Causes and Risk Factors for Fungal Toenail Infections

Nail fungus, which can impact one or several nails, is a common infection. It generally starts as a white or yellow-brown spot beneath the nail tip. As the fungal infection progresses, a nail may discolor, thicken, and become ragged on its edge. For those working or living in the greater Bronxville and Dobbs Ferry, NY, or lower Westchester County, Dr. Sanford Clay Proner, a Bronxville podiatrist, provides a range of treatment options for treating fungal toenail infections.

The Symptoms of Nail Fungus

 Nail fungus is also known as onychomycosis. The common symptoms include nails that are:

• Thickened
• Discolored
• Misshapen/ragged.
• Malodourous.
• Brittle/crumbly.
• The nail separates from the nail bed.

The Causes of Nail Fungus

 Tiny, microscopic organisms cause a fungal nail infection. The area between the nail and nail bed provides the perfect warm, moist place for fungi to grow. The fungal infection can then spread to other nails and even your skin. The potential causes include -

• Skin-to-skin contact with an individual with a fungal issue – for example - athlete’s foot.
• Walking barefoot around a pool, a gym, or a locker room as fungi tend to thrive in moist, warm environments.
• Sharing an infected object like a towel or nail clipper. 

 The fungi can usually infect a toenail by finding its way into:

• A small cut in the skin that surrounds your toenail.  
• A toenail crack.
• Separation between the nail and the toe bed or nail bed.

Risk Factors for Nail Fungus

 The varying factors  that will likely increase your risk of developing a fungal toenail include the following:

• The aging process.
• Wearing shoes that do not permit your feet to breathe easily, so they are consistently sweaty.
• Previous athlete’s foot problems.
• Walking barefoot in public areas that are moist and warm, like swimming pools, locker rooms, showers, and gymnasiums.
• A minor nail or related skin injury/trauma.
• A skin condition that impacts the nails, e.g., psoriasis.
• Medical conditions like diabetes, blood flow problems, or a weakened immune system.

When To See a Podiatrist in Bronxville and Dobbs Ferry, NY,

 You may want to see Dr Proner if self-care steps do not bring about the desired results or the fungal toenail becomes increasingly thick, discolored, or misshapen. It is also essential to talk to a podiatrist if you have -  

• Diabetes.
• Bleeding around the affected toes/nails.
• Swelling/pain around the nails.
• Difficulty walking due to the condition.

 If the fungus starts infecting the skin of your feet  (i.e., the areas between your toes), it is usually known as athlete's foot (a.k.a. tinea pedis). For more information, contact Dr. Proner or a member of the staff at 914-237-7300 in Bronxville or 914-693-0006 in Dobbs Ferry or online so toenail fungus does not disrupt your lifestyle.