Causes of Fungal nail infection

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Fungi (fungal germs) are always present on our skin, so sometimes it is hard to work out the cause of the infection. It can seem to happen for no apparent reason.

Common factors that can help fungal nail infections to take hold include:

Having hot sweaty feet or wearing trainers all the time. The warm moist environment is ideal for fungi to grow.
A fungal skin infection such as athletes foot, which can spread to the nail.
Eczema or other skin conditions, particularly those that cause breaks in the skin enabling fungi to enter.
Damaged nails, giving an entry point to fungi on the skin or nail surface.
Jobs that involve having wet hands for long periods (for example if you work as a cook or cleaner), which can damage the protective skin at the bottom of the nail.
Underlying illnes; especially conditions affecting the immune system, which helps the body fight infection.

Scratching an infected toenail can infect your fingernails.