Changes in your toenails or the skin on your feet can leave you with plenty of questions. Is that discoloration actually fungus? Why is your nail becoming thicker? Is athlete’s foot contagious, and can it spread to your toenails? Most importantly, what can you do to get rid of it?
At Curated Dermatology in Bridgewater, NJ, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tanvi Patel provides comprehensive medical dermatology care for fungal infections. Below, you’ll find answers to questions about recognizing, treating, and preventing nail and foot fungus.
What is nail and foot fungus?
Foot fungus commonly refers to athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), a fungal infection affecting the skin of your feet. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, develops when fungi infect one or more nails, most often the toenails. These can occur separately, but they are closely related. An untreated fungal infection on your foot can sometimes spread to your toenails and vice versa.
What does foot fungus look and feel like?
Athlete’s foot does not always look the same. You may notice peeling, scaling, cracking, redness, or irritated skin, particularly between your toes or along the soles and sides of your feet. Itching and burning are also common symptoms of foot fungus. In some cases, small blisters or areas of raw, uncomfortable skin may also develop.
What are the signs of toenail fungus?
A fungal nail infection can gradually change your nail’s appearance and texture. Your toenail may become yellow, white, brown, thickened, brittle, crumbly, or distorted. Because conditions such as psoriasis and nail trauma can cause similar changes, appearance alone cannot always confirm a fungal infection. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose a toenail fungus.
How do you get nail or foot fungus?
Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. Your risk may increase when you frequently walk barefoot in communal showers, locker rooms, or pool areas, or when you wear footwear that keeps your feet warm and moist for prolonged periods. Sweaty feet, small injuries to the skin or nails, and sharing contaminated footwear or nail tools may also increase your susceptibility.
Is nail and foot fungus contagious?
Yes. The fungi responsible for these infections can spread through contact or contaminated surfaces and objects. You can potentially pick them up from shared floors, towels, shoes, socks, or nail-care equipment. Avoid sharing personal foot-care items, and wear sandals or other protective footwear in communal wet areas to reduce your exposure.
Will nail or foot fungus go away on its own?
Fungal infections often do not resolve without appropriate treatment. Athlete’s foot may persist or recur, while toenail fungus can be stubborn because the infection lies within or beneath the nail. Seeking treatment early may help prevent the infection from becoming more extensive or spreading to other nails or areas of skin.
How is nail and foot fungus treated?
Treatment depends on where the infection is located, how extensive it is, and your individual health needs. Treatment options may include topical antifungal medications for the skin or nails and, in appropriate cases, prescription oral antifungal medications. Dr. Patel can evaluate your symptoms, confirm the diagnosis when necessary, and recommend treatment for your condition.
How long does toenail fungus take to clear?
Treating the fungus and restoring the appearance of your nail are two different processes. Even after an infection has been successfully treated, the damaged portion of your toenail needs time to grow out. Toenails grow slowly, so seeing a healthy-looking nail again can take several months. Consistently following your treatment plan is important throughout the process.
Can nail and foot fungus come back?
Yes. Reinfection is possible, particularly if your feet frequently remain damp or you are repeatedly exposed to fungi. Keeping your feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, allowing shoes to dry between uses, wearing protective footwear in communal areas, and properly caring for nail tools can help lower your risk.
When should I see a dermatologist for nail or foot fungus?
If your symptoms persist, recur, spread, or involve significant changes, a professional evaluation is worthwhile. You should also seek medical care if you are unsure whether fungus is causing the problem rather than attempting to treat an uncertain diagnosis yourself.
If you are dealing with persistent changes to your feet or toenails, Curated Dermatology in Bridgewater, NJ, offers comprehensive medical dermatology curated around your individual needs. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Patel to receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for nail or foot fungus.
