Nail fungus also goes by the name onychomycosis. It is a chronic fungal infection that affects the fingernails and toenails. This is commonly caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes.
Dermatophytes also cause jock itch, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. Nail fungus may lead to the gradual destruction of the nail plate. Almost half of the population is affected by nail fungal infection when they get to the age of 70. Nail fungal infection also makes up 50 percent of all nail diseases. This is according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4Common Symptoms
The infected nail often shows unsightly yellow, white, or green patches or streaks. This may also make the nail thicker, ragged, crumbly, or dull. The nail may sometimes give off a foul smell and it may also separate from the nail bed, making it painful to walk, stand, or even wear shoes. The nail can become friable and quite easy to break up then fall off.
