Toenail fungus infection is a widespread fungus infection that infects the toenails. Its medical name is onychomycosis. The infection less commonly affects the fingernails. Toenail fungus occurs when the fungus gets in between the toenail and the nail bed or the tissue right under the toenail. The fungus gets in through a crack or cuts in your toes. Toenail fungus is a common condition, especially among older people. According to medical experts, toenail fungus infection affects 1 out of 10 people in general. For older people, that number becomes 2 out of 10.
11Causes of Toenail Fungus Infection
More than one type of fungi may infect the toenails. Most of these toenail fungus infections may be caused by dermatophytes which is a type of mold. Dermatophytes are fungal microorganisms that are too small to see through the naked eye. These microorganisms live through eating keratin, which is a protein found in fingernails and toenails. It is keratin that makes the nails hard. Many types of toenail fungi are contagious. An infected person can spread the fungus to another person by way of direct contact. It is possible for you to be infected by the fungus by touching an infected surface.
