Toenail fungus infection is a widespread infection caused by fungus on the toenails. This type of infection also less commonly affects the fingernails. Nail fungal infection is also known as onychomycosis. Toenail fungus occurs when fungi can get in between the toenail and the toenail bed. This can happen through a crack or a cut in the toe. Fungus is quite common, especially among older adults. According to medical experts, toenail fungus infection affects 1 out of every 10 people. It becomes 2 out of 10 for people who are older than 70 years old.
Symptoms
Toenail fungus can change the way your toenails look in many ways. It can change its color to something whitish, yellowish, or brownish. The nail may also appear chalky or cloudy in some areas. The nail may also thicken and get distorted in shape. The nail may also separate from the nail bed, allowing space to occur between the nail and the skin underneath it. You may also find a crack or break in several spots.
Causes
More than one type of fungus can infect your toenails. Dermatophytes, a type of mold, may cause the majority of toenail fungus infections. These are fungal microorganisms which means that they are hard to see with the naked eye. They also feed off keratin in the nails, which is a protein that makes the nails hard.
4Who Are More Susceptible?
Anybody can have toenail fungus infections. It is more prevalent among older people, particularly those over 60. People may have a higher risk of getting toenail fungus infection when they have diabetes, athlete’s foot, nail injury, psoriasis, weakened immune system due to an autoimmune disorder or HIV, hyperhidrosis or a disorder that makes you sweat too much, and poor blood circulation due to peripheral vascular disease.
