Anyone can get toenail or fingernail fungus regardless of age, but it is more common among older people. As we age, nails become more brittle and dry, which increases the likelihood of fungal infection. You may be wondering: Is nail fungus contagious? In this article, we will provide you with scientific information that explains whether nail fungus is contagious or not, in addition to ways to prevent it. But let's first learn about what nail fungus is.

 

**What is nail fungus?**

Nail fungus, scientifically known as "Nail fungus", is a common fungal infection that affects the toenails or fingernails, where the nail changes color to yellow and then becomes darker, and it has a bad smell, and it becomes thick. In severe cases, nail fungus can be painful and cause permanent damage to the nails, and in the worst cases, it can lead to their falling out. There are many factors that contribute to the appearance of nail fungus, such as aging, poor blood circulation in the feet, weak immune system, high humidity, wearing tight shoes for long periods, weak nails, taking some medications, and poor hygiene.

 

**Is nail fungus contagious?**

Yes, nail fungus is a highly contagious health problem, as it spreads easily when touching contaminated surfaces. The chances of infection increase if there is an infected person in your home. The infection spreads when your feet touch contaminated surfaces, such as changing rooms, swimming pools, or public places where people do not wear shoes. The infection can also be transmitted in beauty salons through manicure and pedicure tools, so you must ensure sterilization procedures, as fungi are easily transmitted through unsterilized tools.

 

**How ​​do you know vitamin deficiency from nails?**

Vitamin deficiency can be identified by the appearance of spots on the nails. For example, white spots may indicate a lack of calcium in the diet. Vitamin D deficiency also hinders the absorption of calcium necessary for healthy nails, making them brittle and more prone to breakage.

 

**How ​​do you know the disease through the nails?**

 

The presence of signs such as a white spot on the nails, a pink tinge, waves, or holes may be evidence of a disease in the body.

 

**Is nail fungus dangerous?**

 

In severe cases, nail fungus may be painful and cause permanent changes in the nails, and may lead to other serious types of infections that spread to other parts of the body as a result of a weak immune system, which may occur due to taking certain medications or having diseases such as diabetes.

 

**What are the diseases that affect toenails?**

 

Some diseases that may affect toenails include skin fungi, such as athlete's foot, in addition to chronic health problems that affect the body's immunity, such as diabetes. Exposure to trauma may also cause injury to the toenails.

 

**Should the patient cut his nail infected with fungus?**

 

It is not preferable to cut the infected nail all at once, but rather it should be done gradually, by cutting a small part of the nail each time, starting from one corner of the nail to the other corner in a straight line. In some cases, the nail may be so hard and thick that nail clippers cannot handle it, in which case you should stop using these tools.

 

**What is nail cancer?**

Nail cancer, also known as subungual melanoma or melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the skin under the nail. It is believed that about 1.4% of skin cancers affect the nails.

 

**What vitamin affects nails?**

Vitamin C plays a role in the production of collagen, a protein that helps build nails, hair, and teeth. Vitamin B12 is also considered a nail strengthener.

 

**Does calcium deficiency affect nails?**

Yes, long-term calcium deficiency can lead to dry and brittle skin and nails.

 

**Types of nail fungus**

There are different types of fungi that affect nails, and they differ in symptoms and treatment methods. Here are the four most common types:

 

1. **White superficial onychomycosis**
- A less common type of fungus.
- Limited to toenails.
- Invades the superficial layers of the nail plate.
- The nail becomes easily friable.
- It can be identified by the presence of white spots on the outer nail plate.
- The nail becomes rough, soft, and crumbly.

2. **Proximal subungual onychomycosis**
- An uncommon type of nail fungus.
- The infection occurs when organisms invade the nail through its folds near the cuticle.
- Symptoms include: whitening of the nail, onycholysis, and destruction of the nearby nail plate.
- Common in AIDS patients and is an early sign of HIV infection.

3. **Distal Subungual Onychomycosis**
- Invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate.
- The infection spreads close to the underlying nail matrix.
- The inflammation develops mildly, resulting in separation of the nail from its bed, thickening of the keratin layer, and a change in the color of the nail to yellowish brown.
- It may affect the fingernails or toenails, with toenail infections being the most common.

4. **Candidal Onychomycosis**
- Occurs in patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis resulting from immunodeficiency.
- Characterized by the infection invading the entire nail plate and inflammation around the nail.
- The nail appears bulbous.

 

**How ​​dangerous are nail fungi**

 

The seriousness of nail fungi is evident in ignoring them, which leads to health consequences that go beyond just the external appearance. Possible complications of this infection include:

- **Pain**: Walking may become difficult when wearing shoes.
- **Skin infection**: The fungus can spread to the surrounding skin, leading to a condition known as athlete's foot, and 

It causes itching, redness, and cracking of the skin.
- **Infection spread**: If you have diabetes or any chronic condition that affects your immune system, fungi can lead to cellulitis, a condition that requires treatment with antibiotics due to swelling and redness.
- **Nail loss**: Infected nails can separate from their bed, a condition known as onycholysis.

 

**Types of nail fungus**

 

- **Distal lateral fungi**: Appears as yellow spots that start from the edges and spread toward the center of the nail.
- **White superficial fungi**: Starts as white spots and then turns the nail into powder, causing it to break.
- **Central fungi**: Appears as white spots in the center of the nail, and is more common in people with weak immunity or AIDS.
- **Candida fungi**: May appear more on fingernails, causing swelling and inflammation in the area surrounding the nail, and may lead to its separation.

 

**Common Ways of Transmission of Foot Fungus**

 

Wondering how the infection is transmitted, here are the most prominent ways:

- **Walking barefoot** in public and humid places such as swimming pools, gyms, and showers.
- **Using nail salon tools**: Sterilization procedures must be ensured, as fungi can be transmitted through unsterilized tools such as scissors and nail files.
- **Direct contact** with a person infected with a fungal infection in the foot.
- **Transmission** of the infection from the nails to other areas of the body such as adjacent nails, the skin between the toes, the groin area, and the scalp.

 

**Is nail fungus contagious?**

 

There are two cases that must be addressed: the possibility of nail fungus being transmitted to other areas of the body of an infected person, and the possibility of the infection being transmitted from an infected person to another uninfected person. Here are the details:

 

1. **Transmission of nail fungus to other areas of the body**: Doctors confirm that the possibility of fungal transmission is high, and it can happen as follows:
- Fungi can be transmitted from the foot to the nails.
- Fingernail fungus can easily be transmitted from one finger to another. 
- Toenail fungus can be transmitted from one finger to another, often starting with the big toe. 
- Fungus can spread from the nails to the area between the fingers, causing the skin to become red, cracked, and dry.

Nail fungus can spread to other areas of the body, such as the scalp or palms, as a result of the infected nails rubbing against those areas. Although this is very rare, doctors recommend washing your hands immediately after touching the fungus, and avoiding touching any other areas of the body if you suffer from fingernail fungus.

**The possibility of nail fungus being transmitted from one person to another**
Doctors indicate that the possibility of nail fungus being transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person is very low. However, the possibility of its transmission cannot be ruled out through several ways, including:
- Direct contact with an infected person.
- Using personal items of an infected person, such as towels, shoes, socks, or clothing.
- Using nail polish that an infected person has previously used.
- Using nail clippers by an infected person.
- Touching surfaces contaminated with fungi.
- Walking barefoot in public places such as swimming pools or shared bathrooms.
- Using public locker rooms.
- Showering in shared places such as gyms, swimming pools or hotels.

 

**Ointments for treating nail fungus**

1. **Undecylenic Acid**: It is considered one of the effective ointments in treating nail fungus, as it is extracted from castor oil, known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is available in pharmacies in the form of a liquid or ointment that is applied to the affected area.

2. **Tolnaftate**: It is one of the best ointments for treating nail fungus, whether in the fingernails or toenails. It is available in the form of tablets and an ointment that is applied to the affected area three times a day, preferably before bed. The patient may feel better after three days, but it must be used for at least two weeks.

3. **Terbinafine**: It is considered an effective medication in treating nail fungus, and is available in the form of an ointment, spray, and tablets. It is recommended to take one tablet daily for more than three months to eliminate the fungus, although the ointment is considered one of the best treatments.

4. **Clotrimazole**: This medication is known to many who suffer from skin problems or infections in sensitive areas. It has an effective effect in treating nail fungus and getting rid of infections, which helps restore the nails to their natural appearance.

 

**Cases that require a visit to the doctor**

A person should see a doctor if he notices a change in the color of the nail, or if it becomes thick or deformed, or in the following cases:
- Symptoms of nail fungus appear in a person with diabetes.
- Bleeding around the nails.
- Swelling or pain around the nails.
- Difficulty walking.

 

**How ​​to prevent foot fungus infection?**

 

You may wonder about the most important ways to avoid getting or spreading foot fungus. Here are some important tips:

1. **Maintain foot hygiene**: Wash your feet well with soap and water and dry them well, including between the toes. Clean and dry feet and nails are less susceptible to fungus.

2. **Wear appropriate shoes**: It is preferable to use shower shoes or slippers in public places such as swimming pools and locker rooms.

3. **Change socks regularly**: It is important to wear new socks every day, and change shoes from time to time. If you feel your feet sweat while walking or exercising, you should change your socks and shoes as soon as possible.

4. **Trim your nails**: Nails should be cut short and straight, avoiding cutting them incorrectly or cutting the sides of the toes.

5. **Use foot powder**: A medicated powder can be used to maintain 

Dry feet and prevent fungi.

6. **Avoid sharing towels**: Towels should not be shared with others or reused, as fungi can be transmitted. It is preferable to use the towel once and then wash it.

7. **Avoid sharing care tools**: Each person should have their own tools for nail and foot care, such as nail clippers and nail files.

8. **Shower disinfection**: It is important to disinfect the shower after use, as fungi can stick to hard surfaces.

9. **Use antifungal powders**: It is recommended to put antifungal powders or sprays inside the shoes.

10. **Wash sheets regularly**: Sheets and bed covers should be washed regularly, and wear socks that allow air to circulate when sleeping if you share a bed with someone with foot fungus.

 

**What is the treatment for nail fungus?**

 

There are many effective drug treatments for nail fungus, which are usually available in pharmacies in two main forms: topical creams and ointments, in addition to tablets taken orally. There are also some modern treatments such as laser therapy, and traditional methods such as nail removal. The type of appropriate treatment is determined based on the patient's condition, as some cases may require topical treatment only, while others require a combination of topical and oral treatments.

1. **Topical antifungals**: Topical treatments are the first line of defense against fungal infections in the nails, and are usually used in cases of small infections that have not spread. They are also a preferred option for patients who cannot take oral medications. However, their effect is relatively limited, making it best to combine them with oral antifungals. Among the topical treatments used to treat nail fungus:

- Antifungal nail ointment.
- Cream for treating nail fungus.
- Some types of therapeutic nail polish.

Oral antifungals are the preferred choice for doctors to treat fungi, as they are effective and produce faster results compared to topical treatments. Although results appear quickly, treatment usually requires commitment to taking it for a period ranging from 6 to 16 weeks to ensure that the fungal infection of the nails does not return. Despite the effectiveness of these antifungals, they have some warnings, such as not using them by pregnant women or patients with weak liver, heart or kidney function, and they may not be effective in the elderly. The most prominent oral antifungals are: fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine.

As for the process of removing the infected nail, it is considered a last option in cases of severe infection, especially for patients over the age of 60, as traditional treatments may fail to solve the problem, especially in cases accompanied by severe pain. The doctor removes the damaged nail from the roots to enable the healthy nail to grow, which usually takes a long time.

Regarding laser treatment for nail fungus, recent studies have shown that using lasers to treat fungi that affect fingernails and toenails can achieve effective results. Lasers work to raise the temperature of the infected tissue, which helps eliminate the fungus. The patient usually needs 3 to 5 sessions to achieve complete recovery. Although this technique is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is still less effective than topical or oral antifungals, and it is more expensive and has not undergone many experiments yet.

As for natural mixtures to treat nail fungus, there are many home recipes that can help get rid of fungal infections. The most prominent of these recipes are:

1. **Treatment of nail fungus with garlic**: Garlic is considered one of the oldest natural treatments for fungal infections, thanks to its antifungal and antimicrobial elements. It can be used by placing a crushed clove on the infected nails daily for 40 minutes.

2. **Tea tree oil**: Tea tree oil is used in many skin care products due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. A few drops of oil can be applied to the affected nail two to three times daily for effective results.

 

**2- Oral antifungals:**

 

**3- Treating nail fungus with vinegar:** Apple cider vinegar is used to combat the spread of bacteria and fungi that cause fungal infections. All you have to do is soak your nails in a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar for 15 minutes, then wash and dry them. It is recommended to repeat this recipe daily for best results.

**4- Olive oil:** Olive oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties thanks to its oleuropein content. You can apply a little olive oil to the affected nails daily and leave it for at least 30 minutes before washing it with water and drying it well.

** Oregano oil:** It contains a high percentage of thymol, which helps fight harmful bacteria and toxins. It is recommended to use it three times daily.

** Raspberry oil leaves:** This natural extract is rich in anti-inflammatory substances, which helps maintain healthy nails and remove bacteria surrounding them.

**Neem oil:** This oil contains a group of natural elements that contribute to eliminating harmful bacteria that accumulate around the nails and negatively affect them.

 

**The most common nail diseases:**

Nail diseases include a variety of problems that may affect the health and appearance of the nails. Among these diseases, here are the most prominent:

**Nail clubbing:** is a rare condition that affects the growth of skin cells under the nails, which leads to their abnormal proliferation and the formation of a thick layer that puts pressure on the nails, preventing them from nourishing and growing properly. This condition may affect the fingernails or toenails, causing them to separate from the nail bed, and break or crack easily. It is believed that the causes of this 

The condition may be due to immune system disorders, low blood oxygen levels, lung disease, heart problems, liver cirrhosis, or some intestinal problems.

**Nail fungus:** is a fungal infection that affects the nails, causing them to change color to yellow, brown, or green, and increase their thickness, cracking, and separation from the skin. Causes of this infection include repeated exposure to water or chemicals, weak immunity, or blood circulation problems. Treating nail fungus requires patience and perseverance, as it requires the use of oral or topical antifungals for long periods that may reach several months until noticeable improvement appears.

**Pitting nails:** is a condition that affects the appearance and growth of the nails, where small, low dots appear on their surface that resemble pits. These dots may be scattered or grouped, and may be deep reaching the nail bed or superficial and not affect the smoothness of the surface. This condition may be accompanied by changes in the color of the nails to white, yellow, or brown, and a decrease in their shine and hardness. The cause of this condition is still unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a disorder in the growth of nail cells or an autoimmune disease.

**Beau's lines** are concave horizontal lines that appear on the surface of the nails, and may affect one or more nails. The causes of this condition can be due to infections that cause a high body temperature, such as measles, mumps, or pneumonia, or as a result of diseases that affect blood vessels or blood sugar levels. This condition is treated by treating the underlying cause.

**Yellow nail syndrome** is a rare condition characterized by yellow nails, increased thickness and curvature, and may be accompanied by increased hair growth, swelling of the extremities, and shortness of breath. The exact causes of this condition are unknown, but it may be related to chronic lung diseases or immune disorders. Treatment for this condition requires addressing the underlying health problems, and may include the use of antibiotics, antifungals, or medications to treat blockages.

 

**How ​​to take care of nails and avoid diseases:**

Nail health can be maintained by following the following steps:

1. **Trim nails regularly**: Nails should be trimmed gently and in one direction to avoid cracking or splitting. It is preferable to trim nails after showering when they are softer, and avoid cutting them too short to avoid pain or infection.

2. **Avoid nail biting**: You should refrain from biting your nails or using them as tools, as this weakens them and causes deformities in their shape. The mouth contains bacteria that may lead to infections in the nails or the surrounding skin. If you have a habit of biting your nails, you can use nail polish with an unpleasant smell or bitter taste to reduce the desire to do so.

3. **Moisturize nails**: It is recommended to use natural oils such as olive oil, castor oil, or coconut oil to moisturize the nails, which helps nourish them, increase their flexibility, and prevent dryness.

4. **Use light nail polish**: It is preferable to avoid solvents that contain acetone, as they lead to thinning of the nails and removing natural oils from them. Choose nail polish that is free of harmful substances such as formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate, and avoid dark colors that may cause yellowing of nails. Make sure to remove nail polish from time to time to give your nails a rest.

5. **Nail protection**: Nails should be protected from exposure to water or chemicals for long periods, as this weakens them and causes cracks. It is recommended to wear rubber gloves while doing housework, gardening, or cleaning, and nails should be dried well after washing.