Participation in sports offers significant physical and mental health benefits. However, certain athletic environments can increase the risk of developing toenail fungus. Because fungal organisms thrive in warm, moist conditions, athletes often face higher exposure due to sweaty feet, tight athletic footwear, shared locker rooms, and communal showers. In addition, repeated impact and minor nail injuries from running, jumping, or abrupt movements can weaken the nail’s protective barrier, making it easier for fungus to enter.

Toenail fungus is a contagious condition that spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. While anyone can develop a fungal nail infection, athletes and physically active individuals may be more vulnerable due to the combination of moisture, trauma, and shared facilities. Understanding how sports contribute to fungal infections can help reduce risk and promote healthier nail care habits both on and off the field.

The main reason why sports cause an increase in toenail fungus spread is due to the conditions in which they take place and are created. For example, most athletes have sweaty feet during and after practice or a sporting event. Fungus likes damp, dark environments; sweaty shoes and socks are the perfect places for toenail fungus to grow. When athletes don’t change their socks and shoes immediately after exercising, they put themselves at increased risk of developing a toenail fungus infection.

Additionally, sporting teams usually practice in the same area and share a common locker room. Locker rooms are perfect places for toenail fungus to spread. If one athlete has fungus on their feet, they might walk barefoot on the locker room floor and deposit fungal spores onto the ground. Other athletes, with sweaty feet perfect for catching fungus, could walk over these fungal spores and become infected.

There are topical solutions that are used to try to cure toenail fungus. They don’t typically work because they have a cure rate of less than 5 to 10 percent. This is because the topical solutions do not penetrate all the way through to reach under the nail bed. All fungi must be killed to cure your toes of toenail fungus.

Although sports can increase your exposure to toenail fungus, you can continue training and competing while significantly reducing your risk. The key is managing moisture, minimizing nail trauma, and practicing consistent hygiene habits.

First, focus on keeping your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. After practices or games, remove sweaty socks and shoes as soon as possible. Changing into dry, breathable footwear helps prevent moisture from lingering around the nails.

Second, choose the right athletic gear. Wear moisture-wicking socks instead of heavy cotton, and consider rotating shoes so each pair has time to dry completely between uses. Applying antifungal powder inside shoes can also help reduce moisture buildup.

Third, protect your feet in shared environments. Locker rooms, gyms, and communal showers commonly harbor fungal spores. Always wear shower shoes or sandals in these areas to create a barrier between your feet and contaminated surfaces.

In addition, trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Nails that are repeatedly traumatized or improperly trimmed are more vulnerable to fungal infection. If you notice bruising, nail lifting, or discoloration after an injury, monitor the nail closely.

By combining proper hygiene, moisture control, protective footwear, and early attention to nail injuries, athletes can dramatically lower their risk of developing toenail fungus, without giving up the sports they enjoy.

While sports are perfect places for toenail fungus to spread, this condition can be caught in many different ways. However, the most important thing to do when dealing with a toenail fungus is to receive an FDA-approved, safe, and effective treatment from a licensed podiatrist. The best such treatment is the PinPointe laser, which typically requires only one treatment to cure the fungus.

Our nail doctor in Dallas, TX, recommends this treatment. The laser treatment has the highest cure rate on the market. There are no side effects and no recovery period. You can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful. To schedule a consultation with a licensed podiatrist for the PinPointe laser treatment, give us a call at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information.