Toenail fungus is a type of fungal infection that can be transmitted, especially to family members, but there are steps you can take to prevent the spread of nail fungus.
This blog post will teach you how to prevent nail fungus from spreading in your household.
First I should explain that there are two types of nail fungus that people can get; white superficial onychomycosis (WSO) and subungual (under the nail) onychomycosis (SUO). These conditions can be contracted by anyone, but WSO is much more common.
SUO is contracted by people with poor circulation or who have a compromised immune system. In addition to this, these conditions can be contracted by people with family members who have contracted the fungus.
The nail fungus is caused by dermatophytes, which are commonly found on human skin and in things like soil and sand.
Nail fungus spreads when you come into contact with the dermatophytes.
The following are the most common ways in which you can contract nail fungus; coming into direct contact with an infected person, using rusty equipment such as nail clippers and scissors (which may have been used on someone who is infected) or sharing towels or bathrobes with someone who has the condition.
Obviously, this last way of contracting it is not something you should avoid doing. This is because nail fungus does not spread easily, especially through towels and bathrobes which are regularly washed.
The first two ways are the most likely ways for you to contract nail fungus. If you have family members who have contracted WSO or SUO then it can be passed on to you.
However, there are things that you can do in order to reduce the chances of contracting it from your family members.
How to prevent toenail fungus from spreading to family
- Firstly, I would recommend not sharing nail clippers or scissors with them. This is because these are the types of items that are most likely to become contaminated by dermatophytes and therefore could cause you to contract the fungus.
- Secondly, If you are around them, try not to touch their fingers or toes with your hands or mouth (e.g., if they pass something to you). This is because it may be possible to contract the fungus if you do so.
- Thirdly, avoid using their towels and bathrobes as much as possible. If you do use them, ensure that you wash them thoroughly before use.
If nail fungus does spread to family members then there are several treatment options available;
- You can treat it yourself by filing away the affected nails and applying an anti-fungal cream on a regular basis.
- You could seek assistance from your doctor, who may prescribe you an oral antifungal medication (e.g., terbinafine).
- If this is not sufficient then you might need to see a dermatologist or a podiatrist. In this case, they may administer a procedure such as a laser treatment or nail surgery.
- In some situations, family members with nail fungus may be quarantined from household contact by wearing gloves on their hands and plastic bags over their feet when they are around the house.
- Even though it is possible for you to catch nail fungus from a family member, it is usually not very easy to do so.
Nail fungus is not a life-threatening condition and can easily be treated with some anti-fungal medication or procedures.
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Can you catch toenail fungus from another person?
Yes, several sorts of toenail fungus are highly transmissible. By having close contact, an infected person might pass the disease on to another person. Toenail fungus can also spread through direct contact with a contaminated surface. This includes towels, shoes, and showers.
Toenail fungus spreads very easily. It can also affect your fingernails or hands or skin. That is why it is always better to prevent the disease, instead of trying to cure it later on.
Toe Nail Fungus Facts:
-The fungus thrive in humid conditions, like locker rooms or showers!
-Fingernail fungus is extremely contagious.
-It can spread from one person to another or from a contaminated surface!
-The fungus only occurs on the surface of the nail, but there are ways of avoiding it getting worse!
-You can get toenail fungus through direct contact with an infected person or with a contaminated object.
Prevention:
Your best defense against contracting toenail fungus is to take care of yourself and your family members by maintaining a clean surrounding and especially by preventing the disease from spreading. One of the best ways to prevent these fungus infections is to thoroughly dry your feet for several minutes after taking a shower or bath; wearing shower shoes also works well.
Also keep in mind that direct contact with someone else who already has it, could pass on this infection to you as well. If you already have part of your nails infected, avoid contact with other people in order to prevent spreading this disease.
What are the signs of a toenail fungus?
Conclusion
If you have contracted nail fungus then there are steps that you can take in order to reduce the chances of passing it onto your family members.
If they have contracted nail fungus then there are steps that you should take in order to help prevent spreading the condition to you and other members of your household.
I hope this information has been useful to you and I wish your family good luck.