Nail Fungus Risk Factors and Complications

Nail fungus is a persistent and troublesome problem that is a progressive and recurring condition. It is also a common problem, affecting almost 30 million Americans in some form or another. Once you've got it, getting rid of this irritating and unsightly nuisance can be tough. Nail fungus is actually made up of tiny organisms (Tinea Unguium) that can infect fingernails and toenails. Who is most at risk of suffering a nail fungal infection? Well, here are a few risk factors that affect your chances of developing nail fungus. After reading them, if you think you may be at a greater risk of nail infections, make sure you take extra precautions to minimize your exposure to these unpleasant fungi.

Nail fungus is a common condition that usually presents in mid-life or later years, so if you are an older adult you may be at a greater risk of developing an infection. This is because nails tend to grow thicker and more slowly with age. Thick nails are more susceptible to becoming infected because they provide a more effective protective barrier for the invading fungi. If you have a family history of nail infections, you may also be more susceptible to developing infection. There appears to be a strong hereditary factor for this condition. Also, men appear to be contract fungal infections at higher rates than women. Nail fungus is most commonly seen on the toenails of men and the fingernails of women.

What other risk factors are there for nail fungal infections? Smoking is definitely one. People who smoke appear more likely to develop nail fungus. If you perspire heavily you may also be at a greater risk of developing fungal infections because perspiration provides a warm and moist environment for fungus to thrive (that other infection is not called "athlete's foot" for nothing). Obviously, for the same reasons that heavy sweaters are more prone to getting infections, people who work in a moist or humid environment may also be at a greater risk.

Wearing socks and shoes



inevitably produces a moist and dark environment for your toenails, and so may increase your risk of contracting an infection. Go for clean cotton socks that are non-porous and that wick away moisture, the new athletic socks material is much better than nylon. Going barefoot is not necessarily the answer, though. Walking barefoot, especially in wet public spaces such as public pools and locker rooms, is a definite risk factor.

You may also be more prone to if your hands stay wet for long periods of time, when you hand wash clothes or during dish washing for instance. In such circumstances, wearing gloves is your best option. This is especially true if you have injured your nails in some way, since such weakened areas are always prone to a infection. Similarly, if your immune system itself is compromised or weakened your chances of developing a skin or nail infection will certainly be increased.

How about possible complications? With these can range from minor discomfort to serious permanent damage. Many times is a sign that the person has a deep-seated yeast infection and has had this for years. The most serious scenario is that the nail fungal infection can spread beyond your feet or hands and begin to affect other areas of your skin and even internal organs. In some cases, a more serious infection may develop if is not treated quickly and accurately. These infections can also cause nerve damage, open sores, problems with blood circulation, foot ulcers and other complications. Nail fungus infections can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or those with a compromised immune system.

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