Kunle's tinea pedis had been coming back every few months for a year and a half. He hadn't realised that the thickened, yellowed toenail was the reservoir reinfecting his feet every time he cleared them. Mascot Healthcare identified and treated both.
Footballer, Shomolu. Presented with recurrent interdigital maceration and scaling between the toes, sole peeling, and one severely infected toe nail (onychomycosis) — recurring for 18 months. Used antifungal powder intermittently. No treatment for the nail.
Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)Kunle played competitive five-a-side and trained in football boots for 2 hours every day. The athlete's foot had started 18 months ago and responded to antifungal powder within 2–3 weeks each time. But every few months, it was back. He was frustrated.
He mentioned the toenail almost as an afterthought when the doctor asked about his feet in detail. "Oh, and one toenail is a bit thick and yellow — but that's just from football boots knocking it." The doctor asked to examine the nail.
The nail was thickened, yellow, brittle, and crumbling at the free edge — classic onychomycosis. The doctor explained: the fungus living in the nail was continuously reseeding the foot every time the skin antifungal wore off. Without treating the nail, the athlete's foot would keep returning indefinitely.
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a fungal infection of the feet — very common in athletes. Recurrence is driven by reinfection from the nail (onychomycosis) if that remains untreated.
White, soggy, peeling skin between the toes — particularly the 4th and 5th web spaces.
Fine scaling and fissuring of the plantar surface.
Severe itch and burning between the toes — worse after wearing boots and football boots.
The great toenail of the right foot was thickened, yellow, and crumbling.
Tinea pedis cleared with intermittent antifungal powder — but returned every 2–3 months.
Antifungal powder — effective for tinea pedis; not effective for nail onychomycosis.
Wearing socks in shared showers — appropriate; did not prevent reinfection from own nail.
Drying feet thoroughly — appropriate hygiene measure; reduced maceration.
Football boots allowed to dry fully — appropriate; not curative.
Skin: a medicated cream to all affected areas for several weeks; a medicated foot powder in footwear.
Nail: a course of oral medication taken over several months. Nail clipping and filing.
Prevention: fresh socks daily; breathable footwear when not training; shower shoes in communal areas.
Tinea Pedis, Right great toenail dermatophyte infection (clinical diagnosis)
Oral and cream antifungal; hygiene protocol
At 4 weeks: tinea pedis cleared. At 12 weeks: nail significantly improved (30–40% normal nail regrowth visible). At 6 months: nail fully clear.
Tinea pedis cleared within 4 weeks. At 6 months, the previously infected toenail had grown out healthy. No recurrence of tinea pedis at 6-month check.
Recurrent athlete's foot that keeps coming back despite antifungal treatment should trigger examination of the toenails. Onychomycosis (nail fungal infection) is the reservoir that reseeds the foot.
Nail fungal infections require systemic (oral) antifungal treatment — topical creams and powders do not penetrate the nail plate.
If your athlete's foot keeps returning — check the nails. A thickened yellow toenail is reinfecting your feet.
Book an appointment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka — same-day slots often available, 4.9★ rated.