Anyone can contract nail fungus. Some people are at a greater risk of getting a fungal infection. You can increase your risk by changing your age, your health or even your lifestyle.
Age increases the risk of developing fungal nail infections. The most common age group is older people, and the least common are children.
It’s uncommon to get a fungal infection before the age of 6.
Climate. A hot and humid climate can increase the risk of getting a fungus nail infection. If you need a Podiatrist Worcester, visit propodiatry.co.uk/podiatry/podiatrist-worcester/
Health. If you suffer from any of the following, your risk of developing fungal nail infections is increased.
- Athlete’s foot (or other skin infections caused by fungi)
- Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- You have a nail infection
- Recently had a nail surgery or injured a nail
- Nail infections are common in families
- Poor circulation
- Psoriasis
- You received an organ transplant
- Weakened immune system due to HIV or other diseases
What causes nail fungus?
Fungal nail infections are caused by tiny, microscopic organisms known as fungi.
Most people get the fungus from skin-to-skin contacts with someone who is suffering from a fungal infection, such as athlete’s feet or ringworm.
A fungal infection can also be caused by walking barefoot on a warm and moist surface, such as the pool deck or locker rooms. These fungi are attracted to warm, moist environments.
A fungus infection can be spread by sharing a towel or nail clipper that is infected.
You don’t need to catch it. If your nails are often moist, or if you wear socks and shoes that sweat a lot, then it is possible to get it.
Infecting a nail is usually caused by fungi that get into:
- A small cut on the skin around your nail
- Cracked nail
Fungi can grow in the area underneath a nail because it is warm and moist. The infection may spread to your other nails or even your skin.
