Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is a common problem and one of the most frequently treated foot conditions. It is a slow-growing infection caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that infect skin, hair, and nails. Other fungi such as yeast and molds can also cause toenail fungus.

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The most common changes that occur with toenail fungal infections include:

• Discoloration beneath the nail, usually brown, white, or yellow​

• Thickening of the nail​

• An increase in white debris beneath the nail which is keratin, a protein that gives form to skin and nails​

• Infected part of nail may become loose or separate from the nail bed​

• Nail appears to "crumble" or breakdown

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Who Gets Toenail Fungus?

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Toenail fungus can affect anyone but becomes more prevalent with aging. Individuals with certain diseases -- such as diabetes, diseases that affect limb circulation -- are more susceptible to fungal nail infections, along with people who have suppressed immune systems.

Other risk factors include:

• Hyperhidrosis, or a tendency toward sweaty feet

• Frequent fungal skin infections

• Trauma to the nail

• Shoe wear--which provides a moist, dark, and warm environment for fungi to thrive

 

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