Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects toenails more often than fingernails. It can cause nails to thicken, discolour, flake, or crumble over time. Skin fungus is also common and often affects areas like the feet, between the toes, or other warm, moist parts of the body, causing redness, itching, scaling, or irritation. Both nail and skin fungal infections can start as mild issues but may be persistent and slow to improve without the right care.
Understanding what causes fungal infections, who is more at risk, how long it can take to heal, and the best ways to treat and prevent them can help you manage symptoms more effectively. With consistent care and the right treatment approach, many cases can be managed at home. Flexitol has a range of clinically tested products to support ongoing foot and skin care.
Learn more in our Nail Fungus Guide including what’s the link between diabetes and nail fungus, paint vs tablets as effective treatment options, and the different myths relating to nail fungus.
View products Understanding what causes fungal infections, who is more at risk, how long it can take to heal, and the best ways to treat and prevent them can help you manage symptoms more effectively. With consistent care and the right treatment approach, many cases can be managed at home. Flexitol has a range of clinically tested products to support ongoing foot and skin care.
Learn more in our Nail Fungus Guide including what’s the link between diabetes and nail fungus, paint vs tablets as effective treatment options, and the different myths relating to nail fungus.
Fast Facts
FAQ
Skin fungal infections are triggered by warm, moist conditions, sweating, tight clothing, shared surfaces, and weakened skin barriers.
Fungal rashes usually itch, spread slowly, and have a defined edge, while bacterial rashes tend to be painful, swollen, and may ooze or crust.
Fungal infections often appear as red, scaly, itchy patches, sometimes with a raised border or lighter center, especially in skin folds or on the feet.
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects your fingernails or toenails. It usually starts under the nail as a white or yellow patch and can spread deeper over time.
As the infection develops, the nail may thicken, discolor, become brittle, or lift from the nail bed. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails because shoes create warm, damp conditions that allow fungus to grow.
As the infection develops, the nail may thicken, discolor, become brittle, or lift from the nail bed. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails because shoes create warm, damp conditions that allow fungus to grow.
Nail fungus rarely clears without treatment and often worsens over time if left unmanaged.
Reinfection is common if fungus remains in shoes, socks, or on surrounding skin such as athlete’s foot.
Toenails are affected more often because they grow more slowly and are usually kept in warm, enclosed footwear.
Yes. The infection can spread from one nail to another and to the surrounding skin.
In more advanced cases, nails can thicken, crumble, or press into footwear, leading to discomfort.
Articles about skin & nail fungus
01/09/2026
Dealing with discoloured, brittle, or thickened nails? It might be more than just a cosmetic concern. In this expert commentary, Amit Saha, registered Pharmacist and Head of Technical & Innovation at Flexitol, explains what onychomycosis is and why early, effective treatment is key to managing the condition. Key Takeaways Onychomycosis (OM) refers to a fungal …
11/13/2025
Living with diabetes requires careful management to prevent complications, and one of the most critical areas to monitor is foot health. Diabetic individuals are prone to foot issues due to poor circulation and nerve damage, which can lead to severe complications if not managed properly. Here, we offer a comprehensive guide on maintaining healthy feet …
10/27/2025
Key Takeaways: When it comes to fighting nail fungus, prevention can be the best medicine. If you frequently suffer from this uncomfortable and unsightly condition, it can be hard to understand how and why you’re affected by it. But the truth is, there are risk factors hiding in your daily routine – and many opportunities …
10/27/2025
Key Takeaways: If you’re currently experiencing a nail fungus infection, you probably want to know how it will progress, what treatment options are available, and how long it will take to get better. This guide breaks down what you can expect at each stage, with a handy nail fungus healing timeline to help you map …
Discover how we can help
People who have this condition have found these products to be helpful
Anti-Fungal Liquid
Flexitol™ Anti-Fungal Liquid’s effective formula is clinically proven to treat topical fungal infections. It has been fortified with Urea, Aloe, Vitamin E, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oils to provide effective relief.
Medicated Anti-fungal Cream
Flexitol™ Medicated Anti-Fungal Cream helps to prevent Athlete’s foot and provides rapid, effective relief of itchy cracked skin.
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