A lot of people develop toenail fungus or onychomycosis at some point in their life. Nail fungal
infection can be challenging to cure as they don’t heal without a proper and consistent anti-fungal
treatment. Your toes are often moist and damp making it a safe haven for yeasts, fungi and molds.
The signs of fungal nail infection are not noticeable at first but can get obvious while it progresses.
The nail may undergo discoloration and can turn to off-white, yellow, black or green. It may be
distorted and thick making it difficult to file and trim. When fungi build up under the toenail, it can
separate your nail from the bed and cause it to detach completely. The infection can also cause pain
and discomfort when you put pressure on the affected area. In some instances, the skin sorrounding
the infected nail may become itchy, swollen and cracked.
Fungal nail infection is contagious and it can be transmitted through direct contact with infected
materials such as socks and shoes. You can also get it by walking barefoot over communal areas like
swimming pools, locker room, nail salons and gym showers. These places have a high density of yeast
spores or fungus and they can enter your nail through small cracks in the nail or the sorrounding skin.
While anyone can get toenail fungal infection, some people have higher odds of developing the
condition. Age, genetics, gender, overall health and lifestyle habits can make you more susceptible to
onychomycosis.
Genetics
Several nail problems run in families and some people may carry genes that are more sensitive to
fungus. These people usually get nail infection at a younger age and develop the infections
repeatedly.
Age
Older adults are more likely to have onychomycosis compared to young children. The American
Academy of Family Physicians reports that the condition is most common to men over 60 years old.
Pre-existing health condition
Some illnesses can increase the risk of a toenail fungal infection. Some of these diseases include
diabetes, HIV, or other medical conditions that compromise your immune system or can cause poor
blood circulation. Individuals who are on prolonged steroid therapy and those who are malnourished
are more prone to acquiring the infection.
Boots
Your shoes plays an important role in your feet health. If your job requires you to wear boots, it can
make you at risk to fungal infection. Fungi thrive in dark, moist and poorly ventilated areas. Your
boots can create a perfect environment for these opportunistic culprits to grow and develop. It may
take months to a year before the infection goes away.
Nail polish
While nail polish take your toes to the next level, it can be a culprit of toenail fungus. Heavy nail polish
blocks light and create a perfect environment for fungal growth. If you are getting a pedicure at a
salon, make sure that all tools are sanitized. Fungus can be transferred through clippers, nail files and
footbaths.
Some patterns of nail fungal infection are hard to distinguish because they mimic the symptoms of
other conditions like trauma and psoriasis. Thus, it is important to take care of your toes and go to
your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms or abnormalities in your nail. It may take months
to a year before the infection goes away, so seeking early treatment will save you from prolonged
Sources and Citations:
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-toena
il-fungus
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nai
ls/fungal-nail-infection
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/11/ask-well-leaving-nail-fungu
s-untreated/
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/nail-infections.html
The Risk Factors Of Nail Fungal Infection
What Causes Nail Fungal Infection?
Nail fungal infection requires lengthy treatment. Read on to meet its culprits.