A toenail fungal infection is a widespread infection that affects primarily the toenails. It also affects the fingernails although less commonly. Toenail fungus is also known as onychomycosis. Toenail fungus gets into the body through cuts or cracks between the toenail and the nail bed. It is also more common among older people and more men are affected by it than women. The nail fungus affects 1 out of 10 people and the number goes up to 2 out of 10 for those people who are older than 70.
7What are the causes of toenail fungal infections?
Your toenails can be affected by more than one type of fungus. The majority of toenail fungal infections are caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These are fungal microorganisms that can’t be seen by the naked eye. They thrive because of keratin, a protein found in your fingernails and toenails. Keratin is responsible for making your nails hard.
