Date Published: 7 July 2026
Date Last Reviewed: 7 July 2026
Written by Alison Pettican BSc, HCPC Registered Podiatrist, Founder of Fit Feet Podiatry Tonbridge
With over 30 years' experience helping people stay active and healthy, Alison has a particular interest in diabetic foot care, biomechanics and preventing foot problems from limiting everyday life. She believes that understanding the cause of the condition is often the first step towards successfully treating it.
Introduction
If you've noticed itchy skin between your toes and are now seeing changes to one or more toenails, you might be wondering whether the two problems are connected.
The simple answer is yes. Athlete's foot can spread to your toenails if it isn't treated effectively. The same group of fungi that infect the skin can also invade the nail, leading to a fungal nail infection.
The good news is that early treatment and a few simple preventative measures can often stop the infection spreading and reduce the risk of it coming back.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a common fungal skin infection. Despite its name, you don't have to be an athlete to develop it.
The fungi responsible thrive in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, communal changing rooms and swimming pool surrounds.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching between the toes
- Red, flaky or peeling skin
- Small cracks in the skin
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Dry, scaly patches on the soles of the feet
Many people dismiss athlete's foot as a minor irritation, but leaving it untreated can allow the infection to spread.
What is a fungal nail infection?
A fungal nail infection occurs when the fungus enters the nail through tiny cracks in the nail or surrounding skin.
Unlike athlete's foot, fungal nail infections usually develop gradually.
You may notice:
- Yellow, white or brown discolouration
- Thickened nails
- Nails becoming brittle or crumbly
- Nails lifting away from the nail bed
- Difficulty cutting the nail
Although they are not usually painful at first, untreated fungal nail infections can become uncomfortable and much more difficult to treat.
How does athlete's foot spread to the toenails?
The skin between your toes sits directly next to your toenails.
If athlete's foot is left untreated, fungal spores can spread onto the surrounding skin and eventually reach the nail.
Once the fungus gets underneath the nail plate, it becomes protected by the hard nail itself. This makes fungal nail infections much slower and more challenging to treat than athlete's foot alone.
This is one reason we encourage people not to ignore persistent athlete's foot, even if it seems fairly mild.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can develop athlete's foot or a fungal nail infection, but your risk is higher if you:
- Regularly wear trainers or safety footwear for long periods
- Have naturally sweaty feet
- Visit gyms, swimming pools or communal changing rooms
- Share towels or nail clippers
- Have damaged nails
- Have diabetes or reduced circulation
- Have previously had fungal infections
Here in Tonbridge, many of our patients enjoy walking, running, gym classes and local sports. These activities are fantastic for your health but can also increase exposure to the warm, damp environments where fungi thrive if footwear and feet aren't dried properly afterwards.
Can athlete's foot and fungal nails spread to other people?
Yes.
The fungi can spread through direct skin contact or indirectly through contaminated floors, towels, socks, footwear and nail equipment.
Simple hygiene measures can make a significant difference.
How can I reduce the risk?
Some practical habits include:
Keep your feet dry
Dry carefully between every toe after washing, particularly after swimming or exercise.
Change socks daily
More frequently if your feet become sweaty.
Wear breathable footwear
Allow shoes to dry fully between uses and alternate pairs where possible.
Wear flip-flops in communal areas
Swimming pools, leisure centres and gym changing rooms are common places where fungal infections are picked up.
Don't share nail equipment
Keep clippers and files for your own use and disinfect them regularly.
Treat athlete's foot promptly
Early treatment reduces the chance of the infection spreading to the nails.
Can fungal nail infections be treated?
Yes, although treatment usually requires patience.
Depending on the severity, treatment may include:
- Antifungal creams for athlete's foot
- Medicated nail treatments
- Professional nail reduction where thickened nails make treatment difficult
- Prescription medication in appropriate cases
- Advice on footwear, hygiene and reducing the risk of reinfection
At Fit Feet Podiatry Tonbridge, we assess the whole foot rather than simply looking at the nail. Sometimes what appears to be a fungal infection can have another cause, such as nail trauma, psoriasis or changes related to ageing. An accurate assessment helps ensure you receive the most appropriate advice.
When should I seek professional advice?
It's worth arranging an assessment if:
- Athlete's foot keeps returning.
- Your toenails are becoming thickened or discoloured.
- The infection isn't improving despite treatment.
- Walking has become uncomfortable.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system.
- You're unsure whether the problem is actually fungal.
Early assessment often makes treatment simpler and may help prevent the infection becoming more established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can athlete's foot disappear on its own?
Occasionally mild infections improve temporarily, but most continue to spread if left untreated.
Does every thick yellow nail mean it's fungal?
No. Thickened nails can also result from repeated trauma, psoriasis, eczema or simply ageing. A professional assessment can help identify the cause.
How long does a fungal nail infection take to clear?
Because toenails grow slowly, improvement often takes several months. Even after the infection has been successfully treated, the damaged nail needs time to grow out.
Can I still go swimming?
Yes. Simply wear flip-flops in communal areas, dry your feet thoroughly afterwards and continue any recommended treatment.
Will the infection keep coming back?
It can if the source isn't addressed. Treating athlete's foot promptly, maintaining good foot hygiene and disinfecting footwear can all reduce the risk of recurrence.
Summary
Athlete's foot and fungal nail infections are closely related. If athlete's foot isn't treated promptly, the same fungi can spread into the toenails, where treatment becomes more challenging.
Recognising the symptoms early, practising good foot hygiene and seeking advice when problems persist can help prevent a simple skin infection from becoming a long-term nail condition.
If you're unsure whether your symptoms are caused by athlete's foot, a fungal nail infection or something else entirely, a professional assessment can provide clarity and help you choose the most appropriate treatment.
Arrange a General Podiatry Appointment
If you've noticed persistent athlete's foot, changes to your toenails or recurring fungal infections, our friendly team at Fit Feet Podiatry Tonbridge would be happy to assess your feet, explain what's causing the problem and discuss the treatment options best suited to you.
Early advice can often make managing fungal infections much simpler and help you stay comfortable, active and confident.