Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by several different types of fungi. It can cause your toenails to thicken, discolor, and even crumble.
But what happens if you accidentally eat some toenail fungus? It’s a question that might make you feel a little queasy. While the thought of eating toenail fungus might seem alarming, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and understand the real risks involved.
This article aims to clarify what might happen if you ingest toenail fungus, address common concerns, and outline the necessary steps you should take.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that affects toenails. The medical term for it is onychomycosis.
Fungi love to grow in dark, moist places, such as:
- showers
- locker rooms
- shoes
The most common causes of toenail fungus are:
- exposure to fungus in public places
- poor foot hygiene
- wearing tight shoes
Symptoms of toenail fungus
- discoloration (nails may turn yellow or brown)
- thickening (nails may become abnormally thick and hard to trim)
- brittleness (nails may become brittle, crumbly, or ragged)
- distorted shape (the shape of the nail may change)
What happens when you swallow toenail fungus?
No one wants to eat toenail fungus. But accidents happen. Let’s say you’re clipping your nails, and one flies into your mouth. What happens?
Stomach acid to the rescue
Your stomach acid is a powerful barrier. It’s designed to kill most of the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that enter your body. The high acidity breaks down the cell walls of the fungus.
Potential gastrointestinal effects
It’s very unlikely you’ll develop a fungal infection from swallowing toenail fungus, especially if you’re generally healthy. Your immune system is ready to fight off any fungal cells that survive the trip through your stomach.
In rare cases, you might have some mild gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. That’s more likely if you swallow a large amount of fungus.
There’s also a small chance of an allergic reaction, which could cause a skin rash, itching, or swelling.
What affects the outcome?
A compromised immune system could, theoretically, increase the risk of infection, but that’s still very unlikely.
The amount you swallow also matters. A tiny bit of toenail fungus is less likely to cause a problem than a large amount.
Risks and complications
What could happen if you accidentally ingest toenail fungus?
Mycotoxins
Some fungi create mycotoxins, which can be harmful if you ingest them. However, research suggests that the types of fungi that cause toenail fungus (usually Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) do not generally produce significant amounts of mycotoxins.
Secondary infections
It’s highly unlikely that ingesting toenail fungus would cause a secondary infection somewhere else in your body. Your body’s defenses are usually strong enough to prevent that from happening.
Psychological impact
The biggest risk of eating toenail fungus is the psychological impact. Most people would feel disgust, anxiety, and worry if they accidentally or knowingly ingested toenail fungus. These feelings can be quite strong, even if you have no physical symptoms.
Addressing concerns and misconceptions
Let’s clear up some myths. Eating a little bit of toenail fungus isn’t going to cause a major health crisis for most people. The risk of serious problems is really low.
It’s important to remember that toenail fungus is different from other, more dangerous fungal infections, like certain molds. Those can be harmful if you eat them.
That said, if you’re feeling super anxious or notice any weird symptoms after accidentally ingesting nail fungus, it never hurts to check in with your doctor to put your mind at ease.
How to prevent toenail fungus (for future prevention)
There’s no need to eat toenail fungus, of course. But, if you’re concerned about toenail fungus, here’s how to prevent it.
- Wash and dry your feet carefully every day.
- Choose breathable shoes and socks.
- Don’t walk barefoot in public places like locker rooms and swimming pool decks, as toenail fungus can live on surfaces.
- Trim your toenails frequently.
If you do get toenail fungus, there are several ways to treat it:
- topical treatments you apply to the nail
- oral medications
- laser therapy
- nail removal (in severe cases)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fungus survive in the human body?
Yes, fungi can absolutely survive in the human body. In fact, we all have various types of fungi living in and on us as part of our normal microbiome. However, some fungal infections, like toenail fungus, can be more difficult to treat and eradicate completely.
Will toenail fungus grow out on its own?
Unfortunately, toenail fungus rarely resolves on its own. Without treatment, it tends to persist and can even worsen over time. The affected nail may become thicker, discolored, and even painful. Seeking treatment is crucial to clear the infection.
Can toenail fungus spread to your organs?
While it’s rare, toenail fungus can potentially spread beyond the nail, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it could lead to a systemic fungal infection, affecting other parts of the body, including organs. This is why proper treatment is important.
Can you get a fungal infection from oral contact with toenail fungus?
While direct oral contact with toenail fungus isn’t a common way to get a fungal infection, and the same goes for fingernail fungus to mouth, it’s certainly not recommended. Although unlikely to cause a toenail infection in your mouth (different fungi thrive in different environments), it’s best to avoid this to prevent any potential for infection or contamination.
Is it OK to touch toenail fungus?
Touching toenail fungus isn’t inherently dangerous, but it’s a good idea to avoid prolonged or frequent contact, and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. This helps prevent spreading the fungus to other nails or to other people. Use common sense and good hygiene!
In Summary
Eating toenail fungus isn’t likely to cause you any serious health issues. You probably don’t need to worry about it.
That said, if you’re still concerned or you start experiencing symptoms, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
And of course, the best solution is to avoid getting toenail fungus in the first place. Wash your feet regularly, wear shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe, and avoid walking barefoot in public places.