Can nail fungus spread? Is it possible to infect those around you? Your loved ones, family, and friends? The answer is yes! And very easily too! But what is it that makes nail fungus so easily spreadable, and how do we stop this epidemic?
How does nail fungus spread?
It’s the fungal spores, which are present in every case of nail fungus. Fungal spores are the reproductive units of fungi, and they can travel airborne, moving from toenail to toenail. These fungal spores can take root in your shoes, socks, carpet, shower floors, and tiles if not disinfected and treated. Your shared common areas can become war zones of infectious fungal spores if a family member or roommate is harboring nail fungus.
Carpets are infamous for nail fungus as well. Children love taking off their socks and shoes and running barefoot on long carpets while playing. And nail fungus is blind to children’s innocence. Nail fungus is something that can infect the young, old, sick, and healthy. If you yourself are a victim of nail fungus and are currently seeking treatment, it is important to treat all of your nails, not just the infected ones. While it may be tempting to take the easy way out of treating only the infected nails, fungal spores can exist undetected under the other nails, and if not killed preemptively, they will simply activate later to begin another infection.
How common is it for nail fungus to spread?
According to doctors who specialize in nail disorders, about one out of every twenty-four cases of nail fungus will spread to other parts of the body, such as the fingernails, hands, back, and legs. Elderly individuals and/or those who take medications that weaken immunity are more susceptible to the spread of fungus.
Furthermore, if you allow the problem to persist and go untreated, the fungus will progressively move from the cuticle (where it typically originates) to the tip of the nail. It can also cause the nails to thicken, become discolored, brittle, and become inflamed and/or painful.
If you believe your nail fungus is spreading, seek medical attention. The best course of action is to see a nail doctor to determine if it is a nail fungus. Ask your doctor questions on how to prevent the spread of nail fungus. Learn ways to avoid getting nail fungus.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can get toenail fungus, your family members may be more likely to catch it if they:
- Walk barefoot in shared showers or bathrooms
- Share socks, shoes, towels, or nail tools
- Have small cuts on their feet
- Have conditions like diabetes or reduced circulation
- Have weakened immune systems
Other infections
The fungus may also spread to the skin, in which case the infection is now considered an athlete’s foot. If you have an infection on your toes, it is important to have socks on in order to prevent the infection from getting on your clothes and or underwear, or else you run the risk of passing the infection to your genitals.
The fungal infection is also able to spread to other people, especially people who live in your household. If you or someone does have a toenail fungus, avoid using the same socks and shoes, or using shower sandals in the shower. Though it is less likely for a nail infection to spread to other people, it is important to take simple precautions to keep those around you safe from contracting the fungus as well.
If you have nail fungus or its symptoms, don’t let it get worse. Consult with your healthcare provider or your local podiatrist. You may contact us to schedule a free consultation with our doctors.
Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
If you have caught nail fungus, do not underestimate its infectious nature and get it treated as soon as possible. The most effective treatment for toenail fungus is the PinPointe laser, which is FDA approved and typically works in just one treatment. Treatment with the PinPointe laser will kill all of the fungus under your nails so that you don’t have to worry about giving the fungus to the people around you.
Our nail doctor in Las Vegas, NV, recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful. If you have nail fungus, the most important step is to get the right treatment. Contact us today at (800) 672-0625 to schedule a free consultation for the PinPointe laser treatment with one of our doctors at one of our over 160 locations.
