Nail fungus is a common problem, especially toenail fungus. It’s unsightly and can be difficult to get rid of, leading many people to wonder about potential causes and exacerbating factors.
One common question is: can nail polish contribute to or spread nail fungus? The short answer is that nail polish doesn’t directly cause nail fungus, but it can create an environment where fungus is more likely to thrive and spread.
This article will explore the connection between fungus and nail polish, including how nail fungus spreads, what you can do to prevent it, and what treatments are available if you develop a fungal infection in your nails.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis by doctors, is a fungal infection that can affect your fingernails and toenails.
Fungus loves to grow in warm, damp, dark places, like inside your shoes, in sweaty socks, or in public locker rooms. So, if you’re prone to getting athlete’s foot (another type of fungal infection), you may be more likely to get nail fungus, too.
If you have nail fungus, which can sometimes occur with gel nails, as seen in gel nail fungus pictures, you may notice that your nails have gotten:
- Thicker than normal
- Brittle or crumbly
- Discolored (yellowish or brownish)
- Distorted in shape
How does nail fungus spread?
Nail fungus can spread through shared spaces, personal contact, or even from one part of your body to another.
Environmental factors
Fungus loves warm, moist environments. That’s why you’re more likely to encounter it in places like swimming pools, showers, and gyms.
Even your socks and shoes can create a breeding ground for fungus. Closed-toe shoes and socks can trap moisture against your skin, which promotes fungal growth.
Person-to-person contact
Sharing personal items can also spread nail fungus. Nail clippers and files may harbor fungal spores. Sharing towels can also spread fungus, as the spores can live on the fabric.
Spread to other parts of the body
Nail fungus may begin in one nail, but it can easily spread to other nails. It can also spread to the skin on your feet, leading to athlete’s foot. From there, it can spread to other areas of the body, such as the groin (jock itch) or the scalp (ringworm).
Nail polish and nail fungus: The direct link
Can your nail polish habit cause nail fungus?
Here’s the truth about nail polish, nail fungus, and how they might be related.
Nail polish as a contributing factor
Nail fungus loves to grow in dark, damp places. When you wear nail polish, it blocks the flow of air to the nail bed, making it less breathable.
Nail polish can also trap moisture against the nail, which creates the perfect environment for a fungus to thrive.
The role of nail polish ingredients
Nail polish contains chemicals that can weaken your nails, which can make them more likely to develop fungal infections.
Nail polish removal
If you use harsh nail polish removers a lot, they can dry out your nails and make them weak and brittle. When your nails are in poor condition, you have a higher risk of developing an infection.
However, it’s important to note that nail polish is not always the culprit when it comes to nail fungus. Sometimes, nail fungus can develop for other reasons. In some cases, the infection may even be unrelated to nail polish.
How nail care tools spread nail fungus
You might not realize it, but your nail care tools could be spreading nail fungus from one nail to another or from one person to another.
Sharing tools: A major risk
You should never share nail clippers, files, buffers, cuticle pushers, or nail polish with anyone else. Sharing nail care tools can spread fungus and other infections from person to person.
How to clean and sterilize your tools
Cleaning and sterilizing your nail care tools after each use is an important way to prevent spreading fungus.
To clean your tools, wash them with soap and water to remove any visible debris. Then, disinfect them with rubbing alcohol or a sterilizing solution. You can also sterilize metal tools in boiling water for 10 minutes.
If you go to a salon for manicures and pedicures, make sure the salon sterilizes its tools between clients. You can also bring your own tools to the salon to be extra safe.
Nail salon safety: What to look for
When you get a manicure or pedicure, you want to feel pampered, not worried about safety. Here are a few ways to check out a nail salon before you settle in for your appointment.
Hygiene practices
Pay close attention to whether the salon is clean and sanitary. Are the workstations clean? Does the salon use an autoclave to sterilize equipment?
Single-use items
Many items, such as nail files, buffers, and pedicure tub liners, should be used only once and then thrown away. Pay attention to whether the salon uses disposable versions of these items.
Scheduling considerations
It’s a good idea to schedule your appointment earlier in the day. That way, you can be more confident that the tools have been freshly sterilized.
Being proactive about nail salon safety can help you enjoy your treatments with greater peace of mind.
Treating nail fungus
Treating nail fungus is a long game, and the treatment you choose depends on the severity of the infection.
Topical treatments
When the infection is mild, you can try topical treatments like nail polishes and creams, including using a fungi nail ointment. These can take up to a year to fully clear the infection. One common medication is ciclopirox. After one year of use, ciclopirox nail polish cleared the infection in about 30% of people.
Topical treatments are often recommended when only a small part of the nail is infected, or when treating children. They’re also used for superficial onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection of the surface of the nail.
Oral medications
Oral medications, like tablets of terbinafine and itraconazole, are more effective than topical treatments. However, they also carry a higher risk of side effects.
Terbinafine is generally preferred over itraconazole for infections caused by dermatophytes (a type of fungus). It’s vital that you discuss potential side effects and drug interactions with your doctor before starting an oral medication.
Other treatments
For severe cases, laser therapy and surgical removal of the nail are other options to consider.
Talk to your doctor
It’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. The best treatment choice depends on many factors, including the severity of the infection, your age, your overall health, and potential side effects. A healthcare professional can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the best course of action for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What deficiency causes nail fungus?
Nail fungus isn’t directly caused by a specific vitamin or mineral deficiency. It’s primarily caused by fungal organisms invading the nail. However, a weakened immune system, which can be related to certain deficiencies, may make you more susceptible to infection.
Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have toenail fungus?
While you don’t necessarily need to throw away all your shoes, it’s a good idea to disinfect them, especially those you wear frequently. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so shoe sanitation can help prevent reinfection. Use antifungal sprays or powders regularly.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have some antifungal properties. While not a proven cure, anecdotal evidence suggests it can help reduce the growth of fungus in some cases. It’s worth trying as a complementary treatment, but don’t rely on it as your sole solution.
Can I wear nail polish if I have nail fungus?
It’s generally not recommended to wear nail polish if you have nail fungus. Nail polish can trap moisture and create a darker, more favorable environment for the fungus to thrive. It can also make it harder to monitor the progress of your treatment. If you do wear polish, remove it frequently and allow your nails to breathe.
Can you get fungus from wearing nail polish too long?
Wearing nail polish for extended periods doesn’t directly cause a fungal infection, but it can increase the risk. As mentioned above, polish can trap moisture and prevent the nail from breathing, creating an environment where fungus can flourish. It’s best to take breaks between manicures to allow your nails to stay healthy and dry.
Conclusion
Even though nail polish doesn’t directly cause nail fungus, it can create the kind of environment where fungus can grow and thrive. When you wear nail polish frequently, especially if you’re using low-quality products, your nails may not get enough air, which can create a breeding ground for fungus.
Preventative measures are key. Always practice good nail hygiene, and don’t share nail clippers or other tools with other people. When you go to a salon, choose one that you know is clean and reputable.
If you think you have nail fungus, it’s important to get help from a professional. Over-the-counter treatments don’t always work, and a doctor can give you a prescription for medications, creams, or even laser therapy that can eliminate the fungus and help your nails heal.