The Connection Between Toenail Fungus and Ingrown Toenails
Toenail issues can be both uncomfortable and frustrating. For adults, athletes, and individuals with diabetes, common concerns like toenail fungus and ingrown toenails are often interrelated. Understanding their connection can help you manage these conditions properly and reduce further discomfort.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the keratin in your nails. Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, so athletes and active adults are particularly susceptible to sweaty feet and shoes. The infection can cause discoloration, thickened nails, or crumbly texture.
Individuals with diabetes, or those with reduced nerve sensitivity or blood flow, are also at greater risk for fungal infections. Even minor nail injuries can make infection more likely. While not necessarily painful at first, a fungal infection can weaken the nail, creating deeper problems over time.
How They Occur
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition often appears on the big toe but can happen to any toenail. Tight shoes, improper toenail trimming, and repetitive trauma to the toes are common contributors. Athletes, in particular, may experience this due to frequent physical activity or sports requiring tight footwear, like soccer cleats or running shoes. The irritated area can become red, swollen, and tender. If left unaddressed, the area around the ingrown toenail may become infected, making the situation more complicated to treat.
Why Toenail Fungus and Ingrown Toenails Are Connected
Toenail fungus and ingrown toenails have overlapping causes and effects. Thickened or misshapen nails caused by fungal infections are more prone to becoming ingrown. A brittle or uneven edge could grow into the surrounding skin, especially if combined with improper trimming or the pressure of tight-fitting shoes.
On the other hand, an ingrown toenail can lead to skin damage, creating an entry point for fungi. Once the fungi enter the skin, it increases the risk of fungal infections spreading within or around the nail. If untreated, this cycle can continue to worsen over time.
Managing and Preventing Toenail Issues
- Practice Good Hygiene
Keep your feet clean and dry to minimize fungal growth. Changing socks regularly and using breathable footwear can also help. Additionally, consider using antifungal sprays or powders if you spend extended periods in enclosed shoes.
- Trim Toenails Properly
Cut your toenails straight across instead of rounding the edges. Rounded edges can encourage the nail to grow inward and may eventually lead to an ingrown toenail. Trim carefully and avoid cutting nails too short.
- Choose the Right Footwear
Select shoes that allow room for your toes to move freely. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can add unnecessary pressure on your toenails, increasing the risk of ingrown nails.
- Monitor Nail Changes
Take action early if you notice discoloration, thickening, or unusual growth in your toenails. Addressing fungal infections before they spread or worsen could help protect the overall health of your nails.
- Protect Your Feet in Shared Spaces
Athletes and gym-goers should always wear flip-flops or other protective footwear in communal areas like locker rooms or pool decks. These spaces are known breeding grounds for fungi.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Consulting a podiatrist or healthcare provider may be beneficial for severe fungal infections or recurring ingrown toenails. To address the issue, a professional can suggest appropriate treatments, including topical medications, oral prescriptions, or other procedures.
