A 23-year-old member asked:
Is a toenail fungus contagious?
4 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 34 years experience
Yes: Fungi are living microorganisms, so toenail fungus can spread from one toe to another. However, it's hard to predict how likely it is for the fungus to spread to another toe.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Arnold Bereshanswered
Podiatry 42 years experience
Can be: A nail fungus can spread from nail to nail, nail to skin. It is possible to pass it on to others.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Alex Garciaanswered
Podiatric surgery 22 years experience
Yes: Toenail fungus is an infection. Similar to a bacterial infection except the growth rate is much slower. Although fungus is not as contagious as some bacterial infections, under the right circumstances and on the right host the infection can be contagious.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Todd Skiles commented
undefined 32 years experience
Fungus thrive in a warm, dark and moist environment. So do what you can to discourage the growth by avoiding contact with any possible source by avoiding bare foot walking in public areas and keeping your feet clean and dry.
Feb 8, 2013

Dr. Howard Foxanswered
Podiatry 43 years experience
Yes, but...: only if another nail or skin, yours or someone else's, is susceptible. You can spread mushroom spores all over the neighborhood, but only certain lawns in certain spots will sprout mushrooms. It's the same thing on the human body. If another nail on you or someone you're close with is susceptible, then there is a risk of transmission. If not, they're safe.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeffrey Kahn commented
undefined 45 years experience
The possibility of transmission to another person is fairly low. The greater problem is that most people who have fungal nails also have athletes foot which is much more easily transmitted to another person.
May 23, 2015
Last updated Nov 19, 2020
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