Introduction
Nail fungus is one of the most common fungal infections in Central Europe besides the occurrence of athlete’s foot. The cause is usually fungi from the family of shoot or filamentous fungi. In rare cases, however, yeasts or molds can also lead to the development of such nail changes.
The exciters of the nail-mushroom multiply mainly in moist and warm body regions. For this reason the toe interspaces and the nail region represent the ideal habitat for these pathogens. In addition, the pathogens responsible for the nail fungus also like to colonize the groin, the armpits and sweaty skin folds.
In case of nail fungus of the feet, it can be stated that the nail fungus often develops on the ground of a common athlete’s foot infection. However, nail fungus can also be caused by a direct infection of the nails. People who frequently spend time in public swimming pools, saunas, fitness studios, showers or changing rooms and walk around without suitable footwear are particularly at risk.
However, regular and proper disinfection of hands and feet can effectively prevent an infection. Furthermore, it can be proven that certain systemic diseases favour the development of fungal diseases in general and the formation of nail fungus in particular. Especially patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or circulatory disorders are more likely to develop nail fungus.
Furthermore, the risk of fungal infections increases with age. This can be explained by the fact that a decreasing immune sovereignty of the body makes it more susceptible to fungal spores. Nail fungus is transmitted by smear and contact infection.
This means that the responsible pathogens can be transmitted either directly from person to person or indirectly via the sharing of objects. Typical symptoms of a fungal infection of the nails are yellow, whitish or brown discoloration of the nail plate. In addition, affected patients complain of an enormous brittleness of the affected nail. A nail infected with nail fungus usually increases in thickness.
