Unsightly, yellow toenails can make you feel self-conscious and inhibit your ability to wear your favorite shoes. Not only is nail fungus an ugly condition, it is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus may be caused by a variety of fungi but is most often caused by “dermatophyte fungus.” It may also be caused by certain molds and yeast. Nail fungus is very contagious and may be spread from one person to another and often afflicts older people. As your nailbeds age, the nails produced are often cracked and dry. Fungi can harbor in the cracks of the toenails and grow when one is wearing socks and shoes.
Other risk factors for nail fungus include:
- Diabetes or other diseases which lead to circulation issues
- Walking barefoot in common areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers
- Having a skin condition or injury to the nail
- Excess sweating
- Athlete’s foot
