Can wearing tight, squeezing shoes lead to toenail fungus?

Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, is a fungal infection of the nail. Generally, wearing tight-fitting shoes does not directly cause onychomycosis, but it may increase the risk of developing the infection. Details are as follows:

Onychomycosis is a skin condition caused by fungi invading the nail plate or tissue beneath the nail. The primary causative pathogens are dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Therefore, wearing tight shoes alone does not directly lead to onychomycosis. However, prolonged use of tight footwear can reduce foot ventilation, increase pressure on the forefoot, and cause toes to press against each other while walking. This may result in nail deformity or even separation of the nail bed from the nail plate, making the nail more susceptible to fungal infections by organisms like Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Consequently, onychomycosis may develop, presenting symptoms such as cloudy, thickened, separated, atrophied, or detached nails, along with an uneven and rough nail surface. Patients may take oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride tablets or itraconazole capsules as directed by a physician. In severe cases, prompt medical consultation at a hospital is recommended.

In addition, patients should wear breathable and loose-fitting shoes and socks in daily life and maintain good personal hygiene.