Fungal infections of the nail are a common condition. The medical name for this is onychomycosis or tinea unguium. Both fingernails and toenails can be infected, but it is more common in toenails. Toenail fungal infection affects more than 10 percent of the adult population, and it is more prevalent among older individuals. More men are infected than women. Onychomycosis makes up about half of the number of nail diseases.
5What are the common causes of the infection?
The pathogens that cause toenail fungal infections all belong to the fungus kingdom. These include dermatophytes, Candida yeasts, and non dermatophyte molds. Dermatophytes are the most common cause of toenail infections in western countries while in the tropics, Candida and non dermatophyte molds are more popular causes.
