Because the mold that causes nail fungus infections is contagious, it can be caught by either coming into direct contact with something that was used by an infected person – sharing socks, shoes, or towels, for instance – or by exposing your hands or feet to environments which may have become contaminated by people with nail infections, like public pools, gyms, and saunas. Not sharing footwear, using your own towels, and keeping your feet protected by wearing at least sandals or flip-flops wherever possible in public environments, will help reduce your chances of becoming infected.
What are the causes of Nail Fungus?
Fungal nail infections often results from damage to the nail plate or skin. A skin infection or athlete’s foot invades the nail, causing the infection. Up to 30 per cent of patients with fungal nail infections also have skin infections.
Hot, sweaty feet in all-day shoes provide the ideal warm, damp environment for fungi to thrive.
Nail fungus infections are caused primarily by dermatophytes, but also candida and the various yeasts and moulds that thrive in these conditions. The dermatophyte Tricophytum Rubrum, for example, is responsible for about 90 per cent of all nail fungus infections.
Factors that increase the risk of nail fungus infections
- nail damage
- medical conditions such as diabetes or psoriasis
- a weakened immune system
- smoking
- athletes foot untreated
- general poor health
- activities involving impact or shared washing facilities
- trauma to the nail – for example, running or poorly fitted footwear
The nail fungus develops when the foot is contained in a warm, damp shoe for too long
It is estimated that five to ten per cent of adults and almost half of those aged 70-plus suffer from fungal nails.