What Causes Toenail Fungus?
There is really a need for us to understand the underlying causes as well as the predisposing factors of toenail fungal infection to help us get rid of the problem and undertake the necessary steps needed to prevent its recurrence.
There are several causes of toenail fungus and its treatment can be extremely difficult. And even with a successful treatment of the nail affliction, there is still the strong possibility that the problem will recur.
Main Infecting Agents
Toenail fungus is a collective term for a diverse set of infection affecting the toenail. This condition can be caused by a wide range of pathogens which are classified under the following 3 main categories:
- Dermatophytes – Trichophyton rubrum, Thrichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton soudanense, Epidermophyton floccosum,
- Yeast – Candida albicans
- Molds – Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis, Neoscytalidium
These pathogenic microorganisms cause toenail fungal infection by entering the skin through the minute breaks or gaps that separate the toenail from the nail bed. The toenail fungus grows and proliferates under warm and damp condition.
Predisposing Factors
- Conventional footwear– People who have the habit of wearing shoes or boots that are exceedingly constrictive face the likelihood of getting toenail fungus. This type of conventional footwear tends to jam your toes together. This makes the foot sweaty and hot, conditions that are conducive to fungal growth and proliferation.Toenail fungus thrives in damp and warm conditions and if you wear non-breathable socks and constrictive shoes regularly then you are creating the ideal environment for the growth and spread of toenail fungus.
- Systemic Fungal Infection – Under a condition where there is sufficient supply of food for the pathogens and coupled by the warm and damp condition of the environment, your feet can turn into a veritable stronghold of toenail fungus which will ultimately lead to systemic infection.
Under a systemic infection, the inflammation of the walls of the intestine will allow the growth and proliferation of the fungal organisms. These are ultimately introduced into the bloodstream. Once the pathogens become blood-borne, they can now access and infect any parts of the body, including our feet and this can serve as the precursor to toenail fungal infection.
Compromised Immune System
A compromised immune system affects the capacity of the body to effectively deal with invading pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. This weakened cellular response results to chronic inflammation and systemic fungal infection which paves the way for the emergence of toenail fungus.
Habitual Soaking of Feet in Water
Continual immersion of the feet in water and regular exposure to moisture increases the risk of fungal infection. It is important that you do your best to keep you feet and nails dry as such conditions are ideal for fungal infection. Under damp or wet conditions, the pathogens can easily penetrate the skin through small cuts and gaps and infect the nail bed.
Family History
Toenail fungus tends to be more common in men and women who have a family history of such problem. Thus, if you have any member of the family, whether it is your parents, siblings, etc., who has toenail fungus then it could be the main reason why you are extremely susceptible to it.
Treatment:
If you want to get rid of toenail fungus but are seriously concerned about the potential adverse reactions and side effects of conventional medications for toenail fungus, then it would be wise for you to consider the leading natural treatments for this problem. Funginix solution is one of the most trusted names when it comes to effective and side-effect free treatments for toenail fungus.
