Examining the Causes of Toenail Fungus

In addition to conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs, feet are also susceptible to toenail fungus. There are a few different reasons you might be experiencing this unwanted growth, but your Houston podiatrist is prepared to help alleviate your symptoms. Keep reading to examine the causes of toenail fungus.

Footwear

If you are experiencing toenail fungus, your footwear may be to blame. The ideal environment for fungus is moist and devoid of sunlight. If you, like most adult Americans, wear shoes throughout the duration of most days, you may be creating a breeding ground for toenail fungus. This is especially true if you wear constricting socks that do not allow your feet to breathe and tight shoes that may facilitate sweat. Try switching to thinner socks and looser shoes, or even sandals once in a while.

Being Barefoot

While constricting footwear can cause toenail fungus, so can a lack of footwear. There are plenty of places where you can pick up fungi on contact if you walk around barefoot. Places where this may be prevalent include public showers and swimming pools as well as lockers. These places are prone to fungi because there is plenty of moisture and darkness off of which the fungi can survive. If you have any scratch, scrape, or cut on your foot, avoid walking around these areas without some sort of footwear.

Uncontrollable Factors

Unfortunately, there are a few uncontrollable factors that make you more likely to suffer from toenail fungus than other people, even if you are a foot doctor yourself. One of these factors is age; individuals who are over the age of 60 are more likely to develop the condition. Additionally, men are at greater risk than women. Even genetics play a role, as a family history indicates a greater likelihood of developing toenail fungus.

If you tend to wear tight socks and shoes throughout the day or spend too much time barefoot, you may be at greater risk for toenail fungus. Older males are also more susceptible. Talk to your foot doctor or foot specialist if you experience this condition so that you can develop a treatment plan.