Can gray nail (onychomycosis) cause itchy feet?

There are differing opinions regarding whether onychomycosis (gray nail) can cause itchy feet. Onychomycosis is a nail disorder caused by fungal infection and typically does not directly lead to foot itching. This is because it primarily affects the nail plate and underlying tissues, without irritating the surrounding skin to trigger itching symptoms. However, some believe that having onychomycosis may indeed result in itchy feet. This is because onychomycosis may be accompanied by abnormal thickening of the nail's keratin layer, making the nail surface rough and uneven, which could subsequently provoke itching in the feet. Moreover, if patients have conditions such as diabetes, circulatory disorders, or impaired local skin barriers, their risk of infection increases, raising the likelihood of developing onychomycosis and possibly experiencing accompanying itchiness. Although onychomycosis itself does not directly cause foot itching, it may be associated with foot itch under certain circumstances. Therefore, when symptoms of onychomycosis appear, prompt treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of complications, while maintaining clean, dry foot hygiene and avoiding sharing footwear or socks with others to prevent transmission.