Nail fungus treatment is easier to understand if you know what causes it to happen. Viruses, bacteria and fungi of all sorts can lead to infections in human beings, but of the fungi that ultimately lead to infections, dermatophytes are the specific fungus that attacks the toenails. They are closely related to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
Certain conditions need to be in place in order for toenail fungus to occur. The first of these is that the infection needs to enter your toenail. It needs an opening - and a partially separated nail, or a break in the nail, or perhaps a cut or other trauma to the skin around your nail bed may just be enough for it to get in and take hold. Even clipping your toenails too close to the skin may create the opportune entry point for the fungus to settle in.
The second major condition fungus needs is a damp, warm environment in which to grow. The reason you typically see fungus grow on toenails and not fingernails is because fingernails are more likely to be exposed to the light and open air, thereby remaining dry. Because your feet are usually covered by socks and shoes, this is a more likely environment for the damp, warm conditions it needs. If you perspire a lot, or if you live or work in places that are humid and are more likely to keep your feet damp, you’re more likely to breed fungus.
Also know that toe fungus is the kind of organism that spreads from person to person - and that spread typically occurs in the same kinds of settings that it needs to survive. So anyplace where your feet are exposed is an ideal location to pick up the infection. This means you should be vigilant when going for a swim or taking a sauna, or getting changed after a workout at the health club. The shower area in the locker room is a notorious spot. But it’s not just locations; if you share personal items like towels or toenail clippers, there’s a chance that it can be spread this way.
Gender and your age also play into whether you’re likely to suffer from toenail fungus. Men are more likely to pick up the infection than women. And if you’re over the age of 60 this increases your chances. As you age, your toenails become thicker and grow more slowly; this is a more favorable condition for fungus to set in. Particular in the elderly, lessened circulation to the extremities makes it more difficult for the immune system to detect and therefore fight an infection.
In a similar fashion, anyone in poor health can suffer increased chances of a fungal infection due to a compromised immune system and poor circulation. It can happen if your immune responses are brought down by medical treatments such as chemotherapy. But if you suffer from a disease like diabetes you must also be cautious. The kinds of circulatory and lower limb problems associated with diabetes can make a fungal infection more common, and if it takes hold and is left untreated, it can actually create grave problems for a diabetic - possibly leading to the risk of worse infections not just in the limbs, but throughout the body.
Nail fungus is frequently a bane for athletes, since their activity replicates the conditions under which fungus thrives. Constant impact to the feet and toes can cause trauma like nail breaks, and if you’re wearing tight-fitting sneakers or shoes that you don’t allow to air out, it’s likely that you’re placing your feet in an environment very favorable to toe fungus.
Understanding the ways in which toenail fungus begins can help you steer clear of it initially, but if you do still fall victim to it, you can know that there are many nail fungus treatment options available.