What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus is a common condition that can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, and crumbly. The fungus is most often caused by fungal spores that are transferred from the environment. There are 8 common causes of nail fungus, which include wearing tight shoes, having sweaty feet, and walking barefoot in public places. Treatment usually involves using topical or oral antifungals.
What are the 8 Most Common Causes of Nail Fungus?
1. Fungal Infections
A fungal infection is a condition caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus. These fungi are found naturally on the body, but can cause problems if they grow too much. Fungal infections can affect any part of the body, but are most common in the nails. Nail fungus is difficult to treat and can be caused by a variety of different fungi. Around 10 percent of adults will experience nail fungus at some point in their lives.
2. Bacterial Infections
Candida, yeast and mold are the most common causes of nail fungus. Individuals may be exposed to these organisms through contaminated environments, such as dirty or sweaty clothes, artificial nails or extensions, harsh soaps, or not keeping nails trimmed. Candida and yeast can also be contracted from contaminated food sources.
3. Viral Infections
Nail fungus is a common condition that can be caused by a number of different things, including viral infections. While it is possible to get a nail fungus infection from a virus, it is usually necessary to be exposed to a contaminated environment for an extended period of time before this occurs.
Being healthy and keeping clean are important prevention measures against viral infections causing fungal infections. Do not share tools used for manicures and pedicures with others, as this can spread the infection. Keep your skin and nails clean and dry to avoid nail fungus. Proper hand-washing and drying can help prevent nail fungus.
If you develop a fungal infection, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and see a doctor!
4. Yeast Infections
Nail fungus can be caused by yeast and mold. These infections often start at the cuticle, which becomes swollen, red, and tender. The nail may also partially lift off the nail bed or fall off completely.
5. Mold Infections
Nail fungus is caused by a number of different fungi, including dermatophytes and yeasts. Mold can also cause nail fungus. These fungi grow best in warm, moist environments.
Symptoms of nail fungus include discoloration of the nails, thickening of the nails, and crumbling of the nails. Treatment options vary depending on the type of fungi involved. In general, however, treatment involves antifungal medications. These can be taken orally or applied directly to the affected nails.
6. Parasitic Infections
Parasitic infections are one of the most common causes of nail fungus. Ringworm is the most common type of parasitic infection, and can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. Other parasitic infections, such as paronychia, may require antibiotics or surgery. Most parasitic infections are not serious and can be treated effectively at home.
7. Skin Conditions
Skin conditions can lead to nail fungus, which can be treated with antifungal medications. Oily skin is a common cause of nail fungus, and salicylic acid can be effective in treating it. Other causes of nail fungus include eczema and psoriasis, both of which are often treated with topical creams or ointments.
You can prevent nail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry, using essential oils, and avoiding common skin infections.
8. Nail Trauma
Nail trauma can cause nail fungus. When the nail is injured, it can create an opening for the fungus to enter. The infection can be painful and damage the nail.
How Can You Prevent Nail Fungus?
Step 1: Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry
To keep your nails from getting fungus, you should keep them clean and dry. It’s also important not to share tools used for manicures and pedicures, and to wash your hands thoroughly after touching any kind of fungal infection. You should also keep your feet clean and dry, and clip your nails short to help prevent infection. Finally, don’t share towels or socks with others, and wash them regularly.
Step 2: Avoid Sharing Nail Clippers
Nail fungus is a common condition that can be difficult to treat. One way to prevent nail fungus is to avoid sharing nail clippers or scissors with other people. Keep your hands and feet clean and dry, and wear well-fitting shoes to allow your feet to “breathe.” If you think you have nail fungus, see a doctor for treatment as soon as possible.
Step 3: Wear Proper Footwear
To prevent nail fungus, it is important to wear well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks. You should also clip your nails short to prevent them from getting infected. Do not share towels or socks with other people, and ensure that your nails are clipped short.
Keep your feet clean and dry to avoid nail fungus. Use special shower shoes to protect your feet. Replace old footwear if it is the source of the infection. Treat athlete’s foot as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading to your nails.
Step 4: Keep Your Feet Dry
Athlete’s foot is a common condition that can be easily treated. However, it is important to take measures to prevent the condition from occurring in the first place. Keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing well-fitting shoes, and avoiding sharing towels or socks with others are all good ways to prevent athlete’s foot. If you do develop the condition, it is important to treat it promptly to prevent it from spreading.
Step 5: Don’t Go Barefoot in Public Places
You can prevent nail fungus by not going barefoot in public places. It is important to wear flip flops in communal areas, as this is a common place for fungus to spread. There is no way to completely prevent fungus, but by taking simple steps you can help reduce your risk.
Risk Factors
Older Age
The nails of older people are often thicker and less flexible, making them more susceptible to injury. This can provide an entry point for fungi.
Wearing Shoes That Make Your Feet Sweat Heavily
Sweaty feet can create an environment that is ideal for the growth of fungi. Wearing shoes that don’t allow your feet to breathe can also increase the risk of nail fungus.
Having Had Athlete’s Foot in the Past
If you have had athlete’s foot before, you are more likely to develop nail fungus. This is because the same types of fungi that cause athlete’s foot can also cause nail fungus.
Minor Skin or Nail Injuries
Even a small cut on the skin around the nails can provide an entry point for fungi. Nail injuries make it easier for fungi to get under the nails and cause an infection.
Having a Skin Condition That Affects the Nails
Skin conditions that affect the nails, such as psoriasis, can make you more susceptible to nail fungus. This is because these conditions can damage the nails, making it easier for fungi to enter and causing an infection.
Having Diabetes, Blood Flow Problems, or a Weakened Immune System
People with diabetes or poor blood circulation are more likely to develop nail fungus. This is because these conditions can cause the nails to become thick and hard, making them more susceptible to injury. People with a weakened immune system are also at increased risk of developing nail fungus.
Frequent Contact With Infectious Fungi
If you come into contact with infectious fungi on a regular basis, you are more likely to develop nail fungus. This includes contact with contaminated surfaces, such as shower floors or pool areas.
Certain Skin Conditions
Skin conditions that affect the nails, such as psoriasis, can make you more susceptible to nail fungus. This is because these conditions can damage the nails, making it easier for fungi to enter and causing an infection.
A Weakened Immune System
A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to developing nail fungus. This is because a weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off infection.
Nail Fungus Is More Common in People With Damp Hands
People who have damp hands are more likely to develop nail fungus. This is because fungi thrive in moist environments.
Who’s At Risk for Fungal Infections?
The elderly, those with diminished blood circulation, and those who wear artificial nails or socks that prevent ventilation are at risk for fungal infections. To prevent these infections, one should wash their hands frequently, wear clean clothes, and avoid exposure to fungus.
What Does It Look Like?
Nail fungus can cause your toenails to become discolored, thick, and cracked. It is typically not painful, but can be unsightly. You can help prevent nail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry, and by wearing shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
How Do I Know If I Have a Fungal Nail Infection?
A fungal nail infection can cause your nails to thicken, yellow, or crumble. You may also notice a bad smell. It’s easy to ignore fungal nail infections at first, since you may not have any pain. If an infection gets bad enough, it could even become hard to walk.
Check If It’s a Fungal Nail Infection
If you think you might have a fungal nail infection, see your doctor. They may take a nail sample for testing. A fungal culture needs to be grown from the sample for accurate diagnosis.
Psoriasis and fungal nail infections can look alike, so it can be difficult to tell them apart. A fungal nail infection can be diagnosed by looking at the nails under a microscope and scraping them for a culture. The diagnosis may take up to six weeks to get results.
You can also check for a fungal nail infection by looking for growth on the nails or a change in the color of the nails. You might also notice that the nails smell different. If you notice any of these signs, see your doctor to get checked for a fungal nail infection.
Diabetes Advice
Diabetes can cause nail fungus. This is because when blood sugar levels are high, there is more sugar available for the fungus to feed on. Treatment for nail fungus can be successful, but it can take a long time. If you have diabetes, you should see a foot specialist.
You can prevent nail fungus by keeping your diabetes under control. This means maintaining good blood sugar control and keeping your feet clean and dry.
A Pharmacist Can Help With Fungal Nail Infections
A pharmacist can help to treat fungal nail infections by recommending an antifungal medication. This can be in the form of a pill or a topical cream or ointment. Oral antifungal medicines can help a new nail grow to replace an infected nail. In severe cases, a doctor may remove the nail completely. To prevent fungal nail infections, practice good hygiene and keep your nails clean and trimmed.