Nail fungus is a common infection that affects the toenails. It often begins as a yellow-brown or white spot under the toenail before the infection penetrates your skin. As it progresses, your nail may crumble at the edges, thicken, and discolor. Toenail fungus can be mild and easy to ignore, or it can cause bad foot smell, too thick nails, and other problems. New York laser toenail treatment is usually advisable to treat these cases before they worsen and lead to more disruptive symptoms. But before you seek treatment, it is crucial to understand the factors that predispose you to toenail fungus. This will help you avoid further infections in the future.
Weakened Immune System
You are more likely to contract toenail fungus if you have a current medical condition that has weakened your immune system. This includes issues like diabetes and immunodeficiency viruses like HIV. If your immunity is compromised, your body is less able to defend itself against pathogens. It becomes more habitable for the molds and yeasts that cause toe fungal infections. Diabetes can also impede blood circulation in your feet, which can reduce your toenails’ ability to fight off infections.
Other Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions may also increase your risk of developing toenail fungus. They include Athlete’s foot or other fungal skin infections, cancer and cancer treatments like chemotherapy, and psoriasis. According to medical experts, you are also more likely to get infected if you recently had a nail infection, incurred a nail injury, recently had nail surgery, or have a family history of nail infections. A recent organ transplant can also make fungal infections more likely.
Old Age
Your toenails weaken as you age due to natural wear and tear and decreased blood flow and circulation to your feet. These factors can make your toenails more susceptible to developing small fissures or cracks, which are good entry points for fungi. In fact, old age is such a serious risk factor that about 5 in every 10 people over 70 have a nail fungal infection. And while you cannot do anything about how old you are, you can increase your vigilance as you age to protect your toes.
Hot, Humid Environments
If you live in a hot and humid area, you may experience more toenail infections than people living in dry climates. This is because moisture is an excellent breeding ground for fungi. Subsequently, you are at a higher risk for a toenail infection if you frequently walk barefoot in hot, humid environments like locker rooms, public showers, and pools. This is also true if you have sweaty feet and spend most of your day wearing tight-fitting, closed-toed footwear.
Walking Barefoot in Public Places
Because fungal infections are contagious, spending a lot of time in public places, possibly infested with fungi,can increase your risk of contracting an infection. This includes shared gyms, locker rooms, and swimming pools, especially if you are always barefoot.
Talk to Your Podiatrist Today
Fungal toenail infections can damage your nails, changing their quality, color, and texture. They can also cause bad odor in your feet, which can be embarrassing and isolating. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for toenail fungus. Your podiatrist can recommend laser toenail treatment to clear the infection through heated energy pulses and sterilize the tissue surrounding the infected area. If you want to learn more about this procedure, contact a podiatrist today.
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