Is nail fungus contagious?

Yes, nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is contagious and can easily spread between people by direct contact or from surfaces. Walking barefoot in damp community areas, such as swimming pools, shower areas, locker rooms and gyms may increase the risk of getting a nail fungus.

Toenail fungus can be caused by several different types of organisms known as dermatophytes, yeasts or molds.

You may also have a greater risk of toenail fungus if you have:

• a weakened immune system
• poor blood circulation
• diabetes. Follow your doctor’s foot care advice if you have diabetes.
• excessive sweating
• psoriasis
• an injured or torn nail

Nail fungus is more common on the toenail than the fingernail and may lead to a yellow, white or brown discoloration of the nail. The nail can thicken, become brittle and crumble, and the infection can spread to other nails. It usually does not hurt, but can be unsightly. The nail may detach from the nail bed in some advanced cases.

What is the best way to prevent a toenail infection?

• Avoid going barefoot in public spaces, especially pool areas, gyms and public or hotel shower areas. Use a pair of plastic sandals, flip flops or “shower shoes” in pool areas and public showers or baths.
• Avoid using the same shower area with family members that have athlete’s foot or a toenail infections, or use shower shoes. Do not share bath towels, washcloths, nail trimmers or other pedicure tools.
• Keep your feet dry. Trim nails carefully and straight across. Clean your nail trimmer and other tools in isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes before you use them.
• Change your socks each day and do not rewear wet or sweaty socks. Wear shoes that fit correctly and do not crowd your toes. Avoid wearing older, unbreathable shoes.

Toenail fungus (dermatophytes) usually only spreads to other toes. But in some cases, it can spread to the skin between the toes (called athlete’s foot), the groin area (jock itch) or the scalp (ringworm). If you have a case of athlete’s foot, it is important to treat this to prevent it from spreading to your toes.

How is nail fungus treated?

Not everyone needs treatment for nail fungus, but many patients find its appearance disagreeable. There are prescription antifungal treatments available that can be applied to the nail (topical) or taken by mouth. In some cases, your doctor may decide to combine oral and topical treatments.

Treatment can take several months with oral medicines and up to a year with topical products. Over-the-counter treatments are not as effective or effective at all. Even if treatment is successful at first, nail fungus typically comes back.

Common prescription antifungal treatments for nail fungus include:

• oral terbinafine (Lamisil)
• oral itraconazole (Sporanox)
• topical efinaconazole (Jublia)
• topical tavaborole (Kerydin)
• topical ciclopirox (Ciclodan, Penlac Nail Laquer)

Over-the-counter (OTC) products are available to treat fungus on the skin around the nail bed, but they do not work to treat the hard nail bed.

Your doctor may recommend surgery to temporarily or permanently remove the nail as another option in more severe or resistant cases. Laser treatments may also be effective and may be combined with other treatments.

Learn more: How do I get rid of nail fungus?

See also:

Related medical questions

• What home remedies work well for toenail fungus?
• What is the best over-the-counter nail fungus treatment?
• Can I wear nail polish if I have nail fungus?
• How do I get rid of nail fungus?
• Can clobetasol be used for toenail fungus?

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