Synonyms
Onychomycosis Finger, Dermatophytosis FingerThe term “nail fungus” refers to the infection of the nail substance with a rapidly growing fungus. The infection can occur on the fingers as well as on the toes.
Introduction
Fungal diseases in general and nail fungus on the fingernail in particular are a widespread phenomenon. On average, it can be assumed that every second person suffers at least one fungal infection within his or her lifetime. A nail fungus infection on the finger can be caused by various types of thread and shoot fungi.
Especially a colonization of the nail plate with fungi of the genus “Trichophyton rubrum” is one of the most frequent triggers of nail fungus on the finger. Furthermore, yeast or molds can lead to the development of nail fungus on the finger. The pathogens responsible for the development of nail fungus on the finger usually attach themselves to a substance called keratin.
This keratin is mainly found on the skin surface, hair and nails. Since almost the entire body surface can serve as a point of attack, fungal infections are not uncommon. Furthermore, moist and warm body regions are the ideal habitat for fungi.
The fungi that cause fungal infections therefore prefer to settle in the area of the toes, the interdigital space, the groin and the armpits. A nail fungus infection on the finger typically only appears some time after the infestation. In some cases, the fungal colonization of the nail plate even persists without visible symptoms.
Conspicuous signs often appear only when large parts of the fingernail are affected by the nail fungus. To the typical symptoms of nail fungus at the finger rank:
- White-yellowish discoloration of the nail bed
- Thickening of the nail plate
- Shiny nails
- Brittle nails
Although nail fungus on the finger in most cases assumes a fungal infection of the skin surface, the causative pathogens can also settle directly on the nail plate. The transmission of the causative pathogens for the development of nail fungus on the finger usually takes place via smear or contact infection.
The transmission can take place from person to person as well as via shared objects. Especially public swimming pools, saunas, fitness studios, showers or changing rooms are contaminated with different fungal spores and are therefore considered the main site of infection. Furthermore, it can be observed that especially persons suffering from diabetes mellitus and/or circulatory disorders often suffer from nail fungus on the finger.
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