Toenail Fungus: Why More People Notice It During the Summer

Summer means flip-flops, sandals, vacations, pool days, and more time spent outdoors. It's also the time of year when many people begin paying closer attention to their feet. Thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails that were hidden inside shoes all winter suddenly become much more noticeable.

Warmer weather also brings increased sweating and more time spent in places like pools, locker rooms, and community showers, which can increase exposure to the fungi that cause toenail infections.

At Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, we often see more patients seeking evaluation for abnormal toenails during the summer months. While many people assume every thick or discolored nail is caused by fungus, that's not always the case. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward choosing the most effective treatment.

Why More People Seek Treatment During Sandal Season

Summer doesn't necessarily mean fungal nail infections suddenly develop. In fact, toenail fungus often progresses slowly over months—or even years. However, summer is when many people first notice changes in their nails or decide it's finally time to have them evaluated.

In addition, warmer temperatures and increased moisture create conditions that allow fungi to thrive, and spending more time in shared public spaces can increase exposure.

Common places where fungal organisms may be found include:

• Public swimming pool decks

• Locker rooms

• Community showers

• Gym floors

• Hotel bathrooms

• Shared changing areas

Simply walking through these areas doesn't mean you'll develop a fungal infection. Most infections occur when fungal organisms gain access through tiny breaks in the skin or nail. Wearing shower shoes or sandals in public wet areas can help reduce exposure.

It's Not Just Where You Walk

Public spaces are only one part of the picture. Several other factors can increase the likelihood of developing toenail fungus, including:

• Sweaty feet

• Wearing shoes for long periods without allowing them to dry

• Tight-fitting footwear

• Diabetes

• Poor circulation

• Nail injuries or repeated trauma

• A family history of fungal infections

• Advancing age

Even healthy individuals can develop toenail fungus after repeated exposure over time.

Not Every Abnormal Nail Is Fungus

One of the biggest misconceptions about toenails is that every thick or discolored nail is caused by a fungal infection.

While fungus is certainly common, other conditions can produce very similar nail changes, including:

• Previous injuries or repetitive trauma

• Psoriasis

• Aging

• Chronic pressure from shoes

• Other nail disorders

Because treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, it's important to have the nail evaluated before beginning treatment. Treating a nail for fungus when the problem is actually trauma or another condition is unlikely to improve its appearance.

Signs of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus can cause a variety of changes, including:

• Yellow, white, or brown discoloration

• Thickened nails

• Brittle or crumbly nails

• Nails lifting away from the nail bed

• Distorted nail shape

• Debris collecting beneath the nail

These changes usually develop gradually and often worsen over time if left untreated.

Why Treat Toenail Fungus?

Many people think of fungal nails as simply a cosmetic concern, but untreated infections can continue to progress.

As the infection advances, patients may experience:

• Increasing nail thickness

• Pain or pressure while wearing shoes

• Difficulty trimming the nail

• Nails catching on socks

• Spread to additional toenails

• Spread to the surrounding skin, leading to athlete's foot

For individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems, maintaining healthy nails is an important part of protecting overall foot health.

The Good News: There Are More Treatment Options Than Ever

Treatment for toenail fungus has improved significantly over the years. The most appropriate option depends on the severity of the infection, the number of nails involved, your overall health, and your treatment goals.

Treatment may include:

• Prescription topical medications and specialized soaks

• Oral antifungal medications for appropriate candidates

• Professional nail thinning or debridement to reduce thickness and discomfort

• Combination therapy to improve treatment success

• Supportive therapies that promote healthier nail growth

Even after the fungus has been successfully treated, damaged toenails grow slowly. It often takes 9 to 18 months for a toenail to fully grow out and reveal a healthier appearance, making early evaluation and treatment especially beneficial.

Our providers work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their specific needs.

Supporting Healthier Nail Growth with EB-L1

At Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, we also offer EB-L1, a physician-recommended nutritional supplement designed to support healthy nail growth and restoration.

EB-L1 may be recommended for patients with:

• Yellow, brittle, or discolored nails

• Nails weakened by previous fungal infections

• Slow-growing or damaged nails

• Persistent nail changes despite treatment

• A desire to improve overall nail health and appearance

Rather than replacing medical treatment, EB-L1 is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help support stronger, healthier nails as new nail grows.

Prevention Starts with Healthy Habits

While no prevention strategy is perfect, a few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing fungal nail infections:

• Wear sandals or shower shoes in public locker rooms, pool areas, and community showers.

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

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

• Choose breathable footwear and allow shoes to dry completely between wears.

• Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.

• Avoid sharing nail clippers, shoes, socks, or towels.

• Treat athlete's foot promptly to help prevent the infection from spreading to the toenails.

Don't Ignore Changes in Your Nails

If you've noticed changes in the color, thickness, or appearance of your toenails, don't assume they're simply part of getting older—or automatically caused by fungus.

Many nail conditions are treatable, but determining the correct diagnosis is essential. The earlier an abnormal nail is evaluated, the sooner an appropriate treatment plan can begin.

Our team can determine whether fungus is truly the cause of your nail changes and recommend the treatment option that's right for you.

Healthy Nails Start with Expert Care

Summer is a great reminder to pay attention to your foot health. Whether you're concerned about toenail fungus, brittle nails, or changes you've recently noticed while wearing sandals, we're here to help.

Schedule an appointment with Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa for a comprehensive nail evaluation and learn about the treatment options available to help you achieve healthier, stronger, and more confident feet.