What Causes Pesky Toenail Fungus and How Can I Get Rid of It?

Toenail fungus can be annoying, embarrassing, and persistent, but it’s not unbeatable. While it may take some time to eliminate the fungus, you don’t have to live with it forever.

Bruce Bever, DPM, and Sonu Joseph, DPM, at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. in Park City and Chicago, Illinois, are often asked to address the issue of toenail fungus. They offer comprehensive care for children and adults experiencing foot and ankle problems.

Here’s the team’s breakdown of what causes toenail fungus, how you can treat it, and, perhaps most importantly, how to prevent it from coming back.

What causes toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is caused by microscopic organisms like dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds that thrive in warm, damp environments.

Once they get under your nail, they feed on keratin (the protein that makes up your nails) and slowly start to cause damage.

Here are the most common triggers and risk factors:

Sweaty feet or shoes

Fungi love moisture. Wearing sweaty socks and shoes for long periods is an open invitation.

Walking barefoot in public areas

Gyms, pools, locker rooms, and public showers are hot spots for fungal infections.

Tight or nonbreathable footwear

Shoes that don’t let your feet breathe create the perfect environment for fungus.

Nail trauma

If your nail is injured or lifted from the nail bed, it’s easier for fungi to sneak in.

Weakened immune system or certain medical conditions

Diabetes, poor circulation, and immune disorders can make you more susceptible.

Symptoms to watch for

Toenail fungus doesn’t appear overnight. It starts subtly and worsens over time. Signs to look for include:

• Small areas of yellow, brown, or white nail discoloration that spread over time
• Thickened or brittle nails
• Crumbly or ragged nail edges
• Distorted nail shape
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed

If any of that sounds familiar, it’s a good idea to get it checked. Fungal infections are much easier to treat in their early stages.

Treating toenail fungus

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are the options we find most effective:

Topical antifungal treatments

Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lacquers, or solutions can help in mild cases. Prescription-strength topicals (like efinaconazole or tavaborole) work better for moderate to severe infections but may take several months to show results.

Oral antifungal medications

For more stubborn or severe infections, oral medications like terbinafine or itraconazole are highly effective. You typically take these for 6-12 weeks, and your doctor may monitor your liver function during treatment.

Surgical nail removal (in rare cases)

In chronic or extremely painful cases, temporary or permanent nail removal may be recommended. That allows direct treatment of the nail bed.

Your Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates provider may also recommend specialty therapies such as Dr.’s Remedy® nail care or KeryFlex® nail restoration as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

Preventing toenail fungus

Try these tips to help prevent fungal toenail infections:

1. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash daily, dry thoroughly (especially between the toes), and change socks if they get sweaty.
2. Choose breathable footwear, such as those made of mesh, leather, or other breathable materials.
3. Wear shower shoes in public areas such as gyms, hotel bathrooms, or locker rooms.
4. Disinfect nail tools. Avoid sharing nail clippers or files. Clean your tools regularly.
5. Use antifungal powder or spray. These can help keep shoes and feet dry and fungus-resistant.
6. Trim nails properly. Cut straight across and avoid trimming into corners to reduce the risk of injury or infection.
7. Rotate your shoes. Let them air out between uses and avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row.

With proper care and a little patience, you can keep your feet healthy and clear of fungal infections.

If you’re unsure about your symptoms or which treatment is right for you, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates. That’s what we’re here for! Call today or book online.