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.
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.
Toe and foot fungus usually fall into two categories:
Onychomycosis (Toenail Fungus): Nails become thick, brittle, and discolored—often yellow or brown.
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.
Fungus thrives in warm, damp places, which makes your feet the perfect environment under certain conditions. Common risk factors include:
Wearing tight or non-breathable shoes that trap sweat
Walking barefoot in shared areas like locker rooms, showers, or pool decks
Having conditions such as diabetes or circulation issues that affect foot health
Sharing personal items like socks, shoes, towels, or nail tools
Simple habits can go a long way in keeping fungus from taking hold:
Wash and dry your feet daily, paying close attention between the toes
Change your socks every day, especially if your feet sweat a lot
Choose breathable shoes and rotate pairs to let them dry fully
Wear sandals in public locker rooms, showers, and around pools
Disinfect nail clippers and other foot care tools after each use
Trim nails straight across and keep them clean
It may be time to schedule an appointment if:
Your nail remains thick, discolored, or brittle despite home care
Athlete’s foot keeps returning or won’t clear up
You have diabetes, circulation issues, or a weakened immune system
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.
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.