Athletes are 2.5 times more likely than the general public to develop nail fungus, according to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. The condition can disrupt training, change performance, and end careers. However, until now, no thorough study has examined how nail fungus affects various sports. Toward this end, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals (UH), both in Cleveland, Ohio, recently announced the launch of the first large-scale collaborative study focused on onychomycosis, a chronic fungal infection of the nails, among athletes.
The 6-month study also includes UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute–the healthcare partner of the Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Monsters–and Ortho Dermatologics, Bridgewater, New Jersey. These partners will help identify and recruit 100 to 200 collegiate and professional athletes, allowing researchers to gather data across multiple sports. They will also raise awareness, facilitate survey distribution, and assist with athlete screening and optional nail sampling for follow-up studies.
The study began in December, with initial results expected by June. Athletes will be surveyed through an electronic questionnaire that asks about nail appearance, discomfort during training or competition, impact on performance, and previous treatments. The anonymous survey captures how toenail fungal infections affect daily activities, confidence and athletic function.
Future study phases will focus on advanced diagnostic tools and enhanced treatment protocols with applications extending beyond professional athletics. The research could particularly benefit military personnel and other groups facing similar risks from repetitive foot trauma, shared equipment and challenging physical environments.
