If you’ve ever looked down at your toenail and spotted a yellowish patch or thickened ridge, you’re not the only one. Nail fungus – or onychomycosis, as we call it in clinic – is one of the most common reasons people come limping through our door.
It’s not just about how it looks (although yes, it can be pretty unsightly). Fungus can make the nail brittle, crumbly, discoloured, and even painful to walk on – especially in tight shoes or after a long day on your feet.
I’ve had plenty of patients—from netball mums and tradies to retirees and schoolkids—who put off getting help for months, thinking it was “just a dodgy nail”. But the thing is, fungal infections don’t clear up on their own. And if left untreated, they can spread to other toes, or even other family members if you’re sharing showers or towels.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Here’s the sciencey part, but I’ll keep it simple: nail fungus is caused by a group of microscopic organisms like dermatophytes, yeasts, and moulds that sneak under the nail and set up shop. Warm, moist conditions (hello sweaty socks and damp shoes) are their idea of a five-star resort.
At Well Heeled Podiatry, we’ve seen fungal nail infections caused by everything from:
- Not drying properly after the shower
- Picking up bugs at the local swimming pool
- Cracks from tight shoes or running injuries
- Long-term conditions like diabetes or immune suppression
More on the specific triggers in the next section – but just know this: if you’ve got a fungal nail, it doesn’t mean you’re dirty or unhygienic. It just means the conditions were right, and the fungus took its chance.
Why It’s So Hard to Get Rid Of
One of the trickiest things about nail fungus is that the nail plate itself acts like a barrier, making it hard for treatments to reach the actual infection site. That’s why brushing a cream on for a week and hoping for the best usually doesn’t cut it.
We’ll dig into proper treatment plans shortly, but the earlier you start, the easier it is to treat. I’ve had patients clear a fungal nail in 3 months, and others who’ve taken 12+ months to finally kick it. Consistency and the right method make all the difference.
What Really Causes Nail Fungus? (And What We See Every Week in Clinic)
At Well Heeled Podiatry, I often say that fungal nails don’t just happen out of the blue. There’s usually a trail of habits, lifestyle factors, or underlying conditions that set the stage.
Let me walk you through the most common causes we see – plus a few stories that might sound familiar.
1. Poor Foot Hygiene
This one’s more common than you’d think. We had a lovely client, Paul, a 42-year-old carpenter from Carlton, who came in with two yellow, brittle toenails. He showered daily—but always skipped drying between his toes and would chuck his socks on straight after.
He wasn’t “dirty”—just busy. But that constant dampness between his toes created the perfect breeding ground for fungus.
Tip: Always dry between your toes like you’re drying dishes – thoroughly, not just a quick wipe.
2. Public Pools, Gyms, and Showers
Communal spaces are a hotspot. We had a teenager from Elwood, active in swimming and water polo, who developed fungal nails after walking barefoot on those rubber mats in the changerooms.
It’s not the water itself—it’s the warm, damp floor that harbours spores. Fungus loves hanging out there, waiting for a small skin crack or broken cuticle to sneak through.
Checklist:
- Always wear thongs or pool shoes in public showers
- Never share towels or nail clippers
- Dry feet thoroughly after every swim
3. Nail Trauma or Tight Shoes
Little knocks to the nail—especially repeated ones—can break the natural seal between the nail and skin, creating a tiny doorway for fungus to enter.
Think:
- Netballers whose toenails smash against the front of their shoes
- Runners who get “black toenails” from downhill running
- Or tradies who wear steel-caps all day, sweating it out with no breather
One client, Kim, an avid hiker in the Dandenongs, got nail trauma from boots that were too snug around the toes. A month later, the nail thickened and discoloured. Classic trauma-induced fungal infection.
Pro tip: If your shoes leave your toes sore or squished, it’s time to rethink your fit—especially if you’re active.
4. Sweaty Socks and Non-Breathable Shoes
Melbourne summers can be hot and humid. Add in socks made from synthetic fibres and shoes that don’t breathe, and your feet become a fungal paradise.
We had one young bloke working long retail shifts in heavy leather shoes. By the time he made it into clinic, half his toenails were affected.
What helps:
- Rotate shoes (let each pair dry out for 24+ hours)
- Choose bamboo or merino socks that wick moisture
- Wash your feet when you get home from work—even if you’re not showering yet
5. Inadequate Drying
A quick drip-dry isn’t enough. Fungal spores love dark, damp areas—especially between the fourth and fifth toes (where moisture often hides).
Use a clean towel each time and take those extra 10 seconds to dry properly. I’ve even recommended a hairdryer on low heat for clients with limited mobility or thick toes where moisture lingers.
6. Weakened Immune System
If your immune system is already stretched—maybe you’ve had a recent illness, ongoing stress, or a chronic condition like cancer or autoimmune disease—you’re more vulnerable.
Fungus isn’t opportunistic; it thrives where it’s not being fought off effectively. We keep a close eye on immunocompromised patients and usually opt for earlier, stronger interventions to stay ahead of it.
7. Ageing Nails
As we age, our nails naturally become more brittle, dry, and prone to cracks. Combine that with slower circulation, reduced nail growth, and decades of shoe wear and tear—and fungal nails become much more common after 60.
I always remind older clients (and their carers) that prevention starts with daily attention: moisturising, trimming, and checking the nails weekly.
8. Underlying Health Conditions (Especially Diabetes)
If you’ve got diabetes, psoriasis, or circulation issues, you’re already at higher risk. Why? Because the nails and skin are more fragile, and small injuries often go unnoticed.
One of our diabetic clients discovered her fungal nail after noticing the colour change while getting a foot check. No pain—just a yellow patch that had spread across two nails.
We recommend:
- Annual diabetic foot assessments
- Immediate checks for any colour or shape changes
- Avoiding salon pedicures unless sterilisation is guaranteed
How to Prevent Nail Fungus (Without Turning Into a Germaphobe)
Here’s the thing: preventing nail fungus doesn’t mean living in fear of your own shoes. It just means building a few smart habits into your day. After treating hundreds of fungal nail cases, I can say with confidence—prevention is way easier than treatment.
Below is what I teach every patient. Whether you’re a beach walker in Brighton, a gym regular in Richmond, or just someone who wants to avoid dealing with thick yellow toenails, these steps work.
Your Nail Fungus Prevention Checklist
| Daily/Weekly Habit | Why It Matters | My Tip |
| Wash feet daily | Removes sweat, bacteria, and fungal spores | Use lukewarm water + soap |
| Dry thoroughly (incl. toes) | Fungi love moist spaces | Use a hairdryer if needed |
| Change socks daily | Prevents moisture buildup | Go for bamboo or merino wool |
| Rotate shoes | Lets shoes dry completely between wears | Aim for 24 hrs rest per pair |
| Trim nails regularly | Short nails trap less moisture and debris | Cut straight across |
| Use antifungal spray/powder | Stops fungus before it starts | Especially after gym or swim |
| Wear thongs in public areas | Blocks exposure to fungi on wet floors | Pools, gyms, communal showers |
| Don’t share nail tools/towels | Prevents cross-contamination | Yes, even with family! |
| Moisturise feet | Reduces cracks that invite fungus | Avoid between toes though |
| Check nails weekly | Spot changes early | Look for colour, shape, texture |
Antifungal Sprays and Powders: Do They Work?
Absolutely—when used consistently. I recommend them for anyone who’s regularly:
- At the gym or pool
- Wearing work boots or heavy shoes all day
- Prone to sweaty feet
- Living with someone who’s had nail fungus
A simple spray in your shoes each night and a light powder on your feet in the morning can make a big difference. We stock medical-grade options in the clinic, but even pharmacy ones can help if you’re diligent.
Footwear: Get Smart, Not Fancy
Let’s talk shoes for a sec. I’ve seen some stunning shoes that were total fungal factories. Breathability matters more than brand.
In summer – opt for:
- Open-toe sandals (where safe)
- Mesh runners
- Cotton or bamboo socks
In winter – go for:
- Leather shoes that allow airflow
- Boots with removable insoles for cleaning/drying
- Two pairs of shoes on rotation to allow drying time
And don’t forget: if your shoes smell musty, they’re likely harbouring fungus. Spray them, air them out, or toss them.
A Word on Families
Fungal infections spread easily within households—especially if someone is using shared nail tools, towels, or barefoot around the house.
I’ve seen entire families get fungal nails from one person’s salon pedicure gone wrong. If one person is infected:
- Avoid shared nail clippers
- Wash towels in hot water
- Disinfect showers regularly
- Spray inside shoes and sandals weekly
Real-Life Example
One of my favourite success stories came from a dad in Mentone who developed a fungal nail after years of playing indoor cricket. His teen son started showing the same signs. We treated them both, set up a hygiene routine, and had their nails clear within six months—with no recurrence since.
That’s the power of prevention and early action.
Nail Fungus Treatment: Clearing It for Good (Not Just Covering It Up)
If you’ve already tried every “miracle cure” you found online or at the chemist, you’re not alone.
We often see patients come in after months (or years) of trying creams, oils, and home remedies that never quite worked. By the time they reach us, they’re fed up—and understandably so.
But here’s the good news: there are clinically proven treatments that actually work. You just need to match the right treatment to the stage and severity of the infection.
1. Topical Antifungal Medications
These are your creams, solutions, and medicated nail lacquers. They work by attacking the fungus on the surface and around the nail.
Best for: Early or mild cases, especially when the nail is only slightly discoloured or thickened.
What to know:
- Must be applied daily or weekly for 3 to 12 months
- Works better if the nail is thinned first (we can help with that in clinic)
- Won’t work well on deeply infected or very thick nails
Pro tip: I often file the nail back (or use a burr in clinic) to help the medication penetrate deeper. It makes a huge difference in how well it absorbs.
2. Oral Antifungal Medications
This is usually the go-to for more stubborn or advanced cases. These medications travel through your bloodstream and fight the fungus from the inside out.
Common options: Terbinafine or Itraconazole
Best for: Moderate to severe infections, or when multiple nails are affected.
Important notes:
- Need a prescription
- Typically taken for 6–12 weeks
- Requires a blood test to check liver function (we always liaise with your GP)
- Can have interactions with other medications, so a proper medical review is essential
We’ve had excellent success using oral medication alongside in-clinic nail care—especially when combined with proper hygiene at home.
3. Laser Therapy
Laser treatment is fast becoming a popular choice, especially for those wanting to avoid medications.
It works by using heat to target and kill fungal cells without damaging surrounding tissue.
Best for: Persistent cases or patients who can’t take oral meds
What to expect:
- Painless for most people
- Requires multiple sessions (usually 3–6)
- No downtime, but some patients need occasional top-up sessions
- Not always covered by private health, so check first
We’ve seen great results with laser for patients who previously tried everything else. It’s not magic—but it’s a very useful tool in our treatment kit.
4. Nail Debridement (or Trimming Back the Nail)
Sometimes, especially if the nail is very thick, we’ll reduce it with podiatry instruments to:
- Remove infected material
- Allow topical treatments to work better
- Relieve pressure in shoes
This is done pain-free in the clinic and usually gives instant relief from pressure or rubbing.
5. Surgical Nail Removal
This one’s rare—but sometimes necessary.
If the nail is severely damaged or keeps reinfecting despite treatment, we may remove part or all of the nail under local anaesthetic. This gives us direct access to treat the nail bed.
We had a client from St Kilda who’d battled one fungal nail for five years. After partial nail removal and a course of oral antifungals, the infection was finally cleared.
Note: After surgery, we give you a step-by-step recovery plan to keep things clean and reduce the risk of reinfection.
So… How Long Does Treatment Take?
Here’s the honest answer: fighting nail fungus takes time.
| Infection Severity | Treatment Duration | Approach |
| Mild (early stage) | 3–6 months | Topical + debridement |
| Moderate | 6–9 months | Oral meds ± laser + podiatry care |
| Severe | 9–12+ months | Combo approach + possible surgery |
Fungal nails grow out—they don’t vanish overnight. Toenails grow slowly, so you may not see clear improvement for weeks.
But with the right treatment and a solid prevention plan, you’ll get there.
Our Real-World Combo That Works
At Well Heeled Podiatry, we often combine:
- In-clinic nail thinning
- Topical or oral antifungal plan
- Laser therapy (for resistant cases)
- Hygiene and footwear review
- Regular check-ins (every 4–6 weeks)
This combo keeps things on track and gives you visible progress—no more guessing if it’s working.
Don’t Let a Fungal Nail Drag You Down
Fungal nails aren’t dangerous… but they’re persistent. And for many people, they’re frustrating, embarrassing, and just plain annoying.
We’ve helped hundreds of patients across Melbourne—from busy mums and tradies to teenagers and retirees—clear up fungal nails and feel confident in their feet again.
Here’s what I want you to remember:
- You’re not alone. Fungal nail infections are incredibly common—especially in Aussie climates where we live in runners, walk barefoot at the beach, and deal with hot summers.
- It’s not your fault. Whether it started from a nail injury, damp shoes, or a dodgy pool floor, it’s fixable with the right approach.
- Early action makes it easier. The sooner we catch it, the faster (and cheaper) it is to treat. Waiting only gives the fungus more room to grow and spread.
Ready to Get It Sorted?
If you’ve got a dodgy nail—or you’re not sure if it’s fungal—we can help you figure it out.
At Well Heeled Podiatry, we offer:
- Painless in-clinic assessments
- Access to evidence-based treatments (including laser)
- Personalised treatment plans that fit your lifestyle
- Ongoing support so you stay on track
And you’ll always walk away with a clear plan and honest advice.
What to Do Next
Here’s your simple 3-step action plan:
- Check your nails this week. Look for yellowing, thickening, changes in shape, or crumbly edges.
- Start the hygiene habits today. Dry thoroughly. Rotate shoes. Use antifungal spray. Small changes help!
- Book a podiatry consult if you’re unsure. You can call us or book online. The earlier we see it, the easier it is to fix.
If you’re ready to get back into open-toed shoes without worrying about how your nails look—or just want peace of mind—it’s worth sorting now.
Your feet carry you through life. Let’s make sure they’re healthy, pain-free, and fungus-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is caused by a fungal infection that typically begins in the toenails, though it can affect fingernails as well. The infection occurs when fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeasts, or moulds, invade the nail bed or nail plate. Factors that increase the risk include warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes, poor foot hygiene, trauma to the nail, or a weakened immune system. Fungal infections are also more common in individuals with conditions like diabetes or circulation issues.
How Can I Prevent Nail Fungus?
Preventing nail fungus involves maintaining good foot hygiene and taking measures to keep your nails clean and dry. Regularly wash your feet and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture buildup. Wearing breathable shoes and socks, and avoiding tight footwear, can also help reduce the risk. If you visit communal areas like gyms or swimming pools, always wear protective footwear like sandals. Additionally, trimming your nails regularly and avoiding nail trauma can help prevent the fungi from entering the nail.
What Are The Symptoms Of Nail Fungus?
Symptoms of nail fungus can vary, but common signs include discolouration of the nail (often yellow, brown, or white), thickening or crumbling of the nail, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. The nail may also become brittle, distorted in shape, or develop a foul odour. In more severe cases, pain or discomfort in the affected nail or surrounding area can occur. If left untreated, the infection may spread to other nails or the skin.
What Are The Treatment Options For Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus is typically treated with antifungal medications, which can be applied topically or taken orally. Topical treatments include antifungal creams, lacquers, or ointments that are applied directly to the affected nail. Oral medications, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, may be prescribed for more severe or persistent infections, as they work by targeting the fungus from within the body. In some cases, if the infection is particularly stubborn, surgical removal of the infected nail may be necessary. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment to fully eradicate the infection.
How Long Does It Take To Treat Nail Fungus?
Treatment for nail fungus can take a significant amount of time, as nails grow slowly. Topical treatments may require several months of consistent use, while oral medications typically take between 6 to 12 weeks to show results. However, it can take up to a year for the nail to fully grow out and for the infection to be completely cleared, as the new nail needs to grow in free of the fungus. Patience and proper adherence to the treatment regimen are key to successful recovery. If the infection persists despite treatment, further medical evaluation may be necessary.
