Medical Articles
It lies dormant in the nails for several years
12.07.2026
Since Malaysia is a country with a year-round tropical climate, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active outdoors, such as at swimming pools or on nature trails. While many people might not think about it daily, our nails are a part of the body that others surprisingly notice. Especially in a tropical environment where sandals are worn almost every day, people pay close attention to their toenails. However, even if you take excellent care of your feet, “nail fungus” can be incredibly hard to detect.
In fact, nail fungus often develops alongside regular athlete’s foot. However, because it lacks the characteristic “itching” associated with skin infections, it is notoriously difficult to notice on your own. It is not uncommon for dermatophytes (the fungi responsible) to remain dormant and lurking inside the nails for several years without causing any visible symptoms. Just like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus is caused by a fungal infection. Transmission frequently occurs in shared facilities used by large numbers of people, such as swimming pools, public fitness centers, and saunas. For most people who develop nail fungus, the big toe is the first to be infected.
In its early stages, nail fungus causes almost no pain or itching, making it easy to ignore. However, if left untreated, the condition will steadily and surely worsen. As it progresses, the nail becomes noticeably thickened, discolored or cloudy, and structurally deformed. Furthermore, even if the infection starts only on the big toe, it can easily spread to all your other toenails.
Because treatment takes significantly longer once the infection spreads, seeking prompt medical attention is vital. Although nails are medically classified as a component of the skin, they are hard and thick. This makes it difficult for topical medications to penetrate deeply enough to eliminate the dermatophytes inside the nail plate, which lacks direct blood flow. Therefore, treatment often involves taking oral medication to eradicate the fungus from within the body. This condition spreads very easily among family members who share towels and bath mats, meaning that thorough, routine cleaning is your best form of prevention. Because early symptoms are virtually non-existent, we highly recommend visiting a medical facility as soon as you notice even the slightest abnormality in your nails.
Author Bio
Dr. Vivien
Medical Director/Family Medicine Specialist
After completing medical school in Moscow, Dr. Vivien gained clinical experience at a general hospital in Penang, Malaysia. She later served as a full-time physician at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak and at a clinic in Selangor.
Since 2018, she has been with Hibari Clinic, where she currently serves as Medical Director and is dedicated to providing care for the local community. She has a strong interest in pediatrics and psychosomatic medicine, and values patient-centered care that respects each individual’s needs.