Toenail Fungus During Pregnancy - Natural Remedies and Treatment

Pregnancy is such a beautiful and rewarding journey, although the road to it might be a little bumpy. Minor ailments can get aggravated in pregnancy due to a weak immunity. Pregnant women are quite vulnerable to certain bacterial, viral and fungal infections like toenail fungus during pregnancy. Hence, this journey requires proper care and vigilance along with following a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Do I Have Toenail Fungus?

Women are prone to getting infections in pregnancy due to a weakened immune system during this phase. Hence, it is important to stay alert for any abnormal signs and symptoms. Any of the below symptoms can be a toenail infection:

Brownish or yellowish discoloration of the nail.
Discomfort or pain in and around the nail, making it difficult to wear shoes.
Thick or overgrown nail
Brittle nail that might fall off on its own
Softening of the nail along with a dry, whitish powdery appearance.
Collection of foul smelling debris under the affected foot.
Cracks and alteration of the shape of the nail.

[Read : Is It Safe To Use Nail Paints During Pregnancy?]

Causes For Toenail Fungal Infections During Pregnancy

In General, toenail infections are caused by fungus named Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These dermatophytes are responsible for 80-90 % of the cases [1]. Pregnancy makes it more susceptible to catch this infection in the following ways:

Hormonal Changes

A woman experiences many hormonal changes during pregnancy, like increased estrogen levels. This rise in estrogen lowers the body’s immunity, making a conducive environment for the growth of fungus.

Changes in Immune System

The immune system is affected due to decrease in circulation to the lower extremities in a pregnant woman. Hence, fighting off infections in the extremities becomes challenging in pregnancy.

Diabetes

Some women are prone to getting diabetes during pregnancy. This increases the chances of fungal growth in the body. Diabetes slows down the healing process too.

Other causes include wearing of tight fitted shoes and poor foot hygiene.

Safe treatment Options For Toenail Fungus During Pregnancy

Staying alert for any abnormal signs and symptoms is the most important factor along with getting immediate treatment. There are a lot of treatment options available, varying from antifungal drugs to natural home remedies. The treatment in pregnancy include:

Topical Antifungal Medicines

They are available in the form of creams and ointments. As they are applied directly to the infected nail hence, are a safe option in pregnant women. Always consult your healthcare provider about which antifungal cream will be best for you in providing a safe and quick relief.

Oral Antifungal medicines

They are helpful in conditions where there is no response from topical treatments. Although, oral antifungal drugs must be avoided as the drug can pass on to the fetus. Your doctor will outweigh the risk to the fetus versus the benefit to you before starting any oral medicine. [2]

5 Natural Remedies For Toenail Fungus During Pregnancy

These remedies come very handy in women who are not keen on taking any form of medicine. Some of the natural remedies are:

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has amazing oil has certain antifungal and antibiotic properties. Most components of tea tree oil have the potential to kill the fungus causing the infection [3]. Being natural, it can be a safe option in killing the fungus.

2. Vinegar soak

Soaking feet in a solution of water and vinegar(5 % acetic acid) can help in killing the fungus and thus preventing the spread of the infection.[4]

3. Cornmeal

Cornmeal has antifungal and antioxidant properties. Soaking feet in a solution of water and cornmeal for about 10-15 minutes can help in killing the fungus.

4. Vicks Vaporub

It is one of the common over-the- counter topical agents used for common colds. Some studies have demonstrated its antifungal property too. It contains menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil that has antifungal properties against dermatophytes. [5]

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has been used for ages in treating certain skin conditions. It can act as an antifungal by applying it on the infected nail. Coconut oil has amazing benefits when used during pregnancy

[Read : Nail Changes During Pregnancy]

Easy Tips to Help You Prevent Fungal Nail Infections During pregnancy

A few healthy practices can definitely help in preventing any form of fungal infection during pregnancy. You can prevent fungal nail infections by following the below measures:

Wearing the correct size shoe. A tight shoe does not leave enough space around the toes.
Maintaining proper foot hygiene is essential. Washing feet properly with a good soap and water followed by drying them must be done routinely.
Wear cotton socks, as they provide better air circulation around the foot.
Women prone to sweating more must change socks daily and wash their feet frequently.
Use of dry powders to keep feet dry.
Avoid sharing pedicure tools and nail clippers to prevent the spread of infection.

What Happens If Toenail Fungus Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring toenail fungal infection can lead to spread of infection to other nails and the feet. A timely treatment can help limit the infection. Delay in treatment can also cause:

The nail might separate from the nail bed. This can cause extreme pain and discomfort while walking and doing other activities.
Unusually thick nails, making clipping them difficult.
Staining and discoloration of the nails in the form of yellowish, greenish, brownish and black flecks.
Over time, pain can increase or even numbness over the nail bed in extreme cases.
Spread of infection to other family members too, your tiny tots at home can be at risk too. [6]

While you are pregnant, avoid walking barefoot in crowded public areas. Taking care of foot hygiene, especially between the toe areas can help prevent the risk of contracting toenail fungus during pregnancy. Stay healthy, stay alert to enjoy the beautiful journey ahead.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you suspect that you have got a toenail fungal infection, then it is advisable to seek medical help. Development of following signs require attention of a doctor:

Immense pain and discomfort around the toenail area. This suggests a more severe infection.
Fever is also a sign of a severe infection. Chills can accompany fever in case of an acute infection.
Redness or swelling around the feet should not be missed.

FAQ’s

1. Can I Use Foot Fungal Cream While Pregnant?

Yes, most of the foot antifungal creams are safe to use in pregnancy. They are safe to treat fungal toenail infections. Although, it is better to consult your physician before using one.

2. Can Antifungal Cream Cause Birth Defects?

According to studies, there are no known possible birth defects associated with the use of antifungal creams. Oral antifungal drugs can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, but topical creams can be used in pregnancy.

3. How Do I Know Whether My Toenail Fungus Is Dying?

When you notice a decrease in pain and discomfort along with return of a normal thickness and texture of the nail, then it is likely that the infection is fading away. You will feel that the discoloration of the nail is better and there is a growth of a healthy nail from the base of the nail bed.

Reference –

Thomas, J., Jacobson, G.A., Narkowicz, C.K., Peterson, G.M., Burnet, H. and Sharpe, C. (2010); Toenail onychomycosis: an important global disease burden – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Moudgal, V. V., & Sobel, J. D. (2003). Antifungal drugs in pregnancy – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12946248/
K.A. Hammer, C.F. Carson, T.V. Riley, Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil, Journal of Applied Microbiology – https://academic.oup.com
Elhage, K.G., St. Claire, K. and Daveluy, S. (2022), Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Melissa A. Nickles, Peter A. Lio, Julie E. Mervak; Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Onychomycosis – https://karger.com/
Eisman S, Sinclair R. Fungal nail infection: diagnosis and management – https://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g1800.short

Toenail Fungus During Pregnancy – Natural Remedies and Treatment

Do I Have Toenail Fungus?