If you've ever experienced itchy, peeling skin between your toes or noticed a toenail turning yellow and thick, you may have wondered whether you're dealing with athlete's foot or toenail fungus.
Both conditions are common, and both involve fungal infections. However, they affect different parts of your feet, require different treatment approaches, and can sometimes occur together.
At Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, we help patients identify and treat these uncomfortable and sometimes stubborn foot problems.
What Is Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin, most commonly between the toes or along the soles of the feet.
Despite its name, you don't have to be an athlete to develop it!
The fungi responsible for athlete's foot thrive in warm, moist environments, making sweaty shoes, public showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms common places for exposure.
Common symptoms of athlete's foot include:
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Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes
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Peeling, cracking, or flaky skin
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Redness or irritation
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Dry, scaly patches on the soles or sides of the feet
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Occasionally, small blisters
Athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces and personal items.
Fortunately, many cases respond well to topical antifungal medications. However, persistent or recurring infections may require professional treatment.
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, affects the toenail rather than just the surrounding skin.
Fungi can enter through small breaks in the nail or surrounding skin and establish an infection within or beneath the nail.
Common signs of toenail fungus include:
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Yellow, white, or brown discoloration
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Thickened or distorted toenails
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Brittle, crumbly, or splitting nails
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Debris collecting beneath the nail
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Separation of the nail from the nail bed
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Discomfort when wearing shoes
Unlike athlete's foot, toenail fungus can be especially difficult to treat because the infection is protected by the nail plate.
Even after an infection has been successfully treated, it can take 12 to 18 months for a healthy toenail to grow out completely.
Can Athlete's Foot Turn Into Toenail Fungus?
Yes! And this is something many people don't realize.
The fungi responsible for athlete's foot can spread from the skin to the toenails.
For example, someone experiencing recurring athlete's foot may eventually notice changes in their toenails. The infection can also spread in the opposite direction, from an infected nail to the surrounding skin.
This is one reason it's important not to ignore persistent athlete's foot or changes in the appearance of your toenails.
Treating one infection while overlooking the other may contribute to recurring problems.
Why Doesn't Regular Athlete's Foot Cream Work on Toenail Fungus?
Over-the-counter antifungal creams are designed to treat fungal infections on the skin.
However, the nail plate creates a barrier that makes it difficult for these medications to reach an infection beneath the nail.
That's why applying regular athlete's foot cream to a thick, discolored toenail usually won't eliminate a fungal nail infection.
Toenail fungus may require prescription medications, professional nail care, or other treatment options based on the severity of the infection.
ToeFX™: Another Option for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
If you've struggled with thickened, discolored, or fungus-damaged toenails, Sol Foot & Ankle Centers offers an additional treatment option.
ToeFX™ Photodynamic Therapy is a noninvasive, light-based treatment option designed to address fungal toenail infections.
Our comprehensive ToeFX program includes:
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12 in-office treatment sessions
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Professional nail care and debridement as appropriate
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Topical antifungal products for at-home use
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Shoe hygiene and antifungal care recommendations
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Guidance on maintaining healthier nails throughout treatment
ToeFX is intended for fungal toenail infections, not athlete's foot affecting the skin. As with other nail fungus treatments, results vary, and improvement in nail appearance takes time as healthy nail grows.
Learn More About Our ToeFX™ Toenail Fungus Treatment Program
Five Ways to Help Prevent Fungal Foot Infections
Whether you've experienced athlete's foot, toenail fungus, or both, a few simple habits can help reduce your risk of future infections.
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Keep your feet clean and dry. Pay special attention to the areas between your toes after bathing.
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Change your socks regularly. Moisture-wicking socks can help keep sweaty feet more comfortable.
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Protect your feet in public areas. Wear shower shoes or sandals in locker rooms, public showers, and around swimming pools.
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Give your shoes time to dry. Rotate footwear when possible and avoid repeatedly wearing damp shoes.
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Don't share nail clippers or towels. Clean nail-care tools properly to help prevent the spread of infection.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Not every thick or discolored toenail is caused by fungus. Nail injuries, psoriasis, and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
A podiatrist can examine your feet, determine whether testing is appropriate, and recommend treatment based on the cause of your symptoms.
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, it's especially important to seek professional care for suspected fungal infections, cracked skin, or changes in your toenails.
Don't Let Foot Fungus Become a Bigger Problem
Athlete's foot and toenail fungus may start as minor annoyances, but untreated infections can persist, spread, or return.
Whether you're dealing with itchy skin, thickened toenails, or recurring fungal infections, the team at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers is here to help.
Call (562) 433-0478 to schedule an appointment at one of our two Long Beach locations.
We also offer appointments on most Saturdays at our Cherry Avenue office and most third Saturdays at our Village Road office.
Sol Foot & Ankle Centers — Helping You Put Your Best Foot Forward!
