Can toenail fungus come from your blood? Some people wonder if persistent and stubborn toenail fungus infection can be running through their blood stream making it difficult to cure. If you are unsure if you have a toenail fungus, schedule a free consultation with one of our foot doctors.
Can Toenail Fungus Come From Your Blood? Understanding the Real Causes
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, almost always begins on the surface of the skin. It does not begin inside the bloodstream. In most cases, the infection starts when fungal organisms like dermatophytes, yeast, or mold, come into contact with the toenail. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and public pools. When they enter through tiny cracks around the nail, they can begin to grow underneath the nail plate. This leads to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness.
Toenail fungus does not typically spread through the blood. However, certain underlying health conditions can make someone more susceptible to fungal infections in general. Poor circulation, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or other systemic issues can reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections. This allows fungus on the skin, like athlete’s foot, to spread more easily to the toenails. In these cases, the body’s internal health influences the risk of developing a fungal nail infection. Although, the fungus itself still comes from an external source, not the bloodstream.
Can Fungus Travel Through Your Blood?
In very rare circumstances, a severe systemic fungal infection can affect the nails. This is usually seen in people with significantly compromised immune systems. But this is extremely uncommon and not the cause of typical toenail fungus seen in the general population. For most people, prevention involves good foot hygiene, breathable footwear, and addressing athlete’s foot promptly before it spreads to the nails.
If you are experiencing persistent nail discoloration, thickening, or crumbling, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Toenail fungus does not resolve on its own. Effective treatments, such as laser therapy, topical medication, or oral antifungals, can clear the infection and restore healthy nail growth.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus develops when microscopic fungal organisms infect the nail and the skin beneath it. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like inside shoes, locker rooms, or around public pools.
Once an infection begins, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Thick, brittle, or crumbling nails
- Yellow or brown discoloration
- Nail separation from the nail bed
- A foul odor or discomfort when walking
Treatment options for toenail fungus
If you do find yourself with a toenail fungus infection, there are several treatment options recommended by foot doctors. Here are some of the common approaches:
- Topical treatments: Over-the-counter creams can help prevent toenail fungal infections. However, they are not very effective for treating an active infection and have a success rate of less than 10%. These creams are most useful as preventive measures or for mild cases of toenail fungus.
- Oral antifungal medication: Medications are commonly prescribed for more severe cases of toenail fungus. However, they come with potential side effects, including liver toxicity. Routine blood testing to monitor your liver are necessary during the course of treatment, and the average cure rate is only around 60%.
- Laser treatment: The most advanced option for toenail fungus treatment is laser therapy. Laser treatment offers a non-invasive and effective approach to eliminating toenail fungus. Various lasers are available, with differing success rates and FDA approvals. The PinPointe laser treatment, approved by the FDA, is a highly effective option, typically requiring only one session and offering no downtime or pain. It targets the fungus directly, penetrating the nail and killing the infection at its source.
For toenail fungus treatment, we highly recommend the PinPointe Laser as it boasts the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects, can go about your daily activities right after, and is a painless procedure.
Tips to avoid a toenail fungus infection
To avoid toenail fungus, keep your feet clean and dry at all times. Wash them daily with soap and water. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moist environments encourage fungal growth and infection. Wear clean socks every day and change them if they become damp or sweaty.
Choose shoes that allow your feet to breathe and fit properly. Avoid walking barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas. Let your shoes air out between uses to prevent moisture buildup. Consider using antifungal foot powders or sprays for extra protection. Avoid sharing shoes, socks, or towels with others to reduce the risk of spreading fungus. Strengthening your toenails through proper hygiene and care can also help prevent infection.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus can be a persistently stubborn and bothersome infection, and sometimes the signs of the infection are not immediately visible. Identifying the symptoms of a toenail fungus infections is crucial in preventing its spread and addressing it immediately. By maintaining good foot hygiene, recognizing the symptoms of toenail fungus, and seeking appropriate treatment, you can regain healthy and beautiful nails. If you suspect you may have toenail fungus or have any concerns, reach out to our team at 800-672-0625. Our experienced podiatrists can provide expert guidance and recommend the most suitable treatment option for your specific situation.
