Nail fungi contract mainly through contact with an infected individual or with a surface, such as the floor of showers and changing rooms, where these microorganisms are present.
As a consequence of onychomycosis, the color of the nail tends to lose its natural rosy appearance and takes on a whitish or gray-yellowish opaque tone, while the surface becomes irregular and brittle. In addition to being an unpleasant aesthetic problem, onychomycosis also causes discomfort or pain and, over time, can turn into permanent damage, even leading to the detachment of the nail. For this series of reasons, the infection should not be underestimated and should be managed adequately from the very first symptoms.
, particularly in males, while infection is rare in children. In particular, it is estimated that about 2-8% of the general population suffers from onychomycosis.
In subjects suffering from local and general pathological conditions such as, for example, diabetes, the risk of contracting this infection increases further. Peripheral circulation problems, weakening of the immune system (caused by a disease or from a drug), athlete's foot, nail dystrophies, smoking and genetic predisposition. To these risk factors is added prolonged exposure to pathogenic fungi for behavioral reasons (eg sports activities in gyms and swimming pools, habit of wearing closed shoes or too tight), environmental and professional (for example repeated and prolonged contact with water, use of safety shoes or rubber boots, etc.).
without causing damage, but, on certain occasions, they proliferate abnormally, becoming aggressive.Onychomycosis occurs more easily on the toenails than on the hands, since they are more exposed to the conditions that favor their onset.
The feet are, in fact, the ideal habitat for the proliferation of fungi: inside the shoes a warm-humid environment is formed, thanks to excessive sweating and the use of poorly breathable socks.
To favor the establishment of nail fungus are also:
- poor foot hygiene, understood as inactivity or inability to cut nails or to maintain good care;
- the habit of walking barefoot in the pool or on the beach;
- the use of public changing rooms and showers in gyms, campsites and spas.
Onychomycosis is more likely to occur in the event of repeated nail trauma and debilitation of the body's natural defenses. Athlete's foot, psoriasis and all conditions that compromise peripheral blood circulation are also predisposing factors. diabetes.
.It should be considered that the colonizing fungi of the nail are difficult to eliminate and do not have the tendency to spontaneous healing. For these reasons, as soon as you notice something abnormal it is important to contact your doctor, who will establish the most appropriate therapy according to the situation. For example, minor onychomycosis can be effectively treated with a topical antifungal in the form of medicated nail polish until the healthy nail is regenerated.
In any case, it is important to start treatment promptly: the sooner the onychomycosis begins to cure, the less time the fungus will have available to proliferate and produce irreversible damage to the nail.
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