Understanding Fungal Nail Infections

by Chamith Abeyratne

Are Your Nails Thick, Yellow, or Crumbling?

If you’ve noticed your toenails becoming discoloured, thicker than usual, brittle, or lifting off the nail bed, you may be dealing with a fungal nail infection. Fungal nails are extremely common — especially in adults — and while they’re not usually dangerous, they can become progressively worse if left untreated. At On Track Podiatry, we regularly assess and manage fungal nail infections for patients in Wallan, Greenvale, Craigieburn and surrounding areas.

What Is a Fungal Nail Infection?

A fungal nail infection (also called onychomycosis) occurs when microscopic fungi infect the nail plate and nail bed. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments — such as inside enclosed shoes.

Over time, the infection causes the nail to:

• Change colour (yellow, white, brown)

• Become thickened

• Turn brittle or crumbly

• Lift away from the skin underneath

• Develop an unpleasant smell (in more advanced cases)

How Do You Catch It?

Fungal nails don’t usually happen overnight. Common contributing factors include:

• Sweaty feet

• Tight or enclosed footwear

• Nail polish

• Visiting communal areas (gyms, pools, change rooms)

• Minor nail trauma

• Athlete’s foot infection spreading to the nail

• Aging (nails grow slower and are more susceptible)

Importantly — fungal infections are not a sign of poor hygiene. They are simply very common.

Is It Contagious?

Yes, fungal nail infections can spread:

• From one nail to another

• To other family members

• Via shared towels or surfaces

However, they spread slowly. Early treatment reduces the risk of transmission.

Is the Fungus “In My System”?

This is a common concern. In the vast majority of cases, fungal nail infections are localised to the nail and surrounding skin. The fungus lives in the nail plate and nail bed. It does not enter the bloodstream or spread throughout the body in healthy individuals. Fungal nails are surface-level infections, similar to athlete’s foot. Only in people with significantly compromised immune systems would infections of any kind require closer medical monitoring. For most patients, the infection remains confined to the nail itself.

Is a Fungal Nail Infection Just Cosmetic?

In many healthy individuals, fungal nail infections are primarily cosmetic. The main concerns are nail thickening, discolouration, and appearance.

However, fungal nail infections are not always purely cosmetic.

If left untreated, they can:

• Become very thick and painful in shoes

• Cause nail splitting or lifting

• Spread to other nails

• Increase the risk of bacterial skin infections

• Worsen underlying skin conditions such as athlete’s foot

  
  

For people with certain medical conditions — including diabetes, reduced circulation, or weakened immune systems — fungal nail infections can become more significant. Thickened infected nails can create pressure areas, skin breakdown, or secondary infections, which may require more careful management.

This is why professional assessment is important — particularly for high-risk patients.

Will It Go Away on Its Own?

Unfortunately, no. Once fungus infects the nail, it rarely clears without treatment. Because nails grow slowly, the infection can persist for months or even years if not managed.

Left untreated, nails may become:

• Very thick and difficult to cut

• Painful in shoes

• Prone to splitting

• A source of secondary infection (particularly in high-risk patients)

How We Treat Fungal Nails at On Track Podiatry

Treatment depends on severity.

At your appointment, we assess:

• Nail thickness

• Degree of discolouration

• Whether the nail bed is involved

• Circulation and overall foot health

  
  

Treatment options may include:

1)Nail Debridement (Medical Thinning)

We gently reduce thickened nails using specialised equipment. This improves comfort and helps topical treatments penetrate more effectively.

2) Topical Antifungal Treatments

Best for mild to moderate infections. Consistency is key — treatment may continue for several months.

3) Oral Antifungal Medication

For more advanced cases, your podiatrist will give you a nail specimen to be taken to your doctor. The doctor will send the speimen for lab testing. If the results from the testing are positive to fungus , then medication prescribed by your GP may be considered. This requires medical screening and liver function monitoring.

4) Preventative Care & Education

We guide you on:

• Proper footwear choices

• Sock selection

• Foot hygiene

• Reducing moisture

• Preventing recurrence

  
  

Our goal isn’t just to improve appearance — it’s to restore nail health safely.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Nails grow slowly.

A healthy toenail can take:

• 9–12 months to fully grow out

• Longer for big toenails

This means even after the fungus is controlled, visible improvement takes time.

Consistency is the key to success.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Book an appointment if:

• The nail is thick and difficult to cut

• You’re unsure if it’s fungal

• The nail is painful

• You have diabetes or circulation issues

• Over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked

Early assessment prevents long-term complications.