Nail Fungus During Pregnancy - It's That Dangerous!

introduction

Nail fungus arises just like and often from athlete's foot.

Read on here: How to treat athlete's foot during pregnancy

You can become infected with the fungus, especially in swimming pools, sports halls or public showers.
An existing athlete's foot that has not been treated can spread to the nail. But it is also possible that the fungal infection affects the nail directly.

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to increased fungal infections, also in the form of nail fungus. Often there is the problem that there are no or very few preparations that are explicitly approved for pregnancy.
However, this is due to the fact that drug tests on pregnant women, as well as during breastfeeding, are not possible.

Often there are active ingredients that can be safely assumed that they can also be safely taken during pregnancy.Even if the manufacturer does not advertise it publicly, or for liability reasons, warns against taking it during pregnancy. Therefore, every use during pregnancy, even of over the counter products, should be discussed with a doctor.

Especially with nail fungus during pregnancy there are several options, as the active ingredients can be applied locally and therefore hardly or not at all get into the bloodstream.

How dangerous is nail fungus during pregnancy?

Of a Nail fungus in pregnancy goes in principle first no risk for the unborn child.

Since the fungal infestation is regionally limited and the nail area is hardly connected to the blood circulation stands, the fungal infection stays where it is. Even if the nail area were injured, it is extremely unlikely that large amounts of the Fungal pathogens get into the bloodstream and cause damage.
The greatest risk involves taking systemic fungicidal agentswhy this is in the pregnancy should not be taken.
But precisely because you cannot use the active ingredients in tablet form, you should try to contain the nail fungus with local means in order to avoid further expansion at an early stage.

Can pregnancy promote nail fungus?

Nail fungus can occur more frequently during pregnancy. This is related to impaired drainage of the lymphatic fluid. This promotes the smallest skin injuries through which pathogens can enter and cause nail fungus. If additional unsuitable footwear is worn, injuries can easily occur on the nail sides and on the nail fold, which form a good portal for the fungus to enter. An inadequate blood supply to the legs, which can be caused by a predominantly lying pregnancy, also promotes the occurrence of nail fungus. Gestational diabetes can also be associated with an increased risk of developing nail fungus.

You can find out more about the topic here: Gestational diabetes

root cause

The most common cause of nail fungus are fungi belonging to the group of Dermatophytes, so the Thread fungi. Usually you get infected with it in swimming pools or other public facilities.

The fungus usually attacks the nail from the Space between the toes starting over. The nail fungus in pregnancy, then usually occurs due to the Hormonal changes weakened Immune defense on, or may get worse. In general, diabetics are particularly often affected, especially during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Usually the nail fungus also causes in pregnancy no complaints.

Usually you only notice one yellowish discoloration of the affected nails. The nail grows dull and takes on thickness to. If the severity is worse and over time, the nails can then become brittle. In addition, a Inflammation of the nail bed which can lead to the complete lifting of the nail.

diagnosis

The nail fungus is one Eye diagnosis. If the course of the disease is particularly severe, if there are many unsuccessful treatment attempts or for other reasons, a Dermatologist In addition, determine the exact pathogen by taking a sample.

therapy

In principle, the nail fungus is also eliminated during pregnancy by applying ointments or nail polishes antifungal (fungicidal) agents treated.

However, as a pregnant woman, as with other complaints, one should refrain from self-therapy without medical indication.
If the pregnancy is more advanced, you can also consider starting therapy after delivery.

The use of local agents, especially with the active ingredients ciclopirox, amorolfine (e.g. as Amorocutan®) and bifonazole (e.g. in Canesten®) is considered safe during pregnancy.
As mentioned above, the fact that these agents are often not officially approved for pregnancy has other reasons.

In principle, clotrimazole and miconazole can also be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since the active ingredient is applied locally to the nail, and from there hardly has any chance of getting into the blood, this local application is harmless.

A professional foot care can help as a supplementary measure to contain the nail fungus. The affected material is removed by milling and grinding, thus improving the effect of the subsequently applied agents.

In the case of very severe infestation, these active ingredients are also used as tablets for non-pregnant women. However, these systemic agents should not be taken during pregnancy, as harm to the child cannot be ruled out.

In general, treating a nail fungus is a tedious process that can take a long time. Therapy can take a few months, although an existing athlete's foot should always be treated as well.

Home remedies for nail fungus

Especially with nail fungus in the pregnancy, many try home remedies first.

Most of the time, means are used that are given a antiviral or generally antimicrobial effect says. These means include alcohol, toothpaste, Vinegar or tea tree oil.
However, the effect of these funds is more than questionable.

It is true that some of the antimicrobial properties of these substances, as with Tea tree oilcan even be detected in the laboratory. However, the effect is far too weak to achieve an effect under real conditions. In the best case, as well as with sage or Oak barkto curb growth somewhat.
These home remedies also have the disadvantage that they are too Allergies and Irritation in the area of ​​the nail bed and thus aggravate the problem.
In addition, the systemic intake of tea tree oil is also considered problematic during pregnancy. Even with tea tree oil, it is not to be expected that it will get from the nail into the bloodstream, but overall, if the risk is the same, more effective means should be used.

Treatment with vinegar

Many people resort to vinegar to treat a nail fungus because it is an inexpensive and readily available home remedy. However, vinegar is not effective in treating a nail fungus and cannot achieve a cure. Rather, the acid can cause skin irritation on the skin that has already been damaged by the fungus. Correct therapy with an antifungal agent that kills the fungus is also often delayed. Nail fungus should be treated quickly and effectively, especially during pregnancy. It is a harmless infection at first, but if left untreated it can lead to complications. Systemic infections, such as erysipelas, are particularly dangerous for mother and child during pregnancy.

prophylaxis

To prevent nail fungus infection during pregnancy, one can of course Swimming pools or avoid similar places.

If available, after swimming at least the Foot disinfection system be used. In general, you should make sure that you dry your feet well after showering to make it more difficult for the fungi to multiply. Also to warm shoes and thus sweaty feet, can promote the development of nail fungus.

Can have the same negative effect synthetic socks to have. If one nail is already affected by nail fungus, it is important for this other one Care instruments to use as for the healthy, or to clean them thoroughly. For this purpose, e.g. Disposable nail arrows. Used towels and socks should be included 60° washed to kill the fungi. Professional foot care can also contribute to faster healing and prophylaxis.