What is a nail fungus and what are its causes?
March 16, 2009
“Onychomycosis” is the medical name for toenail fungus. In spite of the usual term, ‘fungal toenails’, onychomycosis portrays fungus as well as yeast infections in the nail. Men are twice as prone to toenail fungus, when compared to women. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection of the nails occurring both on the hands and feet. However, feet are more prone because of their surroundings.
Nail fungus usually occurs in damp and murky environments. For instance, nail fungus grows when you wear shoes and socks all day long. The lather that takes place can end up as a nail fungus.
Onychomycosis can attack the elderly quickly and easily. The chances of contracting this disease are very scarce in children and young people, but once the person reaches his thirties, the chance of the fungus infection escalates.
A survey proves that one in every four adults have had some nail fungus before the age of 40. For the elderly, the statistics are even higher.
Causes of Nail Fungus
The main cause of nail fungal infection is the impurity made by the fungus that comes from the Dermatophytes family.
Dermatophytes have an effect on the skin with their parasitic characteristics. Furthermore, nail fungal infections can also be the cause of a particular kind of yeast called Candida albican. These fungal leeches dwell in damp and humid milieus. This comprises of areas like swimming pools and showers.
Therefore, extra care should be taken to avoid it. If you do suffer from it, you should go through a reliable treatment.