3 Tips to Keep Your Toenail Fungus from Spreading to Your Partner

Toenail fungus is more than a cosmetic concern; it’s a contagious infection that can spread to those around you. It affects an estimated 6 million-7 million people in the United States.

Toenail fungus is pervasive because it spreads relatively easily. If you’re dealing with a fungal infection, take proactive steps to protect your loved ones from developing it. 

At Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida in Sebring, Florida, Paul Ebanks, DPM, FACFAS, and an experienced team offer the following strategies to help you keep fungus to yourself. We also provide expert care to eliminate fungal infections and keep your nails and skin healthy. 

Why toenail fungus develops

Fungal infections occur when fungi, such as dermatophytes, invade your nail bed. These fungi thrive in warm, damp environments like sweaty shoes, public showers, and swimming pools.

In some cases, the infection also affects the skin between the toes, leading to athlete’s foot. 

Risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing toenail fungus include:

• Walking barefoot in communal areas
• Wearing damp socks or shoes for prolonged periods
• Having a weakened immune system, diabetes, or skin conditions like psoriasis
• Sharing personal hygiene items (e.g., nail clippers or towels) with someone infected

A fungal infection can cause your toenails to become thick, brittle, discolored, and foul-smelling. If left untreated, the infection may spread to other toenails, the skin, and even other members of your household.

Prevent the spread of toenail fungus

We can offer you an effective treatment plan to clear the infection. We also encourage you to take daily precautions to stop it from spreading to others. 

Since toenail fungus spreads through direct contact, wearing clean socks and shoes is important. Choose moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes to prevent fungal growth

Avoid walking barefoot, especially on shared surfaces like bathroom floors, carpets, and around the house. Wear water-safe shoes in public showers and swimming areas to reduce your exposure to fungi. Encourage your partner to do the same.

Protect your partner and others in your house by disinfecting bathroom floors, tubs, and showers regularly to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.

Maintain pristine foot hygiene

Fungi can transfer from your feet to your hands and other objects you touch. To prevent this:

• Wash your hands immediately after touching your feet
• Clean and dry your feet daily, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes
• Change out of damp socks and shoes as soon as possible to keep your feet dry

Maintaining consistent foot hygiene helps you manage your infection and stops it from spreading to others.

Don’t share personal items

Toenail fungus can linger on personal care items, making it easy to pass the infection to your partner or family members. 

Keep separate towels, nail clippers, and footwear — never share them while treating an infection. Wash your socks, towels, and bedsheets in hot water to kill lingering fungi.

Taking these extra precautions contains the infection while you undergo treatment.

Seek professional treatment

At-home hygiene measures help, but treating toenail fungus often requires professional care. 

Here at Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida, we provide prescription topical and oral antifungal medications to clear the infection and prevent recurrence. If you’ve tried over-the-counter solutions with no luck, we can help.

If you’re struggling with stubborn toenail fungus, schedule a consultation at Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida today. Call us to get started.