Can athlete's foot cause nail fungus?

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin, often causing scaling, peeling, burning, or itching between the toes. The same type of fungus can reach the nail through tiny breaks around the nail edge or under the nail. Affected nails may become thick, yellowish or white, brittle, crumbly, or partly separated from the nail bed. A changed nail is not automatically fungal; injury, psoriasis, and other conditions can look similar.

Treat the foot skin as directed and keep using the treatment for the recommended course, even if itching settles quickly. Keep feet clean and thoroughly dry, especially between the toes. Change socks when damp, avoid sharing towels or nail tools, and use separate clippers for affected nails until a clinician advises otherwise. Nail infections often need a different treatment from skin infection, so do not apply a leftover medicine to the nail without checking its suitability.

Arrange a medical assessment if a nail becomes thick, discoloured, painful, or detached, or if the skin infection keeps returning despite correct treatment. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly increasing pain. People with diabetes, reduced circulation, or a weakened immune system should seek advice early when a foot or nail changes.

Ask whether the nail appearance needs a sample or examination to confirm fungus, whether the skin and nail need separate treatments, and how to reduce reinfection from footwear or household surfaces.