Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Sandra asks

Q: can fungal infections of the fingernails be passed on to my vagina

I have met a man who says he has a yeast allergy which effects his finger nails and under arms and moist areas of his body. I do not think he is being honest with me, I have looked up his condition on the internet and it doers not exsist, the most likely cause is a fungal infectio called candida. I am reluctant to go to bed with him, as I do not want his fingers near my vagina if this can be passed on to me, or cause me to have fungal infections of the vagina or elsewhere. Can you help please.

He keeps his nails cut very short, there is white at the ends of his finger nails. He looks very clean, but I do not want to put myself at risk, it is getting to the point where I will have to say yes or no.

Answers (2)

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James Thompson, MD

6/ 4/08 9:29am

Hi Sandra,

Fungal infection of the nails, called Onychomycosis, affects 6-8% of Americans. Different types of fungal organisms may infect the nails of the feet and toes. Candida is a common one, which may also cause vaginal yeast infection.

The toe nails are more often infected vs. fingernails. Nail fungus may spread to other nails on the hand or feet, and to other people. I do not know how much of a risk there is of transmission from the fingernails to vagina. The type of fungi that infect toe and fingernails grow very well in dark and damp areas (unclean shower stalls, locker rooms etc.).

Your friend stated that he has yeast allergy. Yeast allergy is not the same as yeast infection. Yeast allergy is not a contagious disease. That said, your description of his problem is unusual for yeast allergy (involvement of fingers, underarms and moist areas).

If you have more questions regarding allergy or skin infections please post them.

Yours,

J. Thompson, MD

Shandra27

6/ 5/08 4:20pm

It sounds like this guy totally grosses you out anyway, so why even consider having sex with him?!? If he's pressuring you, say no! He sounds totally gross!

Michael

10/29/09 7:29am

I have the same problem, I bath twice a day and sometimes thrice a day, because I fell gross myself.

I tried several medication that cost me a lot of money but it did not help.It is unfair for you to say don't hav sex with him.

It seems the more I take care of this the more it spreads, I don't what to do anymore.

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Q: can fungal infections of the fingernails be passed on to my vagina

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