Toenail Fungus Risk Factors

Fungi are tiny microscopic organisms. They live in moist, warm and dark places. Fungi do not require sunlight to live. It is almost impossible to avoid areas where fungi are present.

A century ago, toe nail fungus (onychomycosis) was a rare condition. Nowadays, it is quite prevalent due to the multitude of facilities, such as swimming pools and showers, where fungi thrive.

Fungi invade through gaps between your nail and nail bed or tiny cuts in your skin. These gaps and cuts may be invisible to the naked eye. The more often your nails are exposed to fungi, the more likely an infection will develop.

A frequent risk factor is age. Reduced blood circulation to the extremities occurs with the aging process, as well as return of deoxidized blood to the heart from the feet. This alone increases the risk of toenail fungus for the elderly. In addition, as people age, their toenails tend to grow thicker and slower making resistance to toe nail fungus lower.

Genetics seem to play a role in toenail fungus. If there is a family history of toe nail fungus, there is a greater likelihood of developing the disease. As well, if one member of a family is infected, all the other family members are at a high risk due to exposure to the fungi.

Men are twice as likely as women to suffer toe nail fungus, likely because men's shoes tend to be enclosed around the toes and form fitting.

Women who wear high heel pumps or shoes with narrow toe boxes regularly may have a higher risk. Layers of toenail polish invite fungi because the nails are unable to breathe.

Athletes and physically active people have an elevated risk factor. Wearing damp socks and shoes from heavy perspiration for extended periods is a natural breeding ground for fungi. The lack of ventilation from sports shoes further exacerbates the risk.

The big toes and little toes are the most vulnerable to toenail fungus. This is probably because these toes have a higher friction relationship with shoes.

As mentioned earlier, fungi thrive in areas such as swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and showers. Walking barefoot in these places, where people already infected with toe nail fungus may have walked, is a high risk factor.

Occupation may be another risk factor. Standing for long periods of time, humid or moist work environments, such as hothouses, and wearing steel toe boots all add to the possibility of toe nail fungus.

Something as minor as previous trauma to the nails can allownail fungus to develop, while medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV and autoimmune diseases weaken the body's immune and nervous systems ability to fight infections. Vascular disease may permit toe nail fungus due to lack of proper circulation. There is a link between long-term steroid use and toe nail fungus. People who suffer from psoriasis are also at increased risk because of skins splits and cuts that accompany the disease.

Need relief from toenail fungus? Find out more about the home remedies that people have used to successfully cure toenail fungus!

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