Different types of nail infections
October 21, 2008
There are three different categories when it comes to fungal nail infections. These are dermatophytes, saprophytes, and yeasts. All these three have different sources and usually require different treatments for each of them. Thus, it is extremely important that you identify exactly what kind of infection it is.
The most common of the three are dermatophytes, which break down the protein in the nails, skin cells and hair. As this type of infection has been studied closely, it is easier to identify, although it belongs to a different genera. This why it can be differentiated from other types of fungi that are isolated from the nails.
The second group known as saprophytes is environmental fungi and breakdown decaying organic matter. Although this type of fungi does not usually cause nail infection, they may do so in particular individuals who have certain conditions. The significance of these fungi with regard to fungal nail infections is still unclear.
The third group is yeast, and although they are not really nail infection fungi, they can infect nails. They attack the soft tissue near the nails, and this condition can be extremely painful. People whose feet are constantly exposed to wet or humid conditions are more likely to contract this kind of infection. Yeast infections also surface much faster than the ones caused by dermatophytes. This condition can become unbearable, so anyone who contracts it should seek treatment straight away.