Fungal Nail Infection (Pillar)

Fungal Nail Infection: Signs, Causes, Treatment Options, and Realistic Timelines

Fungal nail infection is common — and frustratingly slow to treat. Nails grow slowly, and infection often sits deep within the nail plate or nail bed. The good news: with the right plan and consistency, many people see steady improvement.

Here’s how to spot fungal nail, what typically helps, and when to book an assessment at Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal.

Key takeaways

• Fungal nail often causes thickening, discolouration, crumbling, and lifting.

• It can be confused with trauma, psoriasis, or other nail conditions.

• Treatment takes time because nails grow slowly.

• Preventing reinfection (shoes/socks/skin care) is part of success.

What does a fungal nail look like?

Common signs include:

• Yellow, white, or brown discolouration

• Thickened nail that’s hard to cut

• Crumbly or brittle edges

• Nail lifting from the nail bed

• Debris under the nail

• Often affects one nail first, then spreads

If you’re unsure, it’s worth getting it assessed — especially if it started after an injury or you have other skin conditions.

What causes a fungal nail?

Fungal nail usually develops when fungus enters through tiny gaps around the nail or under the nail edge. Risk factors include:

• Athlete’s foot (fungal skin infection)

• Sweaty feet or tight footwear

• Communal changing areas (gym, pools)

• Nail trauma (even minor repeated knocks)

• Reduced immunity or circulation issues

• Increasing age (nail growth slows and nails thicken)

Treatment options (what generally works)

Your best option depends on the severity, number of nails affected, and your medical history.

1) Nail reduction + care plan

Thinning and reducing thickened nails can:

• improve comfort in shoes

• help topical treatments penetrate

• reduce debris and pressure

2) Topical treatments

Topicals can work best for mild to moderate cases and when used consistently. They require patience and correct application.

3) Oral antifungal medication (via GP / prescriber)

In some cases, oral medication may be considered. Suitability depends on health factors and potential interactions. This is usually discussed with a GP or appropriate prescriber.

4) Treat athlete’s foot at the same time

If the skin on the feet is fungal, it can keep re-infecting the nails. Treating skin and nails together improves outcomes.

How long does fungal nail treatment take?

This is the most important thing to understand: nails don’t “heal” quickly.

Typical timeline depends on nail growth:

• Toenails often take many months to grow out fully.

• You may see early signs of improvement at the base as clearer nail grows in, but full clearance can take a long time.

Consistency is everything — stopping early is a common reason it returns.

Preventing fungal nail from coming back

Reinfection is common unless you tackle the environment.

• Rotate and air shoes out (don’t wear the same pair daily if possible)

• Change socks daily (more often if feet sweat)

• Keep feet dry — especially between toes

• Disinfect nail tools and don’t share them

• Consider footwear that breathes and fits well

• Treat any athlete’s foot promptly

When to book an assessment

Book if:

• The nail is thick, painful, lifting, or catching in socks

• Multiple nails are changing

• You’re unsure if it’s fungal or trauma

• You have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation

• Home treatments haven’t helped after consistent use

How we help at Finest Feet Footcare (Shifnal)

We’ll assess whether it looks fungal or something else, then recommend a plan that may include:

• safe nail reduction to improve comfort

• a realistic at-home routine

• prevention steps to reduce reinfection

• guidance on when GP involvement may be appropriate

Ready to start improving it?

If you’re embarrassed by nail appearance, struggling to cut thick nails, or dealing with discomfort in shoes, we can help.

FAQs

Is it definitely fungal if my nail is yellow?
Not always. Trauma and other conditions can mimic a fungal nail. Assessment helps confirm the likely cause.

Can a fungal nail spread to other nails?
Yes — especially if there’s untreated athlete’s foot or shared tools/socks/shoes.

Why do treatments take so long?
Toenails grow slowly, and infection can sit deep. You’re waiting for a healthier nail to grow through.

Should I cut the nail back myself?
If it’s thick and difficult, it’s easy to cut too short or cause injury. Clinical nail care is safer and often more comfortable.

Will it come back?
It can. Prevention (shoes, socks, treating skin fungus) is a big part of long-term success.

Disclaimer: This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. If you have diabetes or circulation issues, seek assessment for any new nail or skin changes.

Phone: 01952 872526
Email: finestfeetfootcare@gmail.com

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm, Sat by appointment

Book your appointment today – call us or email to schedule. Your feet deserve the finest care!