Fungus on Feet: Types and Treatments

Foot fungus is also commonly called athlete’s foot; it is typically a fungal attack that occurs in the skin of toe areas. There are many different types of fungus on feet; the following passages will briefly outline each type of the disease and suggest some methods to get rid of the health problems.

Types of Foot Fungus

There are 4 major types of foot fungus; each type basically has the different symptoms as well. Brief explanations about each type and its common symptoms are listed as follows.

1. Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis

Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis is actually a rare condition; it mostly attacks people who suffer from HIV. This type of foot fungus is triggered by fungi named dermatophytes. The problem starts when the fungi attack or penetrate deep into nail’s layers. They will eventually reach the skin surface beneath the nail; this occurrence causes infection.

Discoloration and deformation are common symptoms as well. The nail will slowly pull away from the nail fold; it triggers pain and nail discoloration. White formation commonly appears near the cuticle. Initially, the proximal part of the nail will thicken, but it will be deformed and eventually crusty.

2. Candida Nail Infection

Candida Nail Infection is the worst type of fungal infection among others. It is more likely to occur on the fingernail than on toenails. The culprit responsible for such disease is Candida. The most common symptom is that the nail plate detaches from nail bed.

fungus on foot

Discoloration of the nail into green or yellowish usually occurs. The nails are as well thickened, deformed, and opaque in appearance. Other symptoms include nail swelling and inflammation. At a glance, the fingernail will appear like ingrown toenail.

3. White Superficial Onychomycosis

White Superficial Onychomycosis is a common type of foot fungus, but it is easy to cure. It is an infection triggered by trichophyton mentagrophytes. People usually use topical medication to get rid of this condition.

One of the most possible symptoms associated with such disease is a deformation of nail top. Many times, the existence of this fungus on foot triggers white spot that indicates the start of the infection. Another indication is a formation of white substance on top on nail which can be easily rubbed off.

4. Distal Subungual Onychomycosis

People commonly call this disease as athlete’s foot. The condition is caused by the attack of fungi named trichophyton rubrum. Discoloration is the most frequently encountered symptom; the nail may turn into green, yellow, or white.

In some cases, a blend of those three colors possibly occurs. In the middle of nail bed and nail plate, a buildup of dry substance occurs. Nail plate slowly detaches from nail bed. Sometimes, patients do not feel any pain at all. The infection mostly occurs in nail tip only. Nails may become thick-textured and round-shaped.

How to Get Rid of Foot Fungus

The existence of fungus on feet is often triggered by hygiene issues. Some of the most common initial causes are wearing moist socks and traveling without footwear. There are many different ways to get rid of foot fungus; some of the most effective methods are listed below.

1. Wear Proper Footwear

As mentioned earlier, wearing the proper footwear plays a major role in preventing and eliminating the existence of nail fungus. The best shoes are made of breathable materials in order to allow good air circulation. It will greatly prevent the possibility of excessive sweating.

Clean and dry socks are as well recommended. Fungus will find it difficult to grow and breed in clean and dry environment.

2. Anti-Fungal Creams

Topical anti-fungal medication is a very good immediate treatment to apply in case of foot fungus. Such medications can effectively relief the pain and burning sensation on the infected area. The most common anti-fungal creams include Terbinafine, Clotrimazole, Miconazole, and Spectazole.

nail fungus removal

Some topical creams are created from the combination of herbal remedies and synthetically-manufactured anti-fungal agents. It is necessary to wash the foot cleanly before applying the cream.

3. Oral Medications

The attack of fungus on feet may also be treated with some oral medications. In severe cases, topical creams may not be very helpful. To accommodate severe condition of foot fungus, doctor may suggest a combination of oral medication and topical anti-fungal agent.

Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs include Itraconazole, Fluconazole, and Terbinafine. These drugs are by prescription only; you should consult doctors before using these oral medications.

4. Apply Coconut Oil

Infection of feet fungus can be treated by applying a home remedy such as coconut oil. This natural substance possesses effective anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. The most important substance in coconut oil is medium-chain fatty acids which show very effective fungus-killing function.

Besides eliminating foot fungus, coconut oil can also moisture the skin and prevent foot fungus recurrence. Coconut oil can be consumed as both topical and oral medications.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Another good home remedy to get rid of foot fungus is tea tree oil. This substance has excellent antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. The good thing is that tea tree oil is able to infiltrate or penetrate deeply into the infected area without affecting the nearby healthy tissues. This home remedy is an external treatment.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

When foot fungus infection occurs, the pH of skin surrounding the infection becomes alkaline or more basic. In this condition, fungus can easily grow and breed. When the pH turns into acidic, fungi are not likely to survive. Vinegar is basically acidic, but it is safe and will not damage the uninfected area.

You can simply create a solution that contains equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water. Soak your feet in the solution for some minutes every day to help to relief the infection.

7. Salt Water

Salt soak is another effective method to get rid of foot fungus. Simply soak the infected feet in a mixture of 2-tsp of salt and a quart of warm water for 30 minutes daily until the infection fades.


The attacks of fungus on feet are actually common health problems. There are many different types of foot fungus with many different symptoms. Foot fungus should be properly treated in order to prevent recurrence of the infection. Fortunately, you can try various methods of treatments such as topical medications, oral medications, and even home remedies.