Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common condition where a fungal infection affects your fingernails or toenails. It can cause discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail.
Many people wonder, can fingernail fungus spread to the mouth? It’s a common concern, but also a source of some misunderstandings. While nail fungus is contagious, the ways it spreads might not be what you think.
Let’s take a closer look at how nail fungus spreads and what risks, if any, it poses to your mouth and overall health. We’ll clear up some of the confusion and give you the facts you need to know.
Understanding Nail Fungus
What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is often caused by dermatophytes but can also be caused by yeasts and molds. This frustrating condition can cause:
- Yellowing, whitening, or browning of the nail
- Thickening and brittleness
- Separation from the nail bed
How Does Nail Fungus Spread?
Nail fungus is contagious. It can spread through direct contact or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
You can get nail fungus from:
- Sharing personal items, such as nail clippers and towels
- Walking barefoot in public areas, like gyms and swimming pools
Because nail fungus is contagious, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people.
The likelihood of nail fungus spreading to the mouth
The good news is that nail fungus is unlikely to spread to your mouth. In general, you need direct contact for the fungus to spread.
Because of hygiene practices and your body’s natural defenses, it’s rare for nail fungus to spread to the mouth. Your mouth has its own microbiome that fights off fungal infections, making it difficult for nail fungus to take hold.
In rare cases, nail fungus could spread to the mouth if you have a compromised immune system and bite your nails to an extreme. Even in that scenario, the mouth isn’t the most likely place for the fungus to spread; you’re more likely to see it on the skin around your nails or face.
Risk Factors and Prevention
While it’s unlikely for nail fungus to spread to your mouth, you should still take steps to minimize your risk of getting a nail fungus infection.
Risk factors for nail fungus
You may be more likely to get a nail fungus infection if you:
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have poor circulation
- Have diabetes
- Sweat excessively
- Have psoriasis
- Have injured nails
Preventative measures
Good hygiene is important when it comes to preventing nail fungus.
To minimize your risk of infection, you can:
- Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces
- Wear shower shoes in public areas
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as nail clippers or towels
- Keep your feet and hands dry
- Trim your nails carefully
Treatment Options for Nail Fungus
If you think you have nail fungus, it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a doctor or other health professional.
Common treatments for nail fungus include essential oil blends.
- Topical antifungal treatments you apply to the nail
- Oral antifungal medications you swallow
- Laser treatments
- Surgical removal of the nail (only in the most severe cases)
It’s essential to see a health professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Limitations of over-the-counter treatments
Over-the-counter treatments like Monistat 7 are easy to find and use, but they typically aren’t strong enough to get rid of nail fungus because it’s hard to penetrate the nail bed with topical medications.
If your infection is severe or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, you may want to consider options like Fungi Nail Liquid or see a doctor to get a prescription for medication that can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pass on a fungal nail infection?
Yes, fungal nail infections are contagious. They can spread through direct contact with an infected nail, or indirectly through shared objects like nail clippers, towels, or even walking barefoot in public showers or locker rooms. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items can help prevent the spread.
Can you breathe in nail fungus?
While it’s unlikely you’d inhale nail fungus spores in significant quantities, it’s theoretically possible if infected nail particles are aerosolized. However, this is not a common route of transmission, and the risk of infection from inhaling nail fungus is very low.
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
Unfortunately, getting rid of nail fungus quickly is challenging. Treatment typically requires patience and consistency. Over-the-counter antifungal medications may help for mild cases, but prescription oral or topical medications are often necessary for more severe infections. Consult a doctor for the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
Will fingernail fungus grow out?
Fingernail fungus won’t simply grow out on its own without treatment. As the nail grows, the infection will likely spread further down the nail bed. Effective treatment is necessary to eliminate the fungus and allow healthy, uninfected nail to grow in its place.
Can nail fungus spread to your mouth?
While not a direct route of transmission, it is possible to indirectly introduce nail fungus to your mouth. For example, if you touch your infected nail and then touch food that you eat, the fungus could potentially be transferred. However, a healthy immune system usually prevents a fungal infection from developing in the mouth from this type of exposure. Good hygiene practices, like washing your hands, are key to prevent any potential spread.
Closing Thoughts
It’s not likely that nail fungus will spread to your mouth. The fungus that causes nail infections thrives in dark, moist, warm environments, and it’s rare for the fungus to make its way from your hands to your mouth in sufficient quantities to cause an infection.
Still, it’s important to practice good hygiene and take steps to prevent fungal infections. If you think you have a nail fungus infection, you should see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan. They can prescribe antifungal medications or other treatments to help clear up the infection.