Types of Nail Fungus

Fungal infections are very common, affecting almost 30 million Americans. Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms (Tinea Unguium) that can infect fingernails and toenails. The types of differ in their pattern of growth. Of the two types of nail fungus, toenail fungus infections occur more frequently and are often harder to treat. How do you know if you have a nail infection? Because nail fungal infections tend to develop gradually over time, the truth is it can be difficult at first to determine the whether the problem is or something else. However, once the infection has become well established, it is hard to miss the telltale signs. Individuals with nail fungal infections usually suffer from thick, yellowish nails that grow irregularly, often with ridges or white spots. Sometimes the nails may also go brown or black in colour. Here is a brief overview of the most common types of nail fungus.

Before getting down to specifics, it helps to understand the general nature of fungus. Fungus actually grows everywhere in our environment and on our skin, particularly in warm, dark and moist places. Nail fungal infections occur when fungi enters the nails and finds an environment that allows it to thrive and grow, usually establishing itself in the nail bed. People who are prone to developing nail fungal infections may have nails that are vulnerable in some way. For instance, people who work in moist or warm locations may be more vulnerable.

One of the most common forms of fungi that can cause serious infections is Candida. Candida is common yeast that can cause infections in skin around nails. Candida is known as a rather nasty type of fungus that can develop into a difficult to treat skin and nail infections. Yeast fungi are the most common types of fungi in the United States.

Another common type of fungi



is related to the fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus is known as tinea. The tinea fungus may be present in people who have athlete's foot. This fungus can grow around the skin and spread into the nails. Dermatologists estimate that roughly 30 percent of those affected with athlete's foot will also develop a nail infection.

Nail fungus is a contagious infection caused by several members of the "true fungus" (dermatophyte) family. This type of fungi literally means "plant that lives on the skin." Dermatophyte fungus is characterized by its small, parasitic-like properties and is most common in temperate areas of the world. These fungi work by digesting keratin (the protein that makes up our skin, hair, and nails) and this causes a trigger response in the nails to produce extra keratin. This is why the nails thicken and eventually become discoloured, often separating from the rest of the toe or finger. Dermatophyte fungi are also responsible for other common skin and nail infections, including some types of athlete's foot, ringworm and "crotch rot."

All types of fungi flourish in warm, dark and moist environments. Keeping your nails clean and healthy is the best way to prevent micro organisms from being trapped underneath the skin. To help prevent and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene. Avoid the warm, dark, wet and dirty conditions that fungi love to thrive in because once it establishes in your nail bed, is hard to eliminate and needs treatment with proper medications.

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