Do your feet itch, burn, or have an unpleasant odor? Have you noticed yellow, brittle toenails that don’t seem to improve? If so, you may be dealing with a fungal foot infection like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus—two common conditions that affect thousands of people in Fredericksburg, VA and beyond.
At Spotsylvania Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating stubborn foot fungus to help patients get healthy, clear skin and nails. In this blog, we’ll cover the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips so you can keep your feet fungus-free.
What Causes Fungal Foot Infections?
Fungal infections thrive in warm, damp environments, making locker rooms, pools, and sweaty shoes the perfect breeding grounds. These infections are caused by microscopic fungi that invade the skin or nails, leading to irritation, discoloration, and thickening.
The most common fungal foot conditions include:
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Athlete’s foot is a contagious skin infection that affects the bottom of the feet and between the toes. It spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as:
✔️ Public showers & locker rooms
✔️ Gym floors & yoga mats
✔️ Shared footwear or socks
Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus occurs when fungi penetrate the nail bed, causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling nails. It often starts after untreated athlete’s foot or from wearing sweaty shoes for long periods.
Signs & Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus
Athlete’s Foot Symptoms:
🔹 Itchy, burning feet (especially between the toes)
🔹 Dry, cracked, or peeling skin
🔹 Blisters or sores that ooze
🔹 Foul foot odor
Toenail Fungus Symptoms:
🔹 Yellow or brown discoloration
🔹 Thick, brittle, or crumbly nails
🔹 White spots or streaks on the nail
🔹 Nails that separate from the nail bed
If left untreated, fungal infections can spread to other toes, fingernails, or even other people. Early treatment is key to preventing complications.
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus
If you’re struggling with a persistent foot fungus, here are the best treatment options to get rid of it:
1. Over-the-Counter Antifungal Treatments
For mild cases of athlete’s foot, antifungal creams, sprays, or powders (like clotrimazole or terbinafine) can help eliminate the infection. Apply these products daily, even after symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.
2. Prescription-Strength Antifungal Medications
For severe athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, a podiatrist may prescribe:
✔️ Oral antifungal medications (like Lamisil or Sporanox)
✔️ Topical prescription-strength creams
✔️ Medicated nail lacquers (like Jublia or Penlac)
3. Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
For stubborn fungal toenails, advanced laser therapy can kill fungus beneath the nail without damaging surrounding skin. This painless, non-invasive treatment is available at Spotsylvania Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates.
4. Proper Foot Hygiene & Home Remedies
Keeping your feet clean, dry, and well-ventilated is essential for treating and preventing fungus. Try these home remedies:
✔️ Soak feet in vinegar or tea tree oil (natural antifungal properties)
✔️ Apply antifungal foot powder daily to absorb moisture
✔️ Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them often
✔️ Disinfect shoes with antifungal sprays or UV sanitizers
How to Prevent Fungal Foot Infections
Once you’ve treated a fungal infection, taking preventative steps will keep it from coming back. Here’s how to protect your feet from future outbreaks:
✅ Keep Feet Dry & Clean – Wash feet daily with soap and water, and dry thoroughly (especially between the toes).
✅ Wear Breathable Shoes – Opt for leather or mesh shoes that allow airflow. Avoid tight, synthetic footwear.
✅ Change Socks Regularly – Moisture-wicking socks help prevent fungal growth. Change them at least once a day.
✅ Never Walk Barefoot in Public Areas – Always wear flip-flops or sandals in gym showers, pools, and locker rooms.
✅ Disinfect Shoes & Nail Tools – Use antifungal sprays inside shoes and sterilize nail clippers after each use.
✅ Trim Toenails Properly – Cut nails straight across to prevent fungi from getting underneath.
✅ Avoid Sharing Footwear – Fungi can spread easily through shoes, socks, and nail tools.