Fungal nail infection

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Nail infection, candidal

Fungal nail infection

Definition:

Fungal nail infection is an infection of the nails by a fungus.

Alternative Names:
Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.

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Fungal infections include mold-like fungi that cause:

Fungal infections also include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Candida yeast infections include:

Diaper rash
Oral thrush
Cutaneous candidiasis
Some cases of genital rashes

Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may recur often. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails.

People who frequent public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms -- and people who perspire a great deal -- commonly have mold-like infections, because the fungi that cause them thrive in warm, moist areas.

The risk of getting a fungal infection is increased by closed-in footwear, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries.