Fungal Nail Infection Risk Factors

Perhaps you’re concerned that your nails look like they might be fungal? Maybe you’ve even got a good idea how you caught it.
Fungal nail infections as well as fungal skin infections are extremely common, particularly here in the Middle Eastern climate. However, there are a few things that can make you more at risk, or susceptible, to catching a fungal infection on your toenails. Our bodies, including nails and skin, are designed to fight off infection, so here are some factors that can reduce your body’s natural defences:
• An injury, even very minor, to your skin or toenail
• Wearing synthetic (non cotton-mix) socks
• Wearing the same pair of closed shoes every day
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Diabetes (not well controlled)
• Working in hot, humid conditions or dry sandy conditions (like the Middle East)
• Biomechanical issues that affect how your walk, causing micro damage to your toenail
• Age (adults tend to get fungal nail infections more than children)
• Overuse of nail polish
• Non-sterile pedicure instruments
• Shoes that are too tight at the toebox
• Immune / circulatory diseasesThe big and little toes are the most often affected, as they tend to be the toenails on contact with too tight footwear, causing damage to the nail that lets the fungus take hold. If you think you have a fungal nail infection, find out how it can be treated here.
If you do think you might have a fungal toenail infection, or there is anything bothering you about your toenails, give the experts at Dubai Podiatry Centre a call on +971 4 3435390. We specialise in difficult and chronic foot and toenail issues!