Introduction
Nail fungus develops exactly like and often also from a mycosis pedis. Especially in swimming pools, sports halls or public showers, you can get infected with the fungus. An already existing athlete’s foot, which was not treated, can spread to the nail.
However, it is also possible that the fungal infection directly affects the nail. Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, it is possible that fungal infections, also in the form of nail fungus, may occur. Often the problem then is that there are no, or only very few, preparations explicitly approved for pregnancy.
However, this is due to the fact that drug tests on pregnant women, as well as in the lactation period, are not possible. Often there are active substances for which it can be assumed with great certainty that they can be taken without hesitation during pregnancy. Even if the manufacturer does not advertise them publicly, or for liability reasons, warns against taking them during pregnancy. Therefore, any use during pregnancy, even of over-the-counter products, should be discussed with a doctor. Especially with nail fungus in pregnancy there are some possibilities, because the active substances can be applied locally and therefore hardly or not at all reach the blood circulation.
How dangerous is nail fungus in pregnancy?
A nail fungus in pregnancy does not pose a risk to the unborn child. Since the fungal infestation is regionally limited and the nail area is hardly connected to the bloodstream, the fungal infection remains where it is. Even if the nail area is injured, it is extremely unlikely that large quantities of the fungal pathogens will enter the bloodstream and cause damage. The greatest risk is posed by the intake of systemic fungicidal agents, which is why they should not be taken during pregnancy. But just since one cannot fall back on the active substances in tablet form, one should try to contain the nail fungus with local means, in order to avoid the further expansion early.
All articles in this series:
