Itchy, Burning Toes? Athlete’s Foot Or Toenail Fungus?

Do your toes feel itchy, burning, or peeling? The condition can be more than this. Athlete’s foot typically appears together with toenail fungus infections. Fungi thrive in the combination of heat and dampness to produce these two conditions.

The infection becomes more severe when patients fail to address the symptoms. Studies show that about 10% of the population suffers from toenail fungus.

What Is an Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that specifically affects the skin area of the feet. The fungal infection begins in toe spaces, where it triggers itching symptoms followed by redness and skin peeling. When left untreated, the infection will move from the foot soles and continue to affect the toenails.

Common Symptoms

Itching and burning between the toes
Red, scaly skin that may crack
Blisters filled with fluid
Peeling or flaking skin
Unpleasant foot odor

Athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact with infected surfaces, like locker room floors, showers, and shared shoes.

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is an infection that occurs when fungi invade the nail bed. It often starts as a small white or yellow spot but can worsen over time.

Common Symptoms include:

Thickened, brittle nails
Yellow, white, or brown discoloration
Nails that crumble or split
A foul smell coming from the nail
Pain or discomfort in severe cases

Toenail fungus is hard to treat and takes months to clear up. It is common in people with athlete’s feet because the same fungi can infect both the skin and nails.

How Are Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus Connected?

The spread of athlete’s foot from the skin to the toenails can create a fungal infection of the nails. The infection spreads from your skin to your nail through the following process:

Scratching or touching infected areas
Wearing infected socks or shoes
Not treating athlete’s foot early

Fungi penetrate deeply into the nail after reaching it, making the condition extremely difficult to treat. Fast treatment of the athlete’s foot remains vital as a prevention measure.

Risk Factors: Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can get athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, but some people are at higher risk:

Athletes (due to sweaty feet and shared spaces)
People who wear tight shoes
Individuals with sweaty feet
Diabetics and those with poor circulation
Older adults (nails grow slower and are more prone to infections)
Those with weak immune systems

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus

Fungal infections thrive in warm, damp environments, making your feet the perfect target. Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are not just uncomfortable—they can be stubborn and difficult to treat. The best approach is prevention.

By maintaining proper foot hygiene, wearing the right footwear, and taking simple precautions, you can keep fungal infections at bay.

Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry

Wash your feet daily with soap and water.
Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Use antifungal powder if you have sweaty feet.

Wear the Right Footwear

Choose breathable shoes (leather or mesh materials).
Wear moisture-wicking socks.
Change socks daily or when they get damp.

Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Places

Wear flip-flops in gym showers, pools, and locker rooms.
Do not share towels, socks, or shoes.

Trim Your Nails Properly

Keep your nails short and clean.
Cut straight across to prevent fungus from spreading.

Disinfect Shoes and Socks

Use antifungal sprays in your shoes.
Wash socks in hot water and dry them completely.

Laser Treatment: The Advanced Solution

At Restore Podiatry & Laser Center, we specialize in high-power laser therapy for fungal infections. Our non-invasive, drug-free approach is designed to eliminate fungus efficiently with minimal discomfort.

Types of Laser Treatments We Offer:

Class 2 Laser – Low-intensity therapy targeting fungal growth.
Class 4 Laser – High-power laser penetrating deeper into the nail bed.
Nd:Yag Laser – A precise laser treatment for stubborn fungal infections.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) – Stimulates healing and enhances antifungal effects.
High Power Laser Therapy (HPLT) – Targets deep-seated fungal colonies.
High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) – Eliminates fungi at the cellular level.

When to See a Doctor

If an athlete’s foot or toenail fungus doesn’t improve with home care, it’s time to see a doctor. Seek medical attention if:

The infection spreads or worsens despite treatment.
Your toenails become thick, brittle, or painful.
You have diabetes or poor circulation, increasing the risk of complications.
You experience swelling, redness, or pus, which may indicate a secondary infection.

Early intervention can prevent long-term damage. Schedule a consultation at Restore Podiatry for expert laser treatment today!

Conclusion

Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are closely linked. Ignoring an athlete’s foot can lead to stubborn nail infections. The key is early treatment and prevention. Keep your feet dry, wear breathable shoes, and use antifungal treatments as needed. If the disease worsens, consult a doctor. Your feet deserve care—don’t ignore the signs!

Don’t let an athlete’s foot or toenail fungus affect your quality of life. Book an appointment today at Restore Podiatry!