Pregnancy is a time of change for all involved. The pregnant person will undergo a lot of physical and emotional changes, and the same could even be said for their families!
Whether you’re becoming a parent for the first time or giving your eldest a sibling, there’s going to be a lot of changes over the next nine months— and beyond. And while there’s certainly a lot to be excited about, it may sometimes be physically uncomfortable with all the changes that are happening in your body, including in your nails.
With all of its changes and challenges, pregnancy may sometimes bring unexpected health concerns, such as fungal nail infections. If fungal nail infections are bothering you, you may be wondering if you’re able to treat them during your pregnancy. Let’s find out what your options are!
This article examines why people may get fungal nail infections while pregnant and what options may be available to address them. For personalised advice, contact our team at Capital Podiatry today.
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are infections of one or more nails, often starting with the toenails. These infections may result from various types of fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeast, and moulds that thrive in warm, moist environments. They typically enter through small cracks or openings in the nails, which people may develop if they live in areas with high humidity, have an underlying medical condition, or have a suppressed immune system— such as during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is associated with many hormonal changes, particularly elevated oestrogen levels. A pregnant person’s body undergoes significant changes not only during the nine months of pregnancy but afterwards as well.
And with all of the different hormones doing different things in different people, the outcomes for one pregnant person may be the opposite for another. For instance, some people’s hair begins to grow thicker and faster during pregnancy, while others may experience hair loss that grows back after the baby is born. Our bodies are all so unique, and separate pregnancies within the same person may even be completely opposite from one another.
Some of the ways fungal nail infections and pregnancy are related are due to:
During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly elevated oestrogen levels, may disrupt the body’s immune response, creating an environment just right for fungal growth. As oestrogen levels increase to accommodate your growing baby and their growing needs, oestrogen’s effects extend far beyond reproductive functions and begin to influence processes such as immune function. As oestrogen has a significant impact on the immune system, this may result in lowering the body’s defence mechanisms against pathogens such as those that cause fungal nail infections.
Vascular changes typically aren’t directly related to fungal nail infections, but as vascular changes may play a role in skin health during pregnancy, they may in fungal nail infections as well. Changes such as increased blood volume, combined with hormonal changes, may make nails more vulnerable to infection.
Many physiological changes are associated with pregnancy, including reduced circulation. Pregnancy may decrease blood flow to the hands and feet as the growing uterus squeezes blood vessels. This slowdown in circulation means less oxygen and nutrients reach the tissues in the feet. As a result, they may struggle to fight off fungal infections because they aren’t getting enough nourishment. The reduced circulation may also weaken the body’s immune response in the affected areas, making it harder to battle the fungus that causes fungal nail infections.
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition where blood sugar levels are elevated during pregnancy. This may increase a person’s risk of fungal nail infections due to a combination of the right environment for fungi to grow in and the person’s compromised immune function. Impaired wound healing associated with gestational diabetes may also contribute to fungal nail infections, as the process of eliminating the infection takes longer. If you have gestational diabetes, you may be able to reduce your risk of fungal infections by seeing a podiatrist, maintaining good blood sugar control, practicing good foot hygiene, and seeking prompt medical attention for any signs of infection.
Regardless of the trimester of pregnancy somebody is in, it’s generally considered fine for most people to receive treatment for a fungal nail infection while pregnant. Of course, this will depend on the type of treatment and the health circumstances of each individual. If you’re unsure if fungal nail treatment may be an option for you during pregnancy, confirm with your doctor before starting treatment.
Medications that are administered orally (tablets) or through injections should typically be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential risks to both the mother and baby. In some cases, however, the benefits may outweigh the risks, making it potentially suitable for some pregnant people. It’s important to keep in mind that there’s limited information available on the safety of these medications during pregnancy and that certain antifungal agents, such as fluconazole, are associated with adverse outcomes for the baby if taken in high doses or for long periods during the first trimester. As such, these medications should be avoided wherever possible during pregnancy.
When addressing fungal nail infections during pregnancy, caution and consideration for the safety of both the child and pregnant person are crucial. Topical antifungal medications are generally preferred over systemic medications due to their localised action and minimal systemic absorption, and minimal potential risks to the developing baby. However, the efficacy of topical treatments during pregnancy may vary and, therefore, not be suitable.
Laser therapy, specifically Lunula ‘cold’ laser, has emerged as a seemingly promising, non-invasive option for addressing fungal nail infections during pregnancy, offering targeted assistance with minimal risk to both mother and baby. This is because it doesn’t use any medications, only targets the affected area, and doesn’t produce enough heat to harm the mother or baby. Also, the treatment is on the feet only, not anywhere near the torso. During a laser treatment session, your podiatrist will use a device that shines a light onto the affected nails, targeting the fungal infection without damaging surrounding tissues.
Just to be clear, we do not use hot laser therapy on patients who are pregnant.
Unlike hot lasers, Lunula uses cool wavelengths of light to target fungal cells without generating heat. The device, resembling a box, allows you to sit back and insert your foot comfortably. The laser produces two heat-free beams, one at 405nm (nanometres) and the other at 635nm, targeting fungal cells and boosting the body’s natural defence mechanisms. The blue wavelength aims to weaken fungal cell walls, while the red wavelength aims to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight the fungus and improve blood flow to the area, with the intention of speeding up the healing process.
Nail changes during pregnancy are common, as the body undergoes changes in nearly every system. If you’re dealing with fungal nail infections while pregnant, you certainly aren’t alone! However, this condition may leave you wondering if there’s anything you can do to address it while still pregnant. In most cases, Lunula laser therapy is a great option, as it targets the infection while leaving surrounding tissue alone.
As with anything during pregnancy, it’s important to consider your and your baby’s safety. If you have any concerns at all, ensure you discuss them with your doctor. At Capital Podiatry, we’re also available to discuss your options with you and explain our processes and treatment options.
During pregnancy, it’s vital to care for every part of your body, including your feet and nails. Our team at Capital Podiatry is experienced in addressing fungal nails for people who are pregnant, and we are dedicated to providing the most appropriate care. We ensure mother-to-be and baby are both well taken care of, and always welcome any questions you may have.
We’ve found that most pregnant people recover from their fungal nail infection after the first round of treatment, and many do so quickly once they’ve given birth. And we’d love for you to be one of our success stories! To find out more about our fungal nail treatment options during pregnancy, make an appointment with our professional and caring team at Capital Podiatry today.