Fungal Toenails (Onychomycosis) – Causes, Prevention & Treatment

(Updated 2026)

Fungal nails - also known as onychomycosis (OM) - are a very common condition that podiatrists see every day.

While fungal toenails are not usually serious, many people are bothered by the thickening, discolouration and crumbling they can cause. Some people also experience discomfort, pressure in shoes or embarrassment about the appearance of their nails.

In this post, I’ll explain:

• What causes fungal toenails

• How fungal nail infections spread

• How to prevent fungal nails

• The main treatment options available in the UK

• When to see a podiatrist

  
  

What Are Fungal Toenails?

Fungal toenails are caused by an overgrowth of microscopic fungi that infect the nail plate, nail bed or surrounding skin.

These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, which is why toenails are affected far more often than fingernails.

Your feet spend a lot of time:

• Inside socks and shoes

• In warm, enclosed spaces

• Exposed to moisture and sweat

  
  

This creates the perfect environment for fungal infections to develop.

What Causes Fungal Toenails?

Fungal nail infections can develop in two main ways:

1. Contact with Fungi in the Environment

Fungi can be picked up from:

• Public swimming pools

• Showers and changing rooms

• Gym floors

• Hotel carpets

• Nail salons

• Shared towels or footwear

  
  

2. Overgrowth of Fungi Already on Your Skin

Fungi naturally live on our skin without causing problems.

But when conditions are right - warmth, moisture, small nail injuries, reduced immunity - these fungi can overgrow and infect the nail.

Once fungi get under or into the nail, they become very difficult to eliminate.

Common Signs of Fungal Toenails

Fungal nail infections often cause:

• Thickened nails

• Yellow, white or brown discolouration

• Brittle or crumbly nails

• Nails lifting from the nail bed

• Distorted nail shape

• Debris under the nail

• Mild discomfort or pressure in shoes

  
  

Tips for Preventing Fungal Toenails

These simple habits can significantly reduce your risk of fungal infections.

✔ Wash and Dry Your Feet Every Day

Keeping your feet clean and dry is one of the most important preventative steps.

Make sure to dry:

• Between your toes

• Around your nail edges

  
  

✔ Wear Clean Socks Daily

Change your socks every day and after exercise.

Choose natural or breathable fibres such as:

• Cotton

• Bamboo

• Merino wool

  
  

👉 Take a look at Sock Shop for Breathable bamboo socks.

✔ Wear Well-Fitting, Breathable Shoes

Avoid tight shoes and rotate your footwear to allow shoes to dry out fully between wears.

✔ Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas

Wear flip-flops or pool shoes in:

• Public showers

• Changing rooms

• Swimming pools

• Gym facilities

• 
  

✔ See a Podiatrist for Regular Check-Ups

Routine podiatry care can:

• Catch fungal infections early

• Reduce nail thickness

• Improve treatment success

• Prevent complications

  
  

Treatment Options for Fungal Toenails

Unfortunately, all fungal nail treatments take time and patience.

This is because you must wait for the infected nail to grow out, which can take:

• 9–12 months for toenails

• Sometimes longer

  
  

1. Oral Antifungal Medication

These tablets must be prescribed by your GP.

They are:

• Often the most effective option

• Taken for several months

• Not suitable for everyone

• Monitored with blood tests in some cases

  
  

2. Topical Antifungal Creams or Nail Lacquers

These are applied directly to:

• The affected nail

• The nail bed

• Surrounding skin

  
  

They work best when:

• The nail is thin

• The infection is mild

• Used consistently for many months

Topical antifungal creams and sprays are readily available at most pharmacies or online. We recommend trusted products such as Lamisil and Daktarin.

3. Professional Nail Reduction by a Podiatrist

Reducing nail thickness can:

• Improve the appearance

• Reduce pressure and discomfort

• Allow topical treatments to penetrate better

• Improve treatment success rates

4. Hot Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails

Laser treatment can be another option for managing fungal toenails - but it’s important to know that not all lasers are the same.

Medical-grade hot laser systems deliver controlled heat into the nail plate and nail bed, which can help damage or destroy fungal organisms.

What to expect:

• The laser is applied directly to the nail using a hand held device

• This raises the temperature in the nail bed

  
  

Laser treatment is:

• Not a guaranteed cure

• Not effective for everyone

• Usually used alongside topical treatments and nail reduction

• 
  

Discomfort during treatment:

Hot laser treatment can be uncomfortable due to the heat.

But your podiatrist will:

• Work gradually

• Stop regularly

• Allow the nail to cool between passes

• 
  

This makes the treatment tolerable for most patients.

Important points:

• Requires multiple sessions

• Can be costly

• Nails still take months to grow out

• Results vary between individuals

  
  

Laser treatment should only be carried out by a qualified podiatrist or medical professional using a properly regulated medical laser system.

Your podiatrist can advise whether laser therapy is appropriate for your specific type and severity of fungal nail infection.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should book an appointment if:

• Your nails are thick, discoloured or crumbly

• The infection is spreading

• Nails are painful or uncomfortable

• You’re unsure whether it’s fungal

• You have diabetes or poor circulation

• Home treatments aren’t working

  
  

A podiatrist can confirm whether your nail problem is actually fungal and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Fungal toenails are extremely common (and very treatable) but they do require patience and consistency.

With:

• The right diagnosis

• Appropriate treatment

• Good foot hygiene

• Regular podiatry care

  
  

…most people can achieve a significant improvement.

If you’re concerned about your nails or unsure what’s causing changes in their appearance, it’s always best to seek professional advice.

Always consult a registered podiatrist or GP 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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