What Causes Thick Toenails And How To Prevent Them
Thick toenails can be caused by a wide variety of causes, with correct foot hygiene and early intervention key for managing the condition.
Can Nail Fungus Spread To Skin? Prevention And Treatment Tips
Nail fungus can, unfortunately, lead to fungal skin infections. Eventually, the fungal spores in the nail overcome skin defenses and penetrate the tissue, leading to soreness, redness, and swelling.
The purpose of this post is to understand onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail unit, and how it can spread to other parts of the body. By the end, you should have a much better understanding of how the process works and what you can do about it.
Understanding the contagious nature of toenail fungus
Toe nail fungus is a type of contagious infection that spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or people. The condition is common in athletes who regularly exercise and experience consistent exposure to moisture inside their shoes. It also thrives in warm and moisture environments, like swimming pools, changing rooms and public showers, making these areas high-risk.
Fungal toenail infections usually spread when you touch someone with the condition. This direct contact transfers fungal spores from their skin to yours, initiating the infection.
You can also get it from contaminated surfaces and, perhaps more commonly, shared items, like socks, towels, nail grooming products and footwear.
Can Nail Fungus Spread to Skin?
Unfortunately, nail fungus can spread to the skin surrounding the nails, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot (in the case of the toes). This process occurs over time.
Interestingly, it can also happen the other way around. Existing skin infections can lead to fungal nail infections since both types of tissue are susceptible to infection.
What about other parts of the body?
Nail fungus spreads to the skin in a few ways. We already mentioned “direct contact,” where the nail and the skin are side-by-side. However, it can also happen due to transfer.
This latter form of spreading occurs when you touch the fungus, and then transfer it via the hands to another part of the body. For example, you might itch your feet, spreading the spores.
How to treat toenail fungus?
So, what can you do about yellow toenails? Fortunately, modern medicine has some treatments.
Most doctors will recommend a two-pronged approach. For mild infections, they will provide you with antifungal cream and topical treatments. These medications penetrate the nails (and skin if necessary), deactivating the fungal cells and preventing them from causing harm.
If the fungal infection is more established or in the blood, then they may put you on oral antifungals. These medications are quite strong with numerous side effects, so you should only use them if you can’t deal with the infection topically.
Prevention as the best medicine
Of course, prevention is the best medicine. You want to do everything you can to prevent an infection in the first place.
Fortunately, there are numerous strategies you can employ.
Wear The Right Footwear
You’ll want to start by ensuring that you’re wearing the right footwear. A lot of older people or those who exercise often will put on the same shoes every day and sweat into them, increasing the risk of infection.
You can deal with this by washing your socks and changing shoes on a rotation. You can also start buying new shoes when old ones wear out.
Use Antifungal Sprays
Another tactic is to use antifungal sprays, especially if you have fungus on skin. These sprays get to work immediately and kill live fungus and spores over time.
Manufacturers will usually recommend that you spray your shoes with these products and then leave them somewhere to air. Once dry, you’re free to wear them.
Maintain Foot Hygiene
You should also focus on maintaining foot hygiene as a preventative strategy. Keeping your feet clean reduces the risk of fungal buildup that could lead to infection.
For example, when you finish at the gym, take off your shoes and socks to allow your feet to breathe. Don’t leave them tied up inside sweaty, damp sneakers.
Also, avoid walking barefoot in high-risk public areas, like showers and locker rooms. Bring flip-flops with you if necessary to keep feet clean.
Keep Nails Trimmed
Finally, you’ll want to stay on top of your nail care and keep them trimmed. Shorter nails provide less environment for fungal nail infections to thrive.
When to ask for professional help
If you think you have toenail fungus, see a doctor. Symptoms will usually worsen over time, leading to thicker, more discolored cuticles. You should be especially careful if you have an immunomodulatory disease, like diabetes, as fungal infections can spread and become worse with weakened immunity.
If you notice any serious spreading of infection, seek professional healthcare immediately.
FAQs
Can toenail fungus spread to other nails?
Yes. It often starts in one nail and spreads to others, and in some serious cases to the skin, if untreated.
Can toenail fungus spread to my hands?
Yes. Nail biting, scratching, or touching infected toenails can spread fungus to the skin.
Is nail fungus dangerous?
It’s usually not life-threatening but can cause discomfort, pain, and bacterial infections if ignored.
Swissklip Team
Our blog is authored by the Swissklip founders alongside our trusted medical advisors. What began as a heartfelt solution for Opa’s thick toenails blossomed into a full line of premium self-care tools, all designed with quality and safety in mind. Working closely with podiatrists and dentists, we ensure every article carries medical-grade insights you can trust. Expect practical, expert-backed advice every time.
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