Several factors contribute to the development of fungus on toenails and foot. Fungal infections that occur on toenails mainly occur in adults. These infections normally follow fungal infections of the foot. It can be challenging to cure fungal infections of the nails and feet. The fungus might still come back even after using successful treatment methods.
Conventional Footwear
The development and spread of toenail and foot fungus may be accelerated by conventional footwear. Toenail and foot fungus such as athlete’s foot are likely to occur in persons who put on constrictive boots and shoes. Such boots and shoes cause the toes to congest. Consequently, the foot becomes sweaty and hot. Athletes are more likely to acquire fungal infections because of sweat accumulation in the shoes they wear and on the feet.
The fungus that infects toenails and the foot grows well in dark, warm, and moist environments like in the case of conventional boots and shoes. You can address this problem by wearing open-toed footwear such as sandals to expose the toenail and foot fungus to deadly ultraviolet rays. In case the environment does not allow you to wear sandals, consider purchasing many pairs of socks. Change your socks periodically whenever the first symptoms of moisture appear. Some modern synthetic socks have materials that keep the skin away from moisture, preventing fungal infections from invading your skin.
Circulation and Immune System Problems
People with circulation and immune system problems are at a greater risk of acquiring toenail and foot fungus. Such people include those suffering from diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
People with HIV infection have weak immune systems, which increase the likelihood of fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections. As diabetes progresses, it decreases the flow of blood to the toes and feet of the patient. Consequently, an optimal environment for fungal growth is attained.
During this time, the immune system of the body is unable to detect and eliminate the infection, unlike under normal circumstances. Immune and circulation functions typically weaken with age. Consequently, old people are more likely to have nail fungus. Besides weak immune and circulation function, many years of exposure to fungi explain why the infection is common in old people compared to other people.
Toenail Trauma
Toenail fungus may develop because of toenail trauma. Toenail fungal infections or onychomycosis develops when a microscopic fungi enters the nail through cuts or breaks into the nail because of trauma. People or athletes who put on tight shoes are more likely to have toenail fungal infections compared to other people. Once such fungal infections occur in your toes, they increase the chances of developing further problems like ingrown toenails.
A study conducted in 2006 concluded that the chances of acquiring toenail fungal infections increase with recurrent trauma on the nails. It has also been noted that toenail trauma is likely to occur in people who are suffering from diabetes with diminished food sensation. Toenail trauma causes damage on the nail. Consequently, several portals open providing room for the fungus to enter the nail.
