Can You Wear Nail Polish with Nail Fungus? Dos and Don’ts

Can You Wear Nail Polish with Nail Fungus? Dos and Don’ts

Nail fungus leaves the nail beds looking unsightly with that distinct yellowish hue. If you’ve never had nail fungus before, you might grab a bottle of nail polish to hide the appearance of the infection.

So, can you just cover up that unattractive nail fungus with nail polish?

The thing is, when it comes to an infected toenail or fingernail, simply painting over the issue without proper precautions isn't a winning strategy. In fact, it can make it way worse!

Before you start painting away, here are the essential dos and don'ts of wearing nail polish when you have a fungal infection.

We'll explore how to navigate the dilemma safely and effectively, so that you can look good and still get the care they need to look normal and healthy again.

Understanding Nail Fungus: The Unwanted Guest

Onychomycosis, aka nail fungus, is typically caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. Yeasts and molds can also cause nail infections, but it’s not nearly as common

You might first notice it as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail bed. As the infection progresses, common symptoms include:

●     Discoloration

●     Thickening

●     Brittleness

●     Distortion

●     Odor

Nail fungus is notoriously contagious and spreads in public places like swimming pools, gyms, showers, and nail salons. Once it gets a foothold, it can quickly spread to other nail beds and even skin, causing athlete's foot.

Nail fungus loves dark, damp, and enclosed spaces, the exact conditions inside shoes and under nail polish for a prolonged period of time.

Ignoring or constantly covering up a fungal infection without appropriate toenail fungus treatment can lead to several risks. The infection can worsen, becoming more painful, disfiguring, and harder to treat.

In severe cases, it can cause permanent nail damage or lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially for people with compromised immune systems or diabetes.

Also read: Nail Fungus vs. Nail Trauma: What’s Causing the Thickening and Yellowing?

Can You Safely Wear Nail Polish with Nail Fungus? Yes, but Proceed with Caution

Can you wear nail polish if you have nail fungus? The short answer is yes, you can, but it comes with an asterisk and requires caution.

Polish gives you an immediate cosmetic solution, hiding the discoloration and texture changes that fungal infections cause and helping you feel comfortable wearing open-toed shoes or showing your hands.

However, while opaque polish can hide discoloration, it does not treat the infection. In fact, applying traditional nail polish can create a more favorable environment for the fungus.

Polish acts as a seal, trapping moisture underneath and can deprive the nail bed of light and air, both of which are detrimental to fungal growth. This can make the fungus thrive, worsen the infection, and make it harder to eradicate in the long run.

Also, wearing nail polish for a prolonged period without breaks can significantly delay recovery, making treatment much more challenging.

The DOs of Wearing Nail Polish with Nail Fungus

1.   DO Use Antifungal Nail Polish or Medicated Lacquers

Forget your standard polish and instead get specialized polishes that combat fungus. These aren't just cosmetic covers; they contain active antifungal ingredients that work to treat the infection while masking its appearance.

Look for products specifically labeled as "antifungal nail polish" or "medicated nail lacquer." A high-quality antifungal nail bond lacquer can be a game-changer, adhering to the nail bed and continuously delivering treatment while providing a uniform, healthy-looking finish.

Dr. AntiFungus even offers antifungal press-on nails, combining the convenience of an instant manicure with built-in therapeutic benefits.

2.   DO Apply a Protective Base Coat (if not using an antifungal lacquer directly)

If you don’t use an antifungal polish, apply a clear, protective base coat before your regular polish. This creates a barrier between the nail plate and the colored polish, minimizing direct contact with potential irritants, and will help prevent moisture from becoming completely trapped against the nail bed.

3.   DO Keep Nails Short and Clean

Shorter nails are less likely to trap moisture and debris underneath that feeds fungus. Always trim straight across and gently file edges. Before applying any polish, thoroughly clean and dry your nails.

4.   DO Limit Polish Duration

Avoid leaving nail polish on for weeks at a time on infected nails. Remove the polish after a few days to allow your nails to breathe and to visually monitor the progress of the infection. This brief respite from polish also allows any topical treatments to penetrate more effectively.

The DON’Ts of Wearing Nail Polish with Nail Fungus

1.   DON’T Share Nail Tools or Polish

Remember, nail fungus is highly contagious. Sharing nail clippers, files, buffers, or even bottles of nail polish can easily spread the infection to your other nails or to others. Get your own doctor-formulated mani-pedi care kit and disinfect your tools thoroughly after each use, or use disposable tools where possible.

2.   DON’T Skip Treatment

Cosmetic coverage should never substitute for actively treating nail fungus under nail polish. Simply covering up the discoloration without addressing the underlying infection will only prolong the issue and make it harder to treat.

Whether it's over-the-counter antifungal creams, prescribed topical medications, or specialized antifungal polishes, keep consistently applying a form of toenail fungus treatment as recommended by a healthcare professional.

3.   DON’T Apply Gel or Acrylic Nails During Infection

These types of enhancements create a thick, impenetrable seal over the natural nail, creating the perfect warm, dark, and moisture-rich environment for fungi to flourish. This can accelerate fungal growth, lead to more severe infections, and significantly hinder any topical treatments you might be using. Stick to breathable options or, ideally, no polish at all during active infection.

4.   DON’T Ignore Worsening Symptoms

If you notice the infection is spreading to more nails, becoming more discolored, thickening further, crumbling, or causing pain despite treatment, do not ignore the signs. They indicate that your current approach might not be working, and professional intervention is needed.

Tips for Supporting Nail Health While Wearing Polish

Beyond the basic dos and don'ts, here are some additional tips for fungal nail care, even when you choose to wear polish:

●     Rotate Polish-Free Periods

●     Use Antifungal Sprays or Powders in Shoes and Socks

●     Disinfect Nail Tools After Each Use

●     Get an Antifungal Mani-Pedi Care Kit for Hygiene and Prevention

●     Pair Cosmetic Coverage with Active Fungal Treatment

●     Use Antifungal Press-On Nails

Also read: Nail Fungus vs. Skin Fungus: What’s Really Growing on Your Feet?

When to See a Specialist

While home care and medicated polishes can be effective for mild cases, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. You should see a podiatrist or dermatologist immediately if the infection shows no signs of improvement or worsens, despite consistent home care.

If your nail becomes painful, starts lifting from the nail bed, or shows signs of a secondary bacterial infection, seek immediate medical attention.

For severe or stubborn cases, your doctor may recommend stronger oral antifungal medications or laser treatments.

How to Treat Nail Fungus & Look Your Best

Yes, you can wear nail polish when you have a fungal infection, but only with careful consideration for your nail health and a commitment to ongoing treatment.

The key is balance: camouflage without neglect.

Treat nail fungus while looking your best! Try Dr. AntiFungus Press On Nails that deliver powerful medication while giving you that manicured look.

You can also use our mani-pedi kit to prevent the infection from spreading at home or at the salon, as well as our top-selling antifungal nail bond. Say goodbye to your nail fungus today!