Risk Factors for Onychomycosis

Fungal nail infection or onychomycosis can involve the fingernails or toenails, but toenail infections are particularly common. This is one of the most common nail disease. The nails appear yellow and thickened. The condition is usually painless unless the infection is severe.

Onychomycosis is caused by the same kind of fungus that causes athlete's foot. Risk factors for nail fungus infection include:

1. Humid and moist environment. The fungi grow best in moist and warm places where they can easily spread from person to person.
2. Close fitting shoes that make the feet moist or sweaty encourages the growth of the fungi. Shoes that cover the feet and toes completely do not let in any airflow. Wearing socks that get in the way of ventilation and socks that do not absorb perspiration puts you at risk of developing nail fungus.
3. Individuals who perspire heavily are especially prone to athlete's foot and nail fungus.
4. Individuals with psoriasis are also especially at risk of onychomycosis. Psoriasis is a skin condition which appears as thick, red skin with scaly white patches.
5. Diabetics, both type 1 and type 2 are especially prone to having fungal nail infection than the general population. It is said that about one third of diabetics have onychomycosis. The same is true for people with circulation problems and people having a weak immune system. Immunosuppression which can be due to certain drugs or HIV infection is a risk factor.
6. Walking barefoot in public swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms puts you particularly at risk for acquiring the infection.
7. Having a damaged nail, nail infection, or skin injury also increases the chances of getting the fungus.
8. Another risk factor is having a family history of the condition. People with a family history of onychomycosis were found to be more prone to have the nail infection.

Nail fungus can be hard to treat. People frequently use over the counter antifungal creams but these are not very effective. The doctor may prescribe oral medications but this may take four months or even longer to cure the infection. Recurrent infectons occur if the condition is not managed properly.

Fungal nail infection can be treated at Family Foot and Leg Center for patients around Naples and Marco Island, Florida using Cool Touch Laser Treatment and KeryFlex nail restoration system for instantly beautiful nails.