What Is a Nail Fungus?
Also known as onychomycosis and tinea unguium, nail fungal infections are the most common diseases of the nails, making up about 50% of nail abnormalities. Both fingernails and toenails are susceptible to the infection, which usually manifests as discoloration and thickening of the nail and crumbling edges. The condition most commonly occurs in toenails.
Between six and eight percent of the adult population suffers from nail fungus infection.
Who gets nail fungus infections?
Nail fungus infections are more common in men than women and in the elderly than the young. Additional traits or factors that raise one's risk of nail fungal infection include the following: - Diminished blood circulation
- Slow growing nails
- A family history of fungal infection (genetics)
- Heavy perspiration
- Humid or moist work environment
- Wearing socks and shoes that prevent ventilation
- Walking barefoot in damp public places (swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms)
- Previous injury or infection to the skin or nail
- Diabetes , AIDS , circulation problems, a weakened immune system
- Tight footwear with crowding of toes
- Exercise that causes repeated minor trauma to the hyponychium (where the finger tip attaches to the nail)
What causes nail fungus infections?
Nail fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms called fungi that do not require sunlight to survive. Most commonly, a group of fungi called dermatophytes (such as Candida) is responsible for nail fungal infections. However, some yeasts and molds also cause these infections.
Though Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte that causes nail fungal infections, Trichophyton interdigitale, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton violaceum, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Trichophyton soudanense may also cause the infections. Common mold causes include Neoscytalidium, Scopulariopsis, and Aspergillus.
Pathogens that cause nail fungus infection usually enter the skin through tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and nail bed. The fungi grow when the nail provides a suitably warm and moist environment.
Signs and symptoms
The nail plate can have a thickened, yellow, or cloudy appearance. The nails can become rough and crumbly, or can separate from the nail bed. There is usually no pain or other bodily symptoms, unless the disease is severe.
Dermatophytids are fungus-free skin lesions that sometimes form as a result of a fungus infection in another part of the body. This could take the form of a rash or itch in an area of the body that is not infected with the fungus. Dermatophytids can be thought of as an allergic reaction to the fungus.
Patients with onychomycosis may experience significant psychosocial problems due to the appearance of the nail. This is particularly increased when fingernails are affected.
Causes for Toe Nail Fungus
Toenail fungus caused due to damp areas, contact with others affected
You may get affected by the toenail fungus in damp areas such as public gyms, shower stalls or swimming pools. Toe nail fungus can spread from one toe to another or to other body parts. Athletes and people who give trauma to their toe by wear tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery are at great risk of toe nail fungus. Other reasons may be abnormal pH level of the skin, not drying off the feet thoroughly after bathing or exercise, and decreased immunity.
Personal Hygiene
A lack of personal hygiene can be another major contributing factor, as wearing socks and shoes for prolonged periods creates the perfect environment for fungal growth – a moist and warm habitat. Sharing footwear and other personal items also poses a significant risk. There are various factors that could contribute to or aggravate the condition and these include imbalances in the pH levels, a lack of personal hygiene – sharing footwear, walking bare footed in public pools, baths or gyms, not drying off the feet thoroughly after bathing or exercise, and decreased immunity. Staying in sweaty shoes and socks for prolonged periods or failing to change your socks frequently enough also increases the risk of a toenail fungus infection as fungi are known to thrive in moist and warm conditions.
Source : medical news
