You should suspect a toenail fungal infection when you see that your nail becomes thick and yellow if not showing white spots and streaks. This nail condition is also known as onychomycosis. This is a condition that becomes more prevalent as people get older, and it affects more men than women. Nail fungal infection can be tricky to cure. Nail fungus is more likely to infect the toenails compared to the fingernails. Fungi can get through the space between the nail and the nail bed or the tissue found underneath the nail. This is often done by entering through a crack or cut on the nail. According to experts, nail fungus affects 1 of 10 people while it increases to 2 of 10 people for those who are older than 70.
6What are some causes of toenail fungal infections?
Nail fungal infection can be caused by different types of fungal microorganisms. The most common of these are dermatophytes, which feed off the keratin found in toenails and fingernails. This is what makes the nails hard. Keratin is also found in your scalp, hair, and skin. Nail fungus is contagious. You may get infected by a person who contracted it. It is also possible for you to contract it from an infected surface. Nail fungus can easily spread to other toenails, the skin between the toes, the groin area, and the scalp.
