You glance down at your toes and notice your nail looks a little off. Maybe it’s turning yellow, seems thicker than usual, or even feels brittle when you touch it. Or perhaps you’ve got some itching between your toes that won’t go away. If you’re wondering whether it’s something serious, you’re not alone. Toenail and skin fungus are incredibly common, and the good news is that with the right care, they’re also treatable.
Fungus or Something Else?
Not every nail change is caused by fungus. Sometimes trauma to the nail, psoriasis, or even certain medications can change how your nails look. The key difference is that fungal infections often cause nails to become thick, yellowish, and crumbly. Because other conditions can mimic these symptoms, the best way to know for sure is to have a podiatrist examine your feet. A quick evaluation can prevent months of frustration with self-treatments that don’t work.
The Two Main Types of Foot Fungus
Toe and foot fungus usually fall into two categories:
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Onychomycosis (Toenail Fungus): Nails become thick, brittle, and discolored—often yellow or brown.
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Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): Red, itchy, and peeling skin between the toes or along the soles of the feet.
According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 14% of people will deal with toenail fungus. Clevland Clinic also reports that as many as 70% of people experience athlete’s foot at some point in their lives. If you’re struggling with either, you’re in good company.
Why Fungus Shows Up in the First Place
Fungus thrives in warm, damp places, which makes your feet the perfect environment under certain conditions. Common risk factors include:
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Wearing tight or non-breathable shoes that trap sweat
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Walking barefoot in shared areas like locker rooms, showers, or pool decks
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Having conditions such as diabetes or circulation issues that affect foot health
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Sharing personal items like socks, shoes, towels, or nail tools
Prevention Tips You Can Start Now
Simple habits can go a long way in keeping fungus from taking hold:
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Wash and dry your feet daily, paying close attention between the toes
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Change your socks every day, especially if your feet sweat a lot
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Choose breathable shoes and rotate pairs to let them dry fully
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Wear sandals in public locker rooms, showers, and around pools
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Disinfect nail clippers and other foot care tools after each use
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Trim nails straight across and keep them clean
When It’s Time to Call a Specialist
It may be time to schedule an appointment if:
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Your nail remains thick, discolored, or brittle despite home care
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Athlete’s foot keeps returning or won’t clear up
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You have diabetes, circulation issues, or a weakened immune system
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Pain, swelling, or spreading infection develops
At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, we provide a range of effective treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs. Our goal is to help you overcome fungal infections safely and successfully, with solutions that truly work.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists
Our highly trained specialists provide personalized care to patients in The Woodlands and Magnolia. With advanced treatments and years of podiatry expertise, we’re here to restore your nail health safely and effectively. If you notice toenail changes or persistent itching, don’t wait—early treatment makes all the difference. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you put your best foot forward.
