What are Fungal Nails?
Fungal Nails are a condition which often start as a white discolouration of the edges of the nail, but when established the nail gradually thickens and becomes crumbly with yellowish discolouration affecting the whole nail and the nail bed.
The condition is contagious and often can spread to neighbouring nails or to other people.
What causes Fungal Nails?
Fungal nail infection in the toenail is most commonly caused by a fungal skin infection, such as athletes foot. Around a third of people with athlete's foot will also have a nail infection.
Other causes of toenail infections include wearing sweaty footwear or often having hot, sweaty feet. Fungi grow easily in warm, damp environments.
Other factors that can increase the risk of nail infections include nail damage, having a health condition such as diabetes or psoriasis, being immunosuppressed (having a weakened immune system), being in poor general health and smoking.
Nail infections are more likely to happen with increasing age. Sometimes, there is no apparent cause for an infection.
This information is for guidance only. If you are in doubt at all, please consult your nearest health professional.