Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail apparatus caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds.
Onychomycosis (nail fungus) is caused by Trichophytum rubrum (91%) in most cases. Much rarer are Trichophyton interdigitale (7.7 %], Epidermophyton floccosum or Microsporum species. Trichophytes exclusively affect the skin, hair and/or nails, as they can digest human keratin (the most important organic component in skin, hair and nails).
Note: A horizontal transmission of the pathogens within the family it possible.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic burden from parents, grandparents.
- Age – older age
Behavioral causes
- Use of public bathing facilities
- Home bathing (as far as family members are the source of infection).
- Shoes too tight; plastic socks
Causes due to disease
- Angiopathy (vascular disease)
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetes)
- Foot deformities
- Immunodeficiencies
- Nail growth disorders
- Peripheral circulatory disorders
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve disease affecting several (poly = many) nerves at the same time).
- Repeated trauma (injury) to the foot.
Other causes
- Dialysis patients
- Transplanted
- Tumor patients
