What is a toe nail or finger nail fungus?
Nail fungus infections (Onychomycosis or Tinea unguium) are caused by microscopic organisms that infect the toenails and fingernails. The condition is quite common. In fact, the US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than 35 million people in the US are affected at any one time. Other estimates suggest that 6-8% of the adult population has a nail fungal infection making it the most common form of nail abnormality.
The fungi most likely to cause a nail infection are known as Dematophytes. The same organism is also responsible for athlete’s foot. In rare cases, yeasts (like Candida) and molds can also cause a fungal infection of the nail.
Nail fungus infections are more common on toe nails than finger nails. This is because toe nails are often in socks and shoes creating the dark, warm, moist environment in which fungal infections can thrive. The fungus obtains nutrients from the keratin (the tough protein present in nails and the nail bed) and is not usually found in surrounding living tissues.
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Causes of toe nail fungus infections
Fungal infections are transmitted by direct contact with an infected host or indirectly by contact with exfoliated skin, nails and fungal debris. Infected particles may be present in clothing, towels, shoes, on nail files or on shower floors for example.
As fungi thrive in moist and humid environments, nail fungal infections are often contracted by walking barefoot in public swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms. You can pick up a fungal infection by sharing a nail file, shoes or socks with an infected person or by contact with non-sterilized foot and nail-care equipment (e.g foot baths, nail files or artificial nails used during a pedicure).
A fungal nail infection can also develop if a fungal infection of the skin, such as athlete’s foot, isn’t treated early enough so the fungi spread into the nails. Once in the nails, the infection is harder to treat because the fungi can penetrate into the nail where it’s more difficult for treatments to reach.
There is an increased possibility of infection if there is a pre-existing injury to the skin or nail such as a cut (even if very small), scar, burn, rash or other trauma. Wearing tight-fitting socks and shoes that don't absorb perspiration while exercising can provide the right environment for fungi to breed and grow.
Nail fungus infections affect older people more than younger ones due to the slower growth of the nail. There may also be generic factor at play when it comes to resistance from infections. And people with diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system will be more at risk of an infection.
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