Athlete's Foot and Fungal Nails: Treatment, Management and Prevention
- cmspodiatry
- Mar 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 8
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.
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:
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.
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.
Are Athlete's Foot and Fungal Nails Related?
Yes. Athlete's foot and fungal nail infections are closely related and are often caused by the same types of fungi.
In fact, having athlete's foot can increase your risk of developing a fungal nail infection, and fungal nail infections can sometimes act as a reservoir for recurrent athlete's foot.
This means that if you have both conditions, treating only one may not completely solve the problem.
Signs that athlete's foot may have spread to the nails include:
Thickening of the toenails
Yellow, white or brown discolouration
Crumbly or brittle nails
Changes in nail shape
Debris beneath the nail
Treating both the skin and nails, when necessary, can help improve the chances of successful treatment and reduce the risk of the infection returning.
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.
Can Fungal Infections Go Away on Their Own?
Unfortunately, fungal infections of the feet do not usually resolve completely without treatment.
Mild athlete's foot may occasionally improve if the feet are kept dry and clean, but fungal infections often persist or return if left untreated.
Fungal nail infections are even less likely to disappear without treatment because the fungus lives within and beneath the nail plate.
Without treatment, fungal infections may:
Persist for months or years
Spread to other areas of the foot
Spread to the toenails
Cause increasing thickening or discomfort
Continue to recur
The good news is that most fungal infections can be successfully managed with the right approach and realistic expectations.
How Long Does Fungal Treatment Take?
One of the most important things to understand about fungal infections is that treatment takes time.
For athlete's foot, symptoms often begin to improve within:
1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment
However, treatment should usually be continued for the full recommended duration, even if symptoms appear to have resolved.
Fungal nail infections take much longer to improve because the damaged nail must gradually grow out.
As a general guide:
Smaller toenails may take around 6 to 9 months to grow out
Big toenails often take 9 to 12 months
Some nails may take 12 to 18 months or longer
This slow growth is one of the main reasons people believe treatment has failed when it may actually be working.
Patience and consistency are often just as important as the treatment itself.
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.
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.
Why Do Fungal Infections Keep Coming Back?
One of the most frustrating aspects of fungal infections is that they often seem to improve before returning again.
This can happen for several reasons, including:
Stopping treatment too early
Not treating shoes or socks
Continuing to wear damp footwear
Not drying between the toes properly
Untreated fungal nail infections
Reinfection from communal environments
Excessive sweating
Fungal infections can be surprisingly persistent, and even when symptoms improve, fungal spores may still be present.
Continuing treatment for the recommended duration and maintaining good preventative habits can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
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
Wear breathable, natural fibre socks (Breathable natural fibres, such as bamboo or cotton, can help keep feet drier and more comfortable.)
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
Do Home Remedies for Fungal Infections Work?
There are many home remedies suggested online for fungal infections, including:
Vinegar soaks
Bicarbonate of soda
Garlic
Mouthwash soaks
While some people report improvements, there is limited scientific evidence to support many of these treatments.
For this reason, podiatrists generally recommend using proven antifungal treatments that have been specifically developed to treat fungal infections.
If you choose to try home remedies and your symptoms are not improving, it may be worth seeking professional advice.
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.
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