Is Toenail Fungus Genetic? This is a common question asked by many patients. This is important to learn before seeking out treatment. Toenail fungus is a common condition affecting the lives of people worldwide. When you start to notice the signs of toenail fungus, you might be wondering how it developed. It is a common misbelief that fungal nails are the result of something wrong with your blood. Or inside of your body meaning genetically. Many patients with fungal nails believe that the infection began in the rest of their bodies. And then spread to their nails through their blood. However, toenail fungus is actually a result of infection through exposure to the fungus in your environment. This can happen by walking barefoot in communal areas like public pools or sharing shoes with someone who has a fungus infection.

Signs of Nail fungus infection

  • Discoloration of the affected nail
  • Thickening/hardening of the nail
  • Unusual white or yellow streaks in your nail
  • Brittle nails that crumble
  • Redness and swelling
  • Foul odor emitting from the nail that might resemble cheese smell
  • Pain when walking or wearing shoes from thick nails
  • Nail separation from the nail bed

Is something wrong with me if I have nail fungus?

Nail fungus is not an indicator that anything else is wrong with your body. The condition is more common in patients with other conditions like diabetes. But the presence of fungus itself is not a diagnostic tool for any other condition. A large number of patients with toenail fungus are otherwise healthy. Toenail fungus is actually more common in athletes, whose activity levels both help their health and increase the risk of fungus!

It is important to know that toenail fungus is not spread genetically and you will not pass it on to your children if you have nail fungus. Many people are afraid to pass their infection because they’re unaware of how they contracted this infection in the first place.

Treatment options for Toenail Fungus

While the fungus isn’t a result of other medical conditions, when it is left untreated it can eventually be the cause of health issues. In extreme situations, the untreated fungus can move from the nails into the bloodstream. This is most common in patients with suppressed immune systems and can be very dangerous. When the fungus enters your bloodstream, immediate medical attention is necessary as the condition can be fatal. To get treatment for nail fungus before the infection becomes bloodborne, it is recommended to seek out the PinPointe laser treatment. This is a safe, highly effective treatment that only takes one treatment to cure the fungus. Visit our website or give us a call at (310)751-7003 to schedule a free consultation for the PinPointe laser treatment.

Nail Fungus Laser Treatment

Ways to prevent a fungal infection

Our doctors in Troy, MI recommend making a few simple lifestyle changes that help prevent a nail fungus. Taking good care of your nails by keeping them well-trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections. Also, avoid injuring the skin around your nails.

Other ways to prevent fungal infections of the nails include:

  • drying your feet well after showering or swimming
  • bringing your own tools to nail salons when getting pedicures
  • waring sandals in public places
  • avoiding artificial nails and nail polish