Can nail fungus be hereditary? Oftentimes people are afflicted with nail fungus. It so happens that sometimes the entire family ends up getting infected too. This makes it seem like nail fungus runs in families. Some believe that nail fungus is genetic. Others say there is a genetic component to nail fungus.

Hereditary of Nail Fungus

It is not surprising that nail fungus often affects entire families. Since after all, it is an infectious condition. It is similar to how when one person in a family gets the flu or chickenpox. Usually, the entire family will catch it as the virus is transmitted from person to person. Similarly, when one person catches nail fungus somewhere outside the house, they’re depositing fungal spores everywhere. Which then goes on to infect everyone else. This gives the illusion that nail fungus is genetic.

Nail fungus is genetic in the sense. A lowered immunity can make it more difficult for your body to fight off certain infections. This puts you at a higher risk of getting nail fungus than your counterpart from other families. Genetics do play a part in your immunity. That is how nail fungus, or rather a predisposition to nail fungus is genetic to an extent. Certain conditions like diabetes also put you at a greater risk of toenail fungus. Other foot-related problems and diabetes tend to run in families as well. In this way, nail fungus can be genetic.

Nail Fungus in Athletes

Ingrown Toenails

There is another cause of nail fungus that is genetic – ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails and toenail fungus are notorious for co-occurring. Since ingrown toenails can be caused by the structure of your toes or toenails, there is a genetic component here.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is not exactly genetic. Chances are that if one person gets it, others in the family will too. If you are experiencing symptoms of nail fungus, do not put your family at risk and get it treated early. The most effective treatment for your nail fungus is using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser.

Our nail doctor in Charlotte, NC recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful. You can schedule a free consultation with a doctor at one of over 10 locations by calling (800) 672-0625, or visiting our website for more information.