Factors that can cause nail ringworm and how to avoid them
Fungal infections, also known as “mycoses”, can affect any part of the body. Fungi are present in and on our bodies, like so many other micro-organisms. When they start to over-reproduce, we have an infection – ringworm.
The mycoses that affect the fingernails and toenails are called “onychomycosis”. They can develop over a long period of time, so we tend to be slow to notice the subtle changes that occur in our nails at first.
In addition, the treatment of ringworm of the skin, ringworm of the nail and, especially, ringworm of the feet, can take from 6 months to a year. So, as prevention is always the best medicine, the important question here is: what factors can cause the emergence of ringworm of the nail and how to avoid them?
How does nail ringworm develop?
One of the problems in the treatment of ringworm of the nail is the difficulty in eliminating the fungus from the environment. That's because they thrive in hot, humid places like gyms, swimming pools, bathrooms, and even unnatural fiber socks and closed shoes. As fungal spores can survive for months in these locations, the risk of infection or reinfection increases.
Nail ringworm occurs when fungus invades our body through an opening in the nail, so they usually attack nails that are already damaged. Then ringworm causes mild inflammation, which causes the nail to thicken and peel off the finger. This space under the nail can therefore serve as a reservoir for bacteria and fungi, causing the nail to discolor.
What Factors Can Cause Nail Ringworm?
First, one of the easiest ways to get toenail ringworm is to have contact with a site that has fungus or someone who is infected. This can happen in a humid environment, like those mentioned above, or when you share utensils, such as tools (pliers, spatulas, clippers and even nail files) from a manicure or pedicure, for example.
In addition, some risk factors contribute to the development of mycoses, such as:
- Diabetes;
- Psoriasis;
- Diseases that compromise blood circulation;
- Immunodeficiencies (such as AIDS or cancer);
- Age over 65 years old;
- Artificial nails;
- Nail injuries;
- Skin lesions around the nails;
- Long wet fingers;
- closed shoes;
- socks made of synthetic fiber;
- Public swimming pools and changing rooms;
- Lack of hygiene.
Toenail ringworm is found in adults more often than in children. Older people are at greater risk of getting ringworm of the nail because they have weaker circulation, their nails grow more slowly and thicken as they get older.
And if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, treatment is especially important. When getting ringworm of the skin or nail, people who have diabetes are at increased risk of developing wounds that do not heal. And wounds that don't heal can lead to serious health problems.
Early diagnosis and treatment is recommended for everyone who has nail fungus. When identified early and treated, it is likely that a ringworm of the nail will disappear and the nail will regenerate in a healthy way. Treatment can also prevent the fungus from spreading to other parts of the body and to other people.
What does ringworm nail look like?
Nail ringworm can affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or multiple nails. The signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection include:
- scales under the nail, called subungual hyperkeratosis;
- white or yellow stripes on the nail, called lateral onychomycosis;
- a disintegrating corner or tip of the nail, called distal onychomycosis;
- flaky white areas on the surface, which may include nail furrows;
- appearance of yellow spots at the base of the nail, called proximal onychomycosis;
- nail loss;
- misshapen nail protruding from the nail bed;
- odor from the infected nail;
- brittle or thick nail.
Since other infections can affect the nail and have the same symptoms as nail fungus, the only way to confirm the diagnosis is to have a mycological exam.
The podiatrist, doctor or specialist will collect samples and send them to a laboratory for analysis and diagnosis.
How to prevent toenail ringworm?
A few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent toenail ringworm.
Taking good care of your nails by keeping them neatly trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections.
You also need to avoid injuring the skin around your nails. Other ways to prevent toenail ringworm include:
- dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, especially between your toes;
- use your own tools for manicures or pedicures;
- wear socks that breathe and minimize moisture;
- avoid walking barefoot in public places;
- reduce the use of artificial nails and nail polish;
- keep your nails short, dry and clean;
- wear rubber gloves to avoid excessive exposure to water;
- not biting nails;
- wearing sandals in damp places, including swimming pools and showers;
- avoid sharing shoes, socks and towels;
- avoid sharing manicure and pedicure utensils;
- throw away old shoes;
- treat ringworm on the skin and ringworm on the feet as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to the nails;
- apply doctor-prescribed antifungal sprays or powders regularly to shoes;
- wash hands after touching infected nails.
What is the importance of diagnosing and treating nail mycosis?
For some people, ringworm of the nail can be difficult to cure and the first round of medication may not work. The nail infection cannot be considered cured until a new ringworm-free nail has grown.
Although this indicates that the nail is no longer infected, it is still possible for the ringworm to return. In severe cases, there may be permanent damage to your nail, which may need to be removed.
Early diagnosis and treatment prevents the fungal infection from becoming more serious. The main complications of ringworm of the nail are:
- resurgence of mycosis;
- permanent loss of the affected nail;
- discoloration of the infected nail;
- spreading the infection to other areas of the body or into the bloodstream;
- development of a bacterial skin infection.
Finally, remember that it is especially important to consult your doctor if you have any of the risk factors that can facilitate contamination by ringworm of the skin and ringworm of the nail.
If you still have any questions about mycoses, or want to know more tips and information about podiatry, visit our blog or get in touch.
