Toenail fungus infection is a type of infection that affects the toenails in most cases although it can also occur in fingernails. The other name for this kind of condition is onychomycosis. A toenail fungus infection takes place when the fungi get in between the nail and the nail bed or the tissue underneath the nail. The fungus can get into the body through cuts or cracks in your toes. Toenail fungus is quite common, and it is more prevalent among older adults. According to medical experts, toenail fungus affects 1 in 10 people and it increases to 2 in 10 in people who are older than 70.
5What are its causes?
Fungal nail infections are brought about by three major types of organisms: fungi that infect the hair, nails, and skin, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds. These three organisms cause the same symptoms and appearances. By just looking at it, it is not possible to determine the type of organism that caused the infection. Dermatophytes, however, are the most common cause of toenail fungus infections around the world. Yeasts cause 8 percent of nail infections while non-dermatophyte molds cause 2 percent of them.
