From Gym Floors to Closed Shoes: Common Triggers of Nail Fungus and How Laser Treatment Helps

Nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common condition affecting both fingernails and toenails, though it is far more prevalent in the toenails. While many people dismiss it as a minor issue, this persistent infection can become a significant health concern if left untreated. While traditional treatments such as antifungal drugs remain available, laser treatment has emerged as a highly effective and quick solution.

Although nail fungus often begins as mild discolouration or thickening, it should never be viewed as an entirely cosmetic problem. It often thrives in damp, enclosed environments. To understand the common triggers and how laser treatment can help, the editorial team of Onlymyhealth reached out to Dr Priya Puja, M.D. (Dermatology), Regional Medical Head at Kaya Limited, and Dr Veena Praveen, Head Medical Advisor (South) and Consultant Dermatologist at Kaya Limited. Continue reading to know what they shared with us.

What Is Nail Fungus?

Dr Puja explains that onychomycosis develops quietly, transforming healthy nails into brittle, yellowed, and flaky structures.

"It affects 10–20% of adults globally, particularly those over 60. What starts as a small white or yellow spot beneath the nail can spread, causing pain, self-consciousness, and even deeper infections if ignored," says Dr Puja.

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Dr Praveen adds that clinical nutritionists and dermatologists often link persistent infections to environmental exposure, recurring moisture, nail fragility, and weakened local immunity.

Common Triggers For Nail Fungus

According to Dr Puja, fungi like Trichophyton rubrum lurk in warm, damp spots, slipping through the tiniest cracks in your skin or nails. Here are a few common environmental triggers, as Dr Praveen and Dr Puja suggest:

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• Soggy locker room floors and communal showers are primary breeding grounds for athlete’s foot, which can easily spread to the nails.
• Closed-in shoes worn during long commutes or workouts trap moisture, creating a greenhouse effect for fungi.
• Improperly cleaned salon clippers, tight shoes, and conditions like diabetes or psoriasis can significantly increase your risk.
• As we age, nails grow more slowly, giving fungi the upper hand. Even a simple stubbed toe can provide an entry point for infection.

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How Laser Treatments Help

For many, traditional treatments like oral medications can be difficult. Dr Puja explains, “Old-school antifungals such as terbinafine mean months of pills with potential liver worries, and they often creep back in 20–50% of cases.”

This is where laser therapy stands out. Dr Puja underlines that Laser therapy, which offers precise beams like Nd: YAG or CO2, dives right through the nail, heating fungi to oblivion while leaving skin and tissue untouched. "You're in and out in 10 to 30 minutes per foot, typically just three or four sessions, with studies showing 70 to 90% clear nails afterwards. For thick, tough toenail fungus, laser delivers results you can see in 3 to 6 months and no real pain, no recovery time,” Dr Puja adds.

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Dr Praveen agrees that laser treatment has become the best option for dealing with stubborn or recurrent fungus. “The technology involves the application of a specific laser energy that can enter the nail plate and kill fungal cells without damaging surrounding tissues. Laser therapy targets the fungus under the nail, where topical therapies cannot reach. The process is non-invasive, with minimum side effects, and does not cause the systemic effects that oral antifungal drugs have in the long run,” says Dr Praveen.

However, experts also highlight that laser therapy is used in conjunction with:

• Good Hygiene
• Breathable Footwear
• Nail maintenance
• Healthy Diet

When Nail Fungus Becomes Severe

Dr Praveen warns that failing to treat the infection can lead to severe complications. Nails can become excessively thick and painful, making daily activities uncomfortable.

"Beyond the aesthetic shift, severe cases can lead to secondary bacterial infections, difficulty walking, and a reduced quality of life. The infection can easily spread to neighbouring skin or worsen existing foot conditions," Dr Praveen notes.

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Prevention: Simple Steps for Nail Armour

Dr Puja highlights that individuals can protect their nails by making small adjustments to their daily routine.

• Give your feet some breathing room after the gym or a long day at work by opting aiery shoes and moisture-wicking socks
• Keep the clippers to yourself
• Hit showers with antifungal sprays and keep the washroom deep clean
• Tackle athlete's foot at the first itch

Dr Puja also advises that if symptoms persist, one should visit a dermatologist without any delay.

Bottomline

Nail fungus can be easily managed by adopting the aforementioned practices and seeking treatment whenever necessary. It is easily treatable, especially with laser treatment's quick, targeted approach. However, as Dr Puja suggests, one should not wait for the yellow spot to spread and visit the dermatologist to stop the fungus from spreading further.