Is nail fungus a big deal?

Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed.

What happens if nail fungus is left untreated?

A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

Can fungal nail ever be cured?

With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail(s) may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.

Is toenail fungus worth treating?

Treatment isn't always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it's unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it's not worth treating. Whether you decide to have treatment or not, you should still practise good foot hygiene (see below) to stop the infection getting worse or spreading to others.

Can you live with nail fungus?

Fortunately, for most healthy adults toenail fungus doesn't pose any serious health risks. Toenail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As the infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge.

Meet a Toenail Fungus Expert

Should I worry about nail fungus?

Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed.

How contagious is nail fungus?

Yes, many types of toenail fungi, including tinea unguium, are quite contagious. You can spread the fungus to someone else through direct contact. You can also get toenail fungus by touching an infected surface.

Is it OK to not treat toenail fungus?

The problem with not treating toenail fungus goes beyond continued discomfort and discoloration. If the fungus is allowed to continue growing, it can penetrate the skin under the nail and ultimately infect the toe itself. From there, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Can I ignore toenail fungus?

If you have a case of toenail fungus, please do not ignore this problem. Serious complications can arise if you do not have the fungus treated, including foot pain, widespread infection, the loss of your nail and more.

Can toenail fungus go away forever?

Maybe it doesn't hurt, and the yellow, thick nails don't bother you. But nail fungus doesn't go away by itself. And if you don't treat it, there's a chance it could get worse.

Can you put nail polish over fingernail fungus?

Nail polish gives fungus an environment to thrive in. Non-medicated nail polish can be applied over antifungal nail polish. But it is best to avoid non-medicated nail polish entirely when you want your fungal infection to clear up. Non-medicated nail polish will make the antifungal treatment penetrate the nails slower.

How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?

Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments.

If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion. Even if this clears up your symptoms, it's common for the infection to come back.

What are the stages of toenail fungus?

Can nail fungus go away naturally?

Home remedies are typically not effective for treating toenail fungal infections. While some options may help temporarily suppress milder infections, they are unlikely to treat the infection. Instead, people should use prescription-strength oral and topical antifungal medications.

Will nail bed grow back after fungus?

Toenails and fingernails protect your skin, but you might lose a nail due to trauma, fungus, or other reasons. Most nails grow back, although the rate of regrowth can vary from person to person. It might take several months or a year to grow back.

What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

Terbinafine for toenail fungus treatment

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time.

How common is toenail fungus?

Nail fungus is common, and anyone can get it. However, some people have a higher risk of developing a fungal nail infection. Your age, health, and even your lifestyle can increase your risk.

How do you live with toenail fungus?

Wear dry socks that absorb moisture. Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails.

How long can fungus live on toenails?

As fungal spores can stay dormant but viable for up to three months in their favoured environments, your family may still remain vulnerable long after you've started covering up your feet or taking other protective measures.

Can you get a pedicure if you have toe fungus?

A manicure and pedicure won't hurt (or help) an existing fungal infection, but it's possible to spread it to other salon clients. Your best course is to alert the staff ahead of time so they may sterilize the equipment, including nail files and nail clippers, after use.

Can nail fungus enter bloodstream?

Toenail fungus, after all, is hardly life-threatening. “It feeds on the skin; it doesn't go into the bloodstream, doesn't spread to other parts of the body,” says Dr. Richard Scher, nail specialist and professor of dermatology at Columbia University.

Can toenail fungus spread through bed sheets?

If you share a bed with another person, the fungus may transfer to them via shared linens. Wearing clean socks to bed and washing sheets regularly minimizes transmission risk.

What are 3 signs of a fungal nail infection?

How long does a nail fungus take to go away?

If they are treated properly, fungal toenail infections typically take several months of treatment to heal. Since the healing properties of fungal nail treatments work as your nail grows, the speed at which your nails grow makes a difference. In general, it takes around 3-6 months to see results.

How do you know if toenail fungus is severe?

If your nail gets brittle and breaks easily, it's a sign the fungal infection is changing the composition of the nail. If it becomes soft and chalky and starts to crumble away, the infection is starting to become severe.