Have you ever had itchy, peeling skin between your toes that just won’t go away, later noticing a thick, yellow toenail?

You’re not imagining the connection. Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are often connected. Treating one without addressing the other can lead to recurring problems that keep your feet uncomfortable and your nails unhealthy.

Here’s what you need to know to break the cycle and protect your feet.

women soaking their feet in a bathtub

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually starts between the toes. It can cause:

  • Itching and burning

  • Redness and peeling skin

  • Small blisters

  • Cracking between the toes

It thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why it often develops after using communal showers, locker rooms, or wearing sweaty shoes.

Toenail Fungus Cure in Las Vegas, NV

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal infection under the nail that causes:

  • Yellow, brown, or white discoloration

  • Thickened or crumbly nails

  • Nails that lift from the nail bed

  • A foul odor from under the nail

Just like athlete’s foot, it loves warm, damp environments. This condition can easily spread if left untreated.

Toenail Fungus

How Are They Connected?

Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are caused by similar types of fungi. Both infections can easily move from the skin on your feet to your toenails, or vice versa. For example:

  • If you scratch the itchy skin and touch your toenails, fungus can spread.

  • The area under and around your toenails can be a perfect environment for fungus if your feet stay damp.

  • If toenail fungus is untreated, it can continue to shed fungal spores, leading to recurring athlete’s foot.

This is why treating only athlete’s foot without addressing toenail fungus (or the other way around) often leads to reinfection.

Why We Recommend Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus

At our clinic, we use the PinPointe™ FootLaser® to treat toenail fungus safely and effectively. It:

  • Targets fungus under the nail without harming the surrounding skin or tissue.

  • Is medication-free. This makes it the premier option to avoid the use of oral antifungals and prevent side effects.

  • Allows you to return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

  • Helps stop the fungus so your healthy nail can grow in clearly.

Laser therapy can break the cycle of reinfection by effectively targeting the fungal infection in the nail while you treat athlete’s foot on your skin with topical antifungal creams.

pinpointe footlaser

Preventing Reinfection

To keep both athlete’s foot and toenail fungus from coming back:

  • Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes, after bathing.

  • Wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes.

  • Change socks daily, or more often if your feet sweat.

  • Use antifungal sprays or powders in your shoes.

  • Avoid going barefoot in communal showers, locker rooms, or pool areas.

  • Keep toenails trimmed and clean.

prevent reinfection by taking good care of feet

We Offer Free Consultations with Our Medical Doctors

If you’re dealing with persistent athlete’s foot, toenail changes, or both, we’re here to help. We offer free consultations with our foot doctors to:

  • Examine your feet and nails to confirm if fungus is present.

  • Answer your questions about laser treatment.

  • Discuss practical foot care to prevent reinfection

Don’t let the cycle of athlete’s foot and toenail fungus keep you from enjoying clear nails and comfortable steps.

Contact us today at 800-672-0625 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward healthy feet and confidence in sandals again.

laser nail therapy