Understanding Causes and Symptoms of Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium or nail fungus, is a problem most people face sometime in their lives. This is a fungal infection that takes place in the fingernails or toe nails. Nail fungus causes swelling, inflammation, thickening, yellowing and crumbling of the nail. While nail fungus isn’t that painful, there are some cases where it can be so. Causes of Nail Fungus Nail Fungus is caused primarily due to a fungal infection. However, here are a few other factors that cause nail fungus. Abnormal pH levels of your skin can cause nail fungus since fungi and certain bacteria tend to thrive under abnormal pH levels. A weakened immune system is another cause of the development of nail fungus. The most common cause of nail fungus is constant and prolonged exposure to moist environments. This includes wet or sweaty socks, poor hygiene, not wiping your feet after washing them, or when your feet get sweaty. Fungi thrive in moist and warm environments, so exposure to such environments will cause the fungus to grow. Sometimes, contact with another person who has nail fungus can be a factor as well. Fungal infections can spread easily. So if you’ve used a pair of socks or shoes that belong to a person who’s already suffering from it, then there’s a high chance that you’d also have gotten infected.
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