Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey Blog Is Nail Fungus Contagious?
Your toes and feet aren’t something you may worry about too often — except when you have embarrassing nail fungus. Fungus on your toenails isn’t just embarrassing though; you may also experience pain and discomfort as well. Treatment is necessary to rid yourself of this unsightly condition.
At the Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey, our team are experts in a lot of different foot conditions, including nail fungus. Our practice consists of three foot and ankle specialists who assist you with the treatment for your nail fungus.
What causes nail fungus?
Fungal infections in your toenails are often due to an overpopulation of fungus that’s present on your foot or nails. But why does this happen?
Many types of fungus thrive in warmth and moisture-ridden environments. Your feet are often enclosed in shoes, where it’s both warm and moist. If the environment is just right, the fungus multiplies, creating a toenail fungal infection over time.
The toenail fungus could be due to an overgrowth of fungus that was already present on your body. You can also contract it from places where others with a fungal infection have been. You’re more at risk for contracting a fungal infection if you have any of the following:
- Circulation problems
- Diabetes
- Injury to your nail
- Weakened immunity
- Are older than 65
- Have artificial nails
You’re also at risk if you wear closed-toed shoes for a majority of the day, or if you’re often at a public swimming pool. When someone in your family already suffers from nail fungus, you’re also at a higher risk for acquiring it as well.
Can your nail fungus be spread?
The simple answer to this is yes. Toenail fungus is actually very contagious, and can be spread by touching infected surfaces. A common fungus is athlete's foot, which is spread when you step barefoot in an infected area, like a locker room or public space.
This means that if someone has a fungal infection that lives in your home, you run the risk of contracting it as well if you walk barefoot where they’ve been. However, it’s extremely uncommon that you would get a toenail fungus from direct contact with someone who has the condition. It would require constant, very close contact in order for it to be spread.
When you go to get your nails done at a salon, it’s important to know how often and what they use to sanitize their tools. Some of the items that are used, such as nail clippers, can spread fungal infections to you if they’re not properly sanitized.
Tips on preventing toenail fungus
If you’re at an increased risk for toenail fungal infections, it’s important that you take the steps necessary to prevent this condition. While fungal infections can be treated using medications and topical creams, they can take awhile to go away.
There also aren’t many reliable over-the-counter treatments either, so the best thing you can do is know how to prevent the fungus from even starting. Here are a few tips on how you can keep your toenails fungus-free:
- Avoid being barefoot in public areas
- Keep your toenails trimmed and clean
- Dry your feet well and keep them dry
- Thoroughly wash your hands after touching a nail with fungus
- Limit use of nail polish and artificial nails
If you enjoy getting your nails done at a salon, you don’t have to stop. However, you should make sure the salon is reputable, and that they sanitize their instruments on a regular basis.
Following these guidelines can greatly reduce your risk of getting a toenail fungal infection. But it doesn’t diminish it completely. If you’re worried about your risk, it’s best to see our doctors to formulate a prevention plan.
If you’re suffering from nail fungus and need treatment, call our office in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, today at 856-266-9572 to schedule a consultation. You can also book an appointment online by sending us a message on our website.
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As a podiatry enthusiast with a deep understanding of foot and ankle conditions, particularly nail fungus, I can confidently provide insights into the content of the article from the Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey Blog. My expertise is based on a comprehensive knowledge of podiatry principles, including the causes, prevention, and treatment of nail fungus.
Nail Fungus Causes: The article highlights that fungal infections in toenails often result from an overpopulation of fungus on the foot or nails. The warm and moist environment inside shoes provides an ideal breeding ground for various types of fungus. Factors contributing to toenail fungus include circulation problems, diabetes, nail injuries, weakened immunity, age (being older than 65), artificial nails, and prolonged use of closed-toed shoes. Additionally, exposure to environments like public swimming pools or shared spaces where individuals with fungal infections have been increases the risk of contracting toenail fungus.
Contagious Nature of Nail Fungus: The article emphasizes that toenail fungus is contagious, primarily through contact with infected surfaces. Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, can be contracted by walking barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public spaces where the infection is present. While direct contact with someone who has toenail fungus is uncommon, the risk increases if there is constant, close contact. The article also mentions the importance of hygiene in places like nail salons, where unsanitized tools such as nail clippers can potentially spread fungal infections.
Prevention Tips for Toenail Fungus: To reduce the risk of toenail fungal infections, the article provides practical tips:
- Avoid being barefoot in public areas.
- Keep toenails trimmed and clean.
- Ensure feet are thoroughly dried and kept dry.
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching a nail with fungus.
- Limit the use of nail polish and artificial nails.
Additionally, the article advises individuals who enjoy nail salon treatments to choose reputable salons that regularly sanitize their instruments.
Conclusion and Call to Action: In conclusion, the article recommends consulting the experts at the Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey for prevention plans and treatment if suffering from nail fungus. The contact information for scheduling a consultation is provided, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional assistance for those experiencing nail fungus.
Given my in-depth knowledge of podiatry and nail fungus, I can confidently endorse the information provided in the article as sound advice for individuals seeking to understand, prevent, and address toenail fungus issues.
