What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail Fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the toenail. Toenail Fungus is the most prevalent nail related abnormalities, causing over 50% of them. Toenail Fungus is the most common form of Onychomycosis, as it can also spread to the fingernails as well. Over 7% of adults in the world have Toenail Fungus. The end result of untreated Toenail Fungus is the complete breakdown of the nail plate.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail Fungus can be caused by a few various types of pathogens. Each type has several different classifications of Toenail Fungus. The following is a list of the causes of Toenail Fungus:
- Dermatophytes - a parasitic fungal infection of the skin. This is the most common cause of Toenail Fungus. More common in western countries
- Trichophyton Rubrum
- Trichophyton Interdigitale
- Epidermophyton Floccosum
- Trichophyton Violaceum
- Microsporum Gypseum
- Trichophyton Tonsurans
- Trichophyton Soudanese
- Trichophyton Verrucosum
- Candida - a fungus from the yeast family. It acts in an endosymbiontic manner with it’s host. More common in hot and humid climate.
- Non-Dermatophytic Molds - Various species of molds. More common in hot and humid climate
- Scytalidium/Neoscytalidium
- Scopulariopsis
- Aspergillus
How To Diagnose Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus can easily be misdiagnosed as psoriasis, lichen planus, contact dermatitis, trauma, nail be tumor, or yellow nail syndrome. To avoid these misdiagnoses, the physician while utilize three methods:
Potassium Hydroxide Smear
Culture / Nail Plate Biopsy
Histology Examination
How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus can be easily avoided if you take the proper precautions. The dermatophytes or non-dermatophytic molds need to make contact with your toenails in order for you to contract Toenail Fungus. Utilize the following tips to prevent contracting Toenail Fungus:
Make sure to keep your feet both clean and dry. This removes the breeding area for the Toenail Fungus to grow.
Do not share your shoes or socks without cleaning them. Even then, avoid doing so. The pathogens that cause Toenail Fungus can easily live in these areas due to the heat they produce.
Wear sandals or shower shoes when you use public showers and changing rooms. These areas are not always clean enough to prevent the pathogens that cause Toenail Fungus from staying around, especially if the person prior to you has just left it behind.
