasant odour.
- Pain or pressure – Especially when wearing shoes or walking, if the infection worsens.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to speak to a podiatrist. Early treatment can stop the infection from getting worse and reduce the chances of long-term damage to the nail.
How can a podiatrist help?
A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat fungal toenails effectively and safely. Here’s how we can help:
- Accurate diagnosis: Not all thick or discoloured toenails are fungal. At Supafoot, we can get the nail tested to confirm the prescence of a fungal infection before we start treatment.
- Professional treatment: Depending on how bad the infection is, treatments may include antifungal creams, special nail lacquers, or oral medication. In some cases, laser treatment or removing part of the nail might be needed.
- Ongoing care: A podiatrist will also look at what might have caused the infection and give advice to stop it coming back — like keeping your feet dry, choosing the right footwear, and trimming your nails correctly.
- Support for long-term health: For people with health conditions like diabetes, treating fungal nails properly is important to avoid further complications like ulcers or skin infections.
Fungal toenails don’t usually go away on their own. They can spread to other nails or even to other people. Over time, they can affect how you walk, the comfort of your shoes, and your confidence.
If you think you might have a fungal nail infection, seeing a podiatrist early gives you the best chance of getting rid of it and stopping it from getting worse! Get in touch or head to our online booking system to book an assessment.