Nail fungi

In Germany, it is estimated that 12% of the population suffer from nail fungi (med.: onychomycosis). Men are more frequently affected than women, older people more frequently than younger ones, and toenails more frequently than fingernails. Usually, toenail mycoses occur with patients who already have an athlete's foot infection.

Infection normally occurs in areas where many people walk barefoot, e. g. in public swimming pools, community showers and changing rooms (including at work), in sports facilities and hotel rooms. However, home surroundings also represent a source of infection.

But not every person gets athlete's foot or nail fungi when he or she comes into contact with the pathogen. A fungal infection only develops under certain conditions, e.g. with prior damage to the nail or an injury to the cuticle.

The toenails of the following groups are particularly at risk:

• Older people. With older people, the nails only grow very slowly. Fungi can therefore spread more easily.
• Diabetics. Diabetics are generally more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
• Patients taking drugs that weaken the immune system (so-called immunosuppressive drugs).

The following can be favourable conditions for a fungal infection of the nails:

• Circulatory disorders in the hands and feet, e.g. with older people (> 40 years), with diabetes, with pathological narrowing of the arteries (arterial occlusive disease), with smokers, or with a lack of exercise.
• Injuries to the nail or the cuticle (e.g. with marathon runners or professional athletes)
• Frequent wearing of air-impermeable shoes (rubber boots, synthetic socks)
• Frequent wearing of shoes that are too tight
• Faulty foot posture