Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

When toenail fungus makes the nail yellow, thick, or cracked, many people don’t know it’s an infection. Some feel unsure where it came from, and others worry about spreading it. Because the answer to “is toenail fungus contagious” is yes, it’s important to know how it spreads and how to stop it. Here, we tell you all.

Can Toenail Fungus Spread?

Toenail fungus can spread very easily when the right conditions exist. The fungus lives on the skin and under the nail, where it is warm and moist. It can move from one toe to another or from one person to another. Once it spreads, it can stay for a long time if you do not seek toenail fungus treatments in Phoenix.

How Does Toenail Fungus Spread From Person to Person?

Toenail fungus spreads from one person to another through contact with infected skin or objects. It can live in many places and move easily without being seen. The infection often enters the nail through small cuts or cracks.

Here’s how it spreads:

• Walking barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, or around swimming pools.
• Sharing nail clippers, files, or other foot care tools.
• Wearing someone else’s shoes or socks.
• Using shared towels or bath mats.
• Touching your infected toenail, then touching another nail or skin.
• Living with someone who has toenail fungus and sharing the same floor or bathroom.
• Reusing shoes or socks that still carry fungus after infection.
• Letting your feet stay wet or sweaty for long periods.
• Skipping treatment and allowing the infection to grow and spread to other toes or people.

How to Prevent the Spread if You Already Have It

To stop toenail fungus from spreading to others or other parts of your body, follow these simple steps:

• Do not share socks, shoes, towels, or nail tools with others.
• Wash your feet every day with soap and water.
• Dry your feet completely.
• Use clean socks made of cotton or other breathable materials.
• Change your socks if they get sweaty during the day.
• Let your shoes dry fully before wearing them again.
• Use antifungal spray or powder inside your shoes if needed.
• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, gyms, and pool areas.
• Clean your bathroom floors, showers, and tubs often.
• Keep your toenails trimmed and clean.
• Start treatment when you notice symptoms.
• Finish the full treatment, even if your nail looks better.
• Wash your hands after you touch an infected nail.