What are the common symptoms of fungal nail infections. How can you prevent fungal nail infections. What are the most effective treatments for fungal nail infections. Is laser treatment a viable option for fungal nail infections. How long does it take to cure a fungal nail infection. Can fungal nail infections lead to complications in people with diabetes. What over-the-counter treatments are available for fungal nail infections.

Understanding Fungal Nail Infections: Causes and Symptoms

Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, are common conditions affecting both toenails and fingernails. These infections occur when fungi infiltrate the nail, leading to various symptoms and aesthetic changes. While not typically serious, they can be persistent and challenging to treat.

Common Causes of Fungal Nail Infections

• Prolonged exposure to warm, damp environments
• Wearing tight, non-breathable footwear for extended periods
• Poor foot hygiene
• Weakened immune system
• Trauma to the nail

Do fungi thrive in certain conditions. Indeed, fungi proliferate in warm, moist environments, making sweaty feet encased in shoes an ideal breeding ground. This explains why toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Identifying a fungal nail infection early can lead to more effective treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Discoloration of the nail (often yellow, brown, or white)
• Thickening of the nail
• Brittle or crumbly texture
• Distorted nail shape
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
• Accumulation of debris under the nail

Are all nail discolorations indicative of fungal infections. Not necessarily. While discoloration is a common sign, other conditions such as psoriasis or trauma can cause similar symptoms. A proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is crucial for effective treatment.

The Progression of Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections often begin at the edge of the nail and gradually spread towards the center. As the infection progresses, it can cause significant changes to the nail’s appearance and structure.

Stages of Infection

1. Initial infection: Often starts with minor discoloration at the nail’s edge
2. Spreading: The infection moves towards the nail’s center, causing further discoloration
3. Thickening: The nail may become thicker and more brittle
4. Crumbling: Advanced infections can cause the nail to crumble or break off
5. Complete involvement: In severe cases, the entire nail may be affected and lift from the nail bed

Can fungal nail infections resolve on their own. Unfortunately, fungal nail infections rarely resolve without treatment. Without intervention, the infection typically worsens over time, potentially spreading to other nails.

Over-the-Counter Treatment Options

For mild to moderate fungal nail infections, several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are available. These can be effective, especially when caught early, but may require patience as treatment can take several months.

Antifungal Nail Creams

Topical antifungal creams are a popular first-line treatment. These products typically contain ingredients such as clotrimazole, terbinafine, or undecylenic acid. They work by penetrating the nail to combat the fungal infection.

How long does it take for antifungal nail creams to work. Treatment with OTC antifungal creams can take up to 12 months to fully cure the infection. Consistent application and patience are key to success.

Nail-Softening Creams

These creams are designed to soften the nail, making it easier to remove the infected portions. They’re typically used for about two weeks before the infected parts are scraped away.

Is nail removal necessary for effective treatment. While complete nail removal is rarely necessary, removing infected portions can improve the effectiveness of antifungal treatments by allowing better penetration of the medication.

Prescription Treatments for Fungal Nail Infections

When OTC treatments prove ineffective or for more severe infections, prescription medications may be necessary. These treatments often provide more potent and targeted solutions.

Oral Antifungal Medications

Oral antifungal tablets, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, are often prescribed for stubborn or severe infections. These medications work systemically to fight the infection from within.

• Treatment duration: Typically 6 to 12 weeks
• Effectiveness: Generally higher success rates compared to topical treatments
• Potential side effects: Headaches, gastrointestinal issues, liver problems (rare)

Are oral antifungal medications suitable for everyone. No, oral antifungals may not be appropriate for pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those taking specific medications due to potential interactions or side effects.

Medicated Nail Polish

Prescription antifungal nail polishes, such as ciclopirox, offer a less invasive alternative to oral medications. These are applied daily to the infected nail and surrounding skin.

• Treatment duration: Can take up to a year for full effectiveness
• Application: Daily application, with weekly removal and nail cleaning
• Advantages: Fewer systemic side effects compared to oral medications

Emerging Treatments: Laser Therapy for Fungal Nail Infections

Laser treatment has emerged as a potential alternative for treating fungal nail infections. This method uses targeted laser energy to destroy the fungi responsible for the infection.

How Laser Treatment Works

The laser penetrates the nail, generating heat that kills the fungi without damaging the surrounding tissue. This non-invasive approach has gained popularity due to its relatively quick procedure time and lack of systemic side effects.

Is laser treatment covered by insurance. Generally, laser treatment for fungal nail infections is considered cosmetic and not covered by most insurance plans, making it a potentially expensive option.

Effectiveness and Limitations

While some studies have shown promising results, the long-term effectiveness of laser treatment remains under scrutiny. Most studies only follow patients for about three months, which may not be sufficient to determine long-term cure rates.

• Advantages: Non-invasive, no systemic side effects, quick procedure
• Limitations: High cost, limited long-term data, may require multiple sessions
• Success rates: Vary widely among studies, ranging from 30% to 80%

Does laser treatment guarantee a cure. No treatment, including laser therapy, can guarantee a complete cure for fungal nail infections. Results can vary, and recurrence is possible.

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections: Best Practices

Prevention is often easier and more effective than treatment when it comes to fungal nail infections. By adopting good hygiene practices and making simple lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these infections.

Foot Care Habits

• Keep feet clean and dry, especially between toes
• Change socks regularly, especially if feet tend to sweat
• Alternate shoes daily to allow them to dry completely
• Use antifungal foot powders or sprays in shoes
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms or swimming pools

How often should you change your socks. If your feet tend to sweat, changing socks at least once daily, or more if they become damp, can help prevent fungal growth.

Proper Nail Care

• Keep nails short and clean
• Use separate nail clippers for infected and healthy nails
• Avoid sharing nail care tools
• Sterilize nail care tools regularly
• Avoid cutting cuticles, which can create entry points for fungi

Should you wear nail polish if you have a fungal infection. It’s generally advisable to avoid nail polish on infected nails as it can trap moisture and exacerbate the infection. If you must use polish, opt for antifungal varieties.

Special Considerations for Diabetics

Individuals with diabetes face unique challenges when it comes to fungal nail infections. Due to potential complications, diabetics should take extra precautions and seek professional care promptly if they suspect an infection.

Why Diabetics Are at Higher Risk

• Compromised circulation, especially in the feet
• Higher blood sugar levels, which can promote fungal growth
• Increased risk of secondary bacterial infections
• Potential for slower wound healing

Why is foot care crucial for diabetics. Proper foot care is essential for diabetics because even minor foot injuries or infections can lead to serious complications, including ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.

Management Strategies for Diabetics

• Regular foot inspections, including between toes
• Immediate consultation with a podiatrist for any nail or foot concerns
• Careful nail trimming to avoid injuries
• Use of diabetic-friendly socks and shoes
• Maintaining good blood sugar control

Should diabetics attempt self-treatment of fungal nail infections. No, diabetics should always consult a healthcare professional, preferably a podiatrist, before attempting any treatment for fungal nail infections to ensure safe and appropriate care.

Long-Term Management and Recurrence Prevention

Successfully treating a fungal nail infection is only part of the battle. Preventing recurrence is equally important for long-term nail health. Understanding the factors that contribute to reinfection can help in developing effective prevention strategies.

Factors Contributing to Recurrence

• Incomplete eradication of the original infection
• Continued exposure to environments conducive to fungal growth
• Underlying health conditions that increase susceptibility
• Genetic predisposition to fungal infections

How long should preventive measures be continued after treatment. It’s advisable to maintain preventive measures indefinitely, as the risk of reinfection remains even after successful treatment.

Ongoing Prevention Strategies

• Regular use of antifungal powders or sprays in shoes
• Vigilant foot hygiene, especially in public areas
• Prompt treatment of any new signs of infection
• Regular nail inspections to catch early signs of recurrence
• Consideration of periodic professional foot care

Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of recurrence. Absolutely. Adopting a healthier lifestyle, including proper nutrition, stress management, and maintaining a strong immune system, can significantly reduce the risk of fungal nail infections recurring.

Fungal nail infection – NHS

Fungal nail infections are common. They’re not serious but they can take a long time to treat.

Check if it’s a fungal nail infection

Fungal nail infections usually affect your toenails, but you can get them on your fingernails, too.

Fungal nail infections sometimes start at the edge of the nail.

Credit:

john shepherd / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-toenail-fungus-57903251.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=DE191DF7-3AA2-46A9-ABFE-42D742C86E16&p=11421&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dDA5M57%26qt_raw%3dDA5M57%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d

The infection often spreads to the middle of the nail, making the nail discoloured and sometimes thicker in parts.

Credit:

ISM / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1159177/view

The nail becomes brittle and pieces can break off. Sometimes the whole nail lifts off. This can cause pain and swelling in the skin around the nail.

Credit:

David Schliepp / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-aggressive-toenail-fungus-35843853.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=E4CD81CF-8C0C-4FD8-AB1F-A312BBC25E0E&p=141445&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dC28R5H%26qt_raw%3dC28R5H%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d

Important:
Diabetes advice

If you have diabetes, you should see a foot specialist (podiatrist) because any foot injury or infection can lead to complications of diabetes.

A pharmacist can help with fungal nail infections

Speak to a pharmacist if the look of your nail bothers you or it’s painful.

They may suggest:

• antifungal nail cream – it can take up to 12 months to cure the infection and does not always work
• nail-softening cream – it’s used for 2 weeks to soften the nail so the infected part can be scraped off

The infection is cured when you see healthy nail growing back at the base.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP:

if a fungal nail infection:

• is severe and treatment has not worked
• has spread to other nails

Treatment for a fungal nail infection from a GP

A GP can prescribe antifungal tablets. But before they give you tablets they should take a sample of your nail and have it tested, to find out what type of infection you have.

You may need to take antifungal tablets for up to 6 months.

The tablets can have side effects, including:

• headaches
• itching
• loss of taste
• feeling sick and diarrhoea

You cannot take antifungal tablets if you’re pregnant or have certain conditions. They can damage your liver.

Badly infected nails sometimes need to be removed. It’s a small procedure done while the area is numbed (under local anaesthetic).

Other treatment

Laser treatment uses laser to destroy the fungus.

You’ll have to pay for it as it’s not covered by the NHS. It can be expensive.

There’s little evidence to show it’s a long-term cure as most studies only follow patients for 3 months.

Preventing fungal nail infections

Fungal nail infections develop when your feet are constantly warm and damp.

You’re more likely to get an infection if you wear trainers for a long time and have hot, sweaty feet.

To prevent fungal nail infections:

Do

• treat athlete’s foot as soon as possible to avoid it spreading to nails

• keep your feet clean and dry

• wear clean socks every day

• wear flip-flops in showers at the gym or pool

• throw out old shoes

Don’t

• do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty

• do not share towels

• do not wear other people’s shoes

• do not share nail clippers or scissors

Page last reviewed: 15 February 2021
Next review due: 15 February 2024

The Dangers of Ignoring Toenail Fungal Infections

With all the serious health dangers out there, like cancer and diabetes, having a yellowed nail from toenail fungus can seem pretty insignificant. Since toenail fungus (onychomycosis) usually isn’t painful, many people put off seeking treatment, says Peter Joseph, DPM, a podiatrist with Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh. While many people are otherwise healthy and may just think of it as a cosmetic problem, ignoring a toenail infected with fungus could have health consequences beyond appearances. Potential complications of a toenail fungal infection:

Foot pain. Over time, a nail infected with fungus can become thick and misshapen, causing pain, Dr. Joseph says. It can even make it difficult to walk when wearing shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Spread of the fungus. Sometimes untreated toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot. This may result in athlete’s foot, a condition marked by itchy, red, cracked skin. “If you wear shoes and socks all day and one of your toenails is infected, it can spread quite easily because fungus thrives in a warm, dark, moist environment,” Joseph says. The fungus can also spread to the genitals, where it becomes jock itch, a condition that can affect both men and women, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

Widespread infection. This complication of toenail fungal infection is of particular concern for people with diabetes and other chronic conditions that weaken the immune system. If a toenail fungus spreads to the skin and causes it to crack, bacteria can get in. This may cause cellulitis, a condition that produces swollen, red, tender skin and must be treated with antibiotics, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In severe cases of cellulitis, the infection can enter the bloodstream and be deadly. “And it can all start from a simple fungal infection,” Joseph says.

Loss of nails. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains that toenails infected with fungus can separate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. If this happens, the loose portion of the nail will need to be removed. Even if an infected toenail doesn’t become loose, it may still need to be removed if the fungus doesn’t go away with traditional treatments. In this case, a procedure called an avulsion is used to remove the entire nail. Sometimes the nail is removed permanently through a procedure called a matrixectomy. “This destroys the growing center at the base of the nail, either surgically or chemically, so it won’t grow back,” Joseph says.

Treating Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

If you suspect you have a toenail fungal infection, see a doctor, Joseph says. Your doctor may take a small sample from your toenail and have it analyzed to confirm the presence of a fungus. If the test comes back positive, an oral or topical antifungal medication may be prescribed to help treat the fungus. Most medications are well tolerated with few side effects, Joseph says.

If the affected area of your toenail is small and doesn’t hurt, your doctor may take a wait-and-see approach and just observe the infected nail over time. While the fungus is unlikely to go away on its own, it may not get any worse. “If you can live with a spot on your nail, then it might be fine with no treatment,” Joseph says. “But if you have cosmetic concerns, then a small dose of medication will probably take care of it.”

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Why are fungal diseases dangerous and how to protect yourself from them?

Of the half a million varieties of fungi that exist on earth, in water, in the atmosphere, almost five hundred species are capable of causing serious diseases in humans and animals. Without a microscope, however, fungi cannot be seen. They sneak into the body gradually and can slowly devour us.

Patients with fungal diseases become more every year. Every sixth inhabitant of the planet suffers from a fungal disease. But not everyone runs to the mycologist. Why? So it doesn’t hurt. Here is the answer.

It is pain that pushes us into the arms of a dentist, a surgeon, an otolaryngologist. The insidiousness of fungal diseases lies in the fact that there is no pain. So – spots, redness, itching. Maybe you shouldn’t panic?

Dangerous fungi

Fungi that parasitize us are dangerous. They are microorganisms of plant origin. Once in a healthy human body, the fungus begins to multiply rapidly. It spreads through small vessels and arteries with blood flow. True, before the appearance of clinical symptoms of the disease, sometimes a dozen years pass. But the fungus does not stop its harmful work for a minute.

Mycology, that is, the science that studies fungal diseases, knows more than five hundred species of pathogenic fungi. But most often, doctors are faced with about a hundred. Moreover, one type of fungus usually affects the whole family. After all, infection easily occurs through a common bed, toilet items, shoes.

Unfortunately, a fungal disease is not just spots, peeling, ingrown and deformed nails. The fungus affects the entire body. In old age, these microorganisms can even penetrate very deeply into various organs. They can aggravate already existing diseases, cause severe allergies.

Varieties of fungi

The piedra fungus, for example, infects the hair. They start falling out. There are fungi that cause lesions on the surface of the skin. There are even terrible ones that cause deep tissue damage, such as coccidoid mycosis.

With chromomycosis, deep ulcers form on the body. Fortunately, these diseases are not relevant for Russia. They are rather rare for us. But the same cannot be said about African countries.

We often have dermatophytes that affect the skin and hair. It happens that in the summer outside the city people become infected with actinomycosis, which, initially getting into the oral cavity with some blade of grass, often migrates to the skin of the face.

The most common disease, which especially affects the townspeople, is phycoses of the feet and nails. Rubromycosis is popular. It is caused by red trisophyton, which, when sown on a nutrient medium, forms colonies of red fungi. This one won’t rest until he’s eaten all his nails. First on the feet. Then on the hands. The first symptoms of the disease are not difficult to notice: the skin between the toes turns red, swelling and itching occur. But there may be hidden signs: only slight peeling of the skin on the feet. Later, the nails become cloudy, turn yellow, and begin to crumble. The fungus feeds on keratin, of which 95 percent is our nails and thick skin on the soles and palms. By the way, the fungus not only eats the nails themselves, but also penetrates under the nail plate.

Mycologist will determine the tactics of treatment

Is it possible to cure affected nails without removing them? The domestic market now has a sufficient number of drugs with a wide variety of treatment regimens.

Of all the existing ones, the Swiss Lamisil has proven itself well in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and nails. Extensive experience of use proves the high efficacy and safety of treatment with Lamisil. With the defeat of the nail plates, only 1 tablet per day is prescribed. The course of treatment is 1.5-3 months.

If the nail has been removed, it is necessary to treat the skin with a special solution so that the new nail does not adhere to the bed affected by the fungus. The fungus dies from it, as they say, in the bud. But that’s not all. The fungus affects the entire body. That’s the whole body and will have to be treated: take special pills.

Remember: self-treatment has not helped anyone yet. You can get rid of the fungus only with the help of a mycologist. He will also determine what type of fungus you have contracted.

How to protect yourself from insidious microorganisms?

Where do we manage to pick up mycoses? In the bath, swimming pool. In shoes from someone else’s feet. Most often, the picture is this: a patient walked along the wet floor and left behind a fan of the smallest scales that form on the feet affected by the fungus. Fungal elements live in them. They are introduced into healthy tissue within 6-8 hours. Do not wash your feet at home after the bath and sauna – get a fungus. Even mycologists who work directly with the fungus do not use any disinfectants. But be sure to wash your hands with soap.

How can you avoid fungal infections of the nails and feet? Observe the following rules:

• Do not try on someone else’s shoes. Do not use other people’s towels. These are axioms, but for some reason they are forgotten.
• Wash your feet with soap and water after a bath, swimming pool, sauna. And going to the beach or to the bath, take rubber slippers with you.
• Wear only cotton socks. Especially in summer.
• Choose shoes strictly according to size so that the skin does not show scuffs and scratches.
• It does not hurt, even if you are not sick with a fungus (and even more so if you are sick), to periodically disinfect your shoes.
• Do not use fluffy bath mats. They don’t wash well. This is a great home for microbes.
• Strengthen the body’s defenses: walk, sunbathe if possible, take vitamins.

You can sign up for a consultation with specialists by tel. 425-888 or via the feedback form.

Laser treatment of onychomycosis / treatment of nail fungus

Nail fungus is one of the most common nail diseases. Every fourth adult in Russia suffers from this disease.

Onychomycosis is a common nail pathology. Treatment has a limited choice of methods, unwanted side effects and is often ineffective. In the treatment of nail fungus, topical antifungal agents are used, which cannot penetrate deep enough into the nail to completely get rid of this problem. To increase the effectiveness of onychomycosis therapy, topical application of antifungal agents is combined with oral administration of drugs. A significant disadvantage of oral drugs is a pronounced toxic effect on the liver – hepatotoxicity, as a result of which the treatment does more harm than good.

Causes of onychomycosis

Fungal nail infections that affect the nails of the hands and feet. Fungal lesions are caused by various types of yeast and mold fungi, as well as dermatophytes. Dermatophytosis of the nails is onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes.

Therapy

The problem of treating onychomycosis is that the nail bed is affected by the fungus, that is, the fungus is localized both on the nails and under the nail plate. This localization of the fungus makes it difficult to treat, since topical creams do not penetrate the nail plate. Therefore, the course of treatment consists of a combination of topical preparations with antifungal tablets.

Treatment with oral (systemic) drugs has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of systemic antifungal drugs is that they can be delivered with the bloodstream deep into the nail bed, reaching the matrix – the growth zone of the nails, where local agents do not penetrate.

Disadvantages of traditional therapy for onychomycosis

Local treatment of onychomycosis – application of creams, varnishes is not effective enough due to poor penetration of the drug through the nail plate.

Systemic treatment provides good penetration of the drug and actively affects the infection even in advanced cases when the nail matrix is ​​affected, but due to high toxicity, systemic drugs cannot be used for a long time. All antifungal drugs have a toxic effect on the liver and kidneys. On the other hand, systemic antifungals suppress the immune system, making the nail vulnerable to re-infection with the fungus. Therefore, there is a high risk of re-infection of the nails.

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Sciton ClearSense laser treatment for nail fungus

If you have onychomycosis, then Sciton ClearSense laser treatment will help you get rid of this disease quickly, effectively and safely. The ClearSense laser acts deeply and intensely on the nail, penetrating deep into the nail bed where the fungal infection is localized. As it grows back, the affected nail is replaced by a healthy nail. The integrated ClearSense temperature control system allows the clinician to maintain the optimal temperature to improve the effectiveness of therapy and at the same time, to ensure the safety of the procedure.

Usually, the procedure takes 15-20 minutes; the effectiveness of fungal treatment procedures will amaze patients and satisfy the most demanding doctor.

Do not confuse the treatment of fungus with a specialized ClearSense laser for onychomycosis with exposure to low-intensity lasers that do not destroy the fungus, but only activate the metabolic processes in the nail or non-specific treatment with ablative lasers that remove the nail plate. These are fundamentally different methods of treatment.

How is ClearSense different from other methods?

During the ClearSense onychomycosis laser treatment, the patient feels only pleasant warmth in the nail with the same clinical efficacy. This is ensured by the unique ClearSense technology, which remotely reads the temperature from the surface of the nail in real time and adjusts the laser power. And when the nail is processed, a signal is emitted that notifies the doctor about the end of the procedure on the nail.

Prevention

Onychomycosis is a rather complex pathology, since there are a number of factors that lead to infection. If there is a patient in the family, then it is a source of fungal spores and can infect other family members, since the fungus retains its viability for a long time and can persist on shoes, rugs, etc. for a long time. Onychomycosis rarely occurs as an independent nail disease. Most often, this is an infection of the nails with a fungus that is located on the skin of the foot.