Thick, Discoloured Toenails? It Might Be a Fungal Infection

Are Your Toenails Looking Yellow, Thick, or Crumbly?

If you’ve been hiding your feet because of nails that are discoloured, brittle, or misshapen—you’re definitely not alone. One of the most common reasons patients visit Coventry Foot Doctor is due to changes in the appearance of their toenails.

And in many cases, the culprit is a fungal nail infection, also called onychomycosis.

While it might seem like a small issue at first, fungal nails can become stubborn, uncomfortable, and even painful if left untreated.

What Does a Fungal Toenail Infection Look Like?

Here are some of the most common signs of a fungal nail infection:

• Thickened nails

• Yellow, brown, or white discolouration

• Crumbly or brittle texture

• A build-up of debris under the nail

• A foul smell

• Nails lifting away from the nail bed

It usually starts in one nail and slowly spreads to others—especially if left untreated.

What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?

Fungal nail infections happen when fungi (a type of microorganism) get into the nail, usually through small cracks in the skin or nail surface.

You're more at risk if you:

✔ Walk barefoot in communal areas (like gyms, pools, or changing rooms)
✔ Have sweaty feet or wear tight shoes for long periods
✔ Have athlete’s foot (it often spreads to the nails)
✔ Have a weakened immune system or diabetes
✔ Have injured your nail or surrounding skin

Fungal infections thrive in warm, damp environments, which is why feet are a prime target.

Will It Go Away On Its Own?

Sadly, no.

Fungal nail infections rarely go away without proper treatment. In fact, they can get worse over time and become much harder to treat the longer they’re left.

But the good news is—you don’t have to live with it.

How Coventry Foot Doctor Can Help

We treat fungal nails every day at our clinic and offer a range of effective options to get your nails clear, healthy, and strong again.

Here’s what we can do:

Nail Assessment & Diagnosis
We'll examine your nails and confirm if it's fungal or something else (like psoriasis or trauma).

Treatment Plan Tailored to You
Depending on the severity, we may recommend:

• Topical treatments (medicated antifungal creams or lacquers)

• Oral antifungal medication (for more stubborn cases)

• Nail reduction (to remove thick, damaged nail and help treatments work better)

• Clearanail or laser therapy (non-invasive advanced treatments to destroy the fungus)

• Fungal testing (if needed, to identify the exact strain)

Nail and Skin Care Advice
We’ll also guide you on how to prevent reinfection, including tips on socks, shoes, and foot hygiene.

Don’t Wait Until It Spreads

Fungal nails won’t just “clear up” on their own—and over time, they can spread to other nails, or even to other people in your home.

If you’ve been avoiding sandals or feeling self-conscious about your feet, now is the perfect time to take action.

Book Your Appointment Today

Let’s help you get back to healthy, clear nails.
Contact us at Coventry Foot Doctor to book your consultation and start your journey to happy, fungus-free feet.