Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

Yes, toenail fungus is contagious. Here are the key points about how it can spread:

  1. Toenail fungus can spread through contact with an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces.
  2. Common ways it spreads include:
    • Walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, and showers
    • Sharing personal items like towels, socks, shoes, or nail care tools
    • Contact with contaminated household surfaces
  3. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making feet particularly susceptible.
  4. While it can spread to other people, it’s unlikely to spread to other body parts beyond the affected toenail.
  5. To prevent spreading toenail fungus:
    • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
    • Don’t share personal items like towels or shoes
    • Keep feet clean and dry
    • Disinfect showers and bathroom floors after use
    • Wear clean, breathable socks
  6. The risk of transmission increases the longer an infection goes untreated.
  7. While contagious, toenail fungus typically requires prolonged or repeated exposure to spread, unlike more easily transmissible conditions like colds.

To minimize the risk of contracting or spreading toenail fungus, practice good foot hygiene and seek treatment promptly if you notice any signs of infection.

The following post will help you understand how toenail fungus is transmitted and how to reduce the risk of contagiousness.

How can I prevent toenail fungus from spreading?

To prevent toenail fungus from spreading, you can take the following precautions:

  1. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them daily with soap and water, and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
  2. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, and showers. Wear flip-flops or shower sandals in these places.
  3. Change your socks daily, especially if your feet get sweaty. Choose moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry.
  4. Alternate your shoes daily to allow them to dry out completely between uses.
  5. Use antifungal powder in your shoes to prevent fungal growth.
  6. Keep your toenails short and trimmed straight across.
    Sanitize nail clippers and other pedicure tools before use.
  7. Don’t share personal items like towels, socks, shoes, or nail care tools.
  8. Choose breathable footwear made of materials like leather, canvas, or mesh.
  9. If you get pedicures, ensure the salon properly sanitizes their tools.
  10. Consider using an over-the-counter antifungal cream on your feet, especially if you’ve had fungal infections before.
  11. If you have athlete’s foot, treat it promptly to prevent it from spreading to your nails.
  12. Check your feet and nails regularly for early signs of infection.
  13. If you have toenail fungus, avoid going barefoot at home to prevent spreading it to others.

Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of toenail fungus spreading to yourself or others.

How is toenail fungus actually contracted?

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is typically contracted in the following ways:

Direct contact with infected surfaces

Walking barefoot in damp public areas like swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms can expose your feet to fungi.

Skin or nail injuries

Minor injuries to the skin or nails can create entry points for fungi to invade.

Warm, moist environments

Fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions. Wearing tight, non-breathable shoes or having sweaty feet creates an ideal environment for fungal growth.

Spread from other fungal infections

If you have athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), the fungus can spread from the skin between your toes to your toenails.

Contact with infected individuals

The fungus can spread through direct contact with someone who has a fungal nail infection.

Contaminated tools

Using unsterilized nail care tools, such as those at nail salons, can transmit fungi from one person to another.

Weakened immune system

People with compromised immune systems due to conditions like diabetes or medications are more susceptible to fungal infections.

Age

Older adults are more prone to toenail fungus, possibly due to reduced blood circulation and more years of exposure to fungi.

It’s important to note that fungi are normally present in the environment and can enter through small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin. Maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas can help reduce the risk of contracting toenail fungus.

How can I prevent toenail fungus from spreading?

To prevent toenail fungus from spreading, you can take the following precautions:

  • Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them daily with soap and water, and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
  • Wear flip-flops or shower sandals in public areas like gyms, locker rooms, pools, and showers to avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
  • Change your socks daily, especially if your feet get sweaty. Use moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry.
  • Alternate your shoes daily to allow them to dry out completely between uses.
  • Use antifungal powder or spray in your shoes to prevent fungal growth.
  • Keep your toenails short and trimmed straight across.
  • Avoid sharing personal items like nail clippers, shoes, socks, or towels.
  • Choose breathable footwear made of materials like leather, canvas, or mesh.
  • If you get pedicures, ensure the salon sterilizes their tools properly, or bring your own nail polish.
  • Treat any fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, promptly to prevent spread to the nails.
  • If you’ve had a fungal infection, consider replacing old footwear or disinfecting it with a UV shoe sanitizer.
  • Check your feet and nails regularly for any signs of infection, and seek treatment early if you notice changes.

Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading toenail fungus.

What are the best antifungal powders to use in shoes?

Here are some of the best antifungal powders to use in shoes:

Friendly Foot Organic Shoe Odor Eliminating Powder

This all-natural powder is antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic. It absorbs sweat and moisture while rebalancing your shoe’s pH to eliminate odors.

Zeasorb Antifungal Treatment Powder

Specifically designed for athlete’s foot, this powder effectively keeps feet dry and protected throughout the day. It requires only a light application to be effective.

Abzorb Antifungal Powder

This powder treats fungal infections and is particularly useful in areas prone to heat, friction, or excess moisture. It should be applied 2-3 times daily to dry areas.

Candid Antifungal Dusting Powder

This powder acts directly on the fungal cell membrane, helping to control infections caused by sweat and moisture. It also provides relief from itching and skin irritation.

Remedy Phytoplex Antifungal Powder

This talc-free powder is designed to treat common fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot. It stays in place for an extended period, helping to relieve itching, burning, and irritation.

When using these powders, keep your feet clean and dry, change socks daily, and allow shoes to dry out between uses. Apply the powder to your feet and the inside of your shoes for best results. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.

How long does it take for toenail fungus to go away?

The duration for toenail fungus to go away varies depending on the treatment method and severity of the infection. Here are the key points about treatment timelines:

Complete cure can take several months to over a year, regardless of the treatment method used

Oral antifungal medications:

  • Usually considered the most effective treatment
  • Typically taken for about 6-12 weeks
  • Cure the infection in 2-3 months for fingernails and about 3 months for toenails

Topical treatments (nail polishes, creams):

  • Generally less effective than oral medications
  • Takes up to a year or more to show results
  • Often used for mild cases or when oral medications aren’t suitable

Even after the fungus is eliminated, it takes time for the damaged nail to grow out completely:

  • Fingernails typically grow out in 4-6 months
  • Toenails take longer, usually 12-18 months

Laser treatments

Laser treatments are a newer option, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and duration.

Combination therapies

Combination therapies (e.g., oral medication plus topical treatment) may be more effective and potentially faster than single treatments alone.

Treatment success rates vary:

  • Antifungal treatments are effective in about 60-80% of cases
  • Recurrence is possible, even after successful treatment

Patience is key when treating toenail fungus. Consistent application of the prescribed treatment and following your healthcare provider’s instructions are crucial for the best outcomes. Even after the fungus is eliminated, the nail may take additional time to regain its normal appearance.

Final word

Toenail fungus is a contagious condition that can spread from one person to another through sharing personal objects or items.

Fungal infections can be contracted in public areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or showers. Therefore, it is recommended that you refrain from walking barefoot when visiting such places.

By following excellent hygiene measures, you can reduce the risk of getting a fungal infection down to a minimum and enjoy healthy toenails.

References
[1] Fungal nail infections. Patient information from the BMJ Group. 2016. Retrieved from: http://bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice/pdf/patient-summaries/532246.pdf
[2] Guidelines for treatment of onychomycosis. British Journal of Dermatology, 2003, 148: 402-410. Retrieved from: http://www.mycology.adelaide.edu.au/downloads/Onychomycosis.pdf
[3] Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis): a never-ending story? US National Library of Medicine, 2014, 10(6). Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4047123/