Causes of Toenail Fungus Infections

There are many possible causes of toenail fungus infections. One of the most common is the constant exposure to water or moisture. This explains why many athletes, particularly swimmers and divers, have a higher incidence of toenail fungal infections than other people.

Fungus naturally grows much faster in wet environments. If your feet are constantly wet, they become very attractive to toenail fungus. In addition, the warmth of the feet also promotes the growth of toenail fungus. To minimize the chances of acquiring toenail fungus infection, you should dry your feet as thoroughly as possible before putting on your socks and shoes.

Besides warmth and moisture, there are also genetic causes of toenail fungus infections that are beyond your control. Certain diseases and conditions contribute to the chances of getting a fungal infection in the toenails. Such conditions include Down syndrome, Raynaud's disease and Cushing's syndrome.

Diseases such as HIV and diabetes also make certain people more prone to toenail fungus infections. It is interesting to note though that male diabetes patients are thrice as likely to get toenail fungus than women with diabetes.

The other causes of toenail fungus infections are related to the practice of improper foot hygiene. For instance, some people do not think twice about wearing shoes while their feet are still wet. As mentioned before, it is important to completely dry your feet before putting on your shoes.

If you expect to sweat a lot while wearing your shoes, it is advisable to apply some foot powder before wearing your socks. You should also make sure that the socks that you buy are made from cotton materials as these are very good in absorbing excess perspiration and moisture.

While you're at it, you should also check the materials used in your shoes. Synthetic materials such are plastic are a no-no as these prevents the natural air circulation in your feet, trapping more moisture and germs inside the shoes. Toenail fungus is also contagious so you must avoid sharing footwear with other people, even if they are family members.

Wearing very tight shoes is also among the causes of Nail fungus infections. Footwear that do not fit properly will not only make your feet hurt but they will also constrict the toes and pave the way for ingrown toenails. These painful abnormalities of the toenail are among the chief causes of toenail fungus infections that can not only result in severe inconvenience but can also take up to several months to cure.

Now that you know the common causes of toenail fungus infections, you can take care of your feet and toenails much better and avoid the hassle of having to deal with toenail fungal infection.