Athlete's Foot and Fungal Nails: Treatment, Management and Prevention
- cmspodiatry
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Fungal Infections of the Feet: How to Deal With Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Nails
Fungal infections of the feet are very common and can affect both the skin and the toenails.
Conditions such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and fungal nail infections can be persistent, and in many cases, treatment requires consistency and patience.
One of the most common frustrations patients have is that the infection either takes a long time to improve or keeps coming back.
The good news is that with the right treatment approach and a few simple preventative habits, fungal infections can be managed effectively.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
The difference between athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections
The most effective treatment options
What actually works (and what to avoid)
How to prevent fungal infections from coming back
Understanding Fungal Foot Infections
Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making feet the perfect place for them to develop - particularly inside shoes.
There are two main types:
Athlete’s Foot (Skin Infection)
This affects the skin, most commonly:
between the toes
on the soles of the feet
It often causes itching, redness, peeling or white, soggy skin.
Fungal Nail Infections
This affects the toenails and can cause:
thickened nails
discolouration (yellow, white or brown)
brittle or crumbly nails
Fungal nail infections are typically slower to treat than skin infections.
A Realistic Expectation of Treatment
Before starting treatment, it’s important to understand:
There is no instant fix for fungal infections.
Be cautious of products that claim:
“one application treatment”
“instant results”
These are often misleading.
Successful treatment requires consistency over time, especially for nail infections.
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot
Fungal infections of the skin are generally easier and quicker to treat than nail infections.
Topical Treatments
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are usually effective when used correctly.
These include:
Common active ingredients include:
terbinafine
clotrimazole
miconazole
These treatments are widely available in the UK.
They should typically be applied daily for at least two weeks, even if symptoms begin to improve sooner.
Stopping treatment too early is one of the most common reasons infections return.
Practical Tip
Before starting treatment, it’s a good idea to:
wash all socks
use an antifungal laundry product
keep towels separate
This helps reduce the risk of reinfection.
How to Treat Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections can be more difficult to treat because the infection sits within the nail itself.
Topical Treatments
Many of the same antifungal creams or sprays can be used around the nail, but results take longer.
This is because:
the infected nail will not return to normal
improvement is only seen as new, healthy nail grows out
Toenails grow slowly, so visible improvement can take several months.
Oral Antifungal Medication
In some cases, your GP may prescribe oral antifungal medication.
This is often:
taken over several months
more effective for nail infections
However, it is not suitable for everyone, so it’s important to discuss:
your medical history
any existing conditions
possible side effects
with your GP.
Laser Treatment
Fungal nail laser treatment is available in some clinics.
While some people see improvement, it’s important to be aware that:
results can vary
multiple sessions may be required
it can be expensive
Important Advice
While treating fungal nail infections:
avoid using nail polish
keep nails trimmed and clean
Treating Your Environment (Very Important)
One of the most overlooked parts of treatment is your environment.
Fungal spores can live in:
shoes
socks
flooring
If these aren’t treated, reinfection is very likely.
Simple Steps
Wash socks regularly at a high temperature
Use antifungal laundry products if possible
Allow shoes to dry fully before wearing them again
Rotating shoes can also help reduce moisture build-up.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections Coming Back
Even after successful treatment, fungal infections can return if preventative steps aren’t taken.
Daily Habits That Help
Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes
Avoid staying in damp or sweaty socks
Change socks during the day if needed
Choose well-ventilated footwear
Footwear Tips
Allow shoes to dry completely between uses
Avoid wearing the same pair every day
If possible, leave shoes in sunlight — UV light can help reduce fungal spores
When to Seek Professional Advice
You should consider speaking to a podiatrist if:
the infection is not improving
the nail becomes very thick or painful
the infection spreads
you are unsure of the diagnosis
you have diabetes or circulation problems
Early treatment can prevent the infection from becoming more difficult to manage.
Final Thoughts
Fungal infections of the feet are common, but they can be stubborn if not treated properly.
The key to successful treatment is:
consistency
patience
addressing both the infection and the environment
By combining effective treatment with good daily foot care habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of fungal infections returning.
If you’d like to improve your overall foot health, you can read our complete guide to foot care at home.
Always consult your podiatrist for personalised foot care advice. Nothing in this blog post or on this website should be used as a substitute for medical advice.
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