What Are Fungal Toenails? A Podiatrist Explains the Causes and Treatment

Onychomycosis (fungal toenails) is a common nail condition affecting more than 10% of the adult population. Nail infections are more common in adults over 60 years of age, although people of any age may be affected by onychomycosis. 

People with diabetes and/circulatory problems are more prone to developing nail infections. Typically the nail presents as discoloured (chalky white or off yellow), and it may become thickened and deformed, which can lead to further issues such as ingrowing toe-nails. 

Fungal spores thrive in warm moist environments. Some common environments predisposing one to fungal infections include:

• Sweaty socks and shoes / work boots

• Being barefoot in communal change rooms / bathrooms / pool deck

Fungal toenails may be mistaken as thick or gryphotic nails (without infection), so it is important to have a Podiatrist correctly diagnose your presentation. This is commonly done by taking a sample for pathology, which will correctly identify the offending pathogen/s. Once a fungal infection has been confirmed, your Podiatrist will discuss with your possible treatment options. Fungal nails can be recalcitrant and difficult to treat. There are a number of different treatment options, which will depend on the patient’s health and compliance, as well as the severity of the infection (single toe or wide-spread). Some common treatment options include:

• Topical lacquers / ointments

• Oral medications (typically reserved for extensive onychomycosis)

• Laser therapy

Podiatrists may also assist by reducing the thickness of the nail plate, to improve the success rate of topical applications.

What are Fungal Toenails? 

The Comfort Co Breakdown

Fungal toenails are caused by an overgrowth of fungus, often in warm, moist environments (like sweaty shoes). They can make nails thick, discoloured, and brittle. They don’t go away on their own, so treating them early is crucial. Antifungal sprays, breathable socks, and proper hygiene can stop the spread and improve the appearance over time. Persistent infections may need professional podiatry treatment.

How to fix a Fungal Toenail 

The Comfort Co Solutions

While not always painful, a Fungal Toenail can be an unsightly blight that sticks around for years! The good news is that it is entirely treatable. Here’s what The Comfort Co recommends. 

Over the counter Antifungal Cream or Spray

For a Fungal Toenail The Comfort Co would always recommend going to a podiatrist straight off the bat. Yellow nails don't always mean fungus and if you’ve got it wrong over the counter treatments won’t do anything. 

However, if you’re pretty sure and you’ve caught your infection early enough to not be severe then an antifungal cream or spray might just do the job. We don’t sell any at The Comfort Co (yet) but Loceryl is the most trusted brand and is available at most good pharmacies. 

Let your feet breathe!

You’re almost certainly going to need intervention to fix your nail. But in the meantime, lets not let it get any worse. 

Fungus thrives in warm, damp places. The best way to ensure that ugly sucker doesn’t thrive is to make sure you’re not making it easy to. Give your toes a little space to breathe!

Socks

You put your socks on first, so lets start there. All of the socks at OS1st are moisture wicking & anti-bacterial, which sorts that fungal environment immediately. If you want to take it a step further, check out the Thin Air Performance Socks. On top of all the benefits you’re getting from other OS1st socks, these are specifically designed to maximise airflow as well. 

Toe Box

If you’ve got a job that requires you to be on your feet all day (and even if you don’t), having your toes all smooshed up with the others is doing the fungus a lot of favours. The Toe Box is the part at the front of the shoe, literally the box your toes go in. If your toes are giving each other a bit of a group hug then it’s time to get a new pair. 

The entire range at The Comfort Co has factored in space in the Toe Box from the design stage. We’d be a pretty safe bet for your new fungus fighting footwear. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE 

Sorry to gross you out, but your fungus can become OUR fungus really easily. Sharing nail clippers is a great way to share fungal infections too (how romantic). Be a legend, keep a separate nail care kit just for yourself. Then be very careful when it comes to sharing shoes or socks or walking barefoot.