Nail fungus can affect both fingernails and toenails, but toenails are much more commonly affected. Nail fungus is highly contagious, and if left untreated, it progresses. Nail fungus will never go away on its own; without treatment, it will continue to develop and slowly destroy the affected nails.
Statistics show that approximately 70% of people have had nail fungus at least once in their lifetime. Doctors confirm that nearly every second patient has been affected by nail fungus. The disease occurs equally often in both men and women, while children are rarely affected before adolescence.
If someone in the family has nail fungus, there is a high chance that others may also become infected.
Patients often perceive this disease as merely a cosmetic defect, which is why it is often left untreated, or people only see a doctor when the nails are already severely damaged, causing discomfort and even pain. Damaged nails can lower a person’s quality of life, worsen their emotional well-being, and may even lead to social problems.
How does one get infected with nail fungus?
Nail fungus is contracted quickly – walking barefoot where someone with toenail fungus has walked before. Infection can also occur through shared towels, socks, clothing, slippers, etc. Fungus thrives in warm, moist communal areas such as saunas, swimming pools, and showers. Fungi love damp, unventilated shoes and sweaty feet.
Who is at risk?
Older adults (over 60) with tougher, drier nails and a weakened immune system;
Patients with chronic diseases, like diabetes;
Athletes and people who frequent public places such as gyms, pools, and saunas;
Family members who do not follow proper hygiene – if one person in the household has toenail fungus, everyone is at risk of infection.
How is nail fungus diagnosed?
Visible symptoms appear when the disease has already progressed significantly – nails become dull, yellowish or grayish, opaque, often ridged, thick, brittle, and crumbly. The fungus may also affect the skin, causing thickening, cracking, and peeling. To diagnose nail fungus, you should visit a dermatologist for a visual examination and lab tests. Analysis results take about a month. This detailed examination is the only way to precisely determine the type of fungus and guide treatment.
Fungus must be treated, nails do not need to be removed
There is no longer a need to fear that infected nails will have to be removed – this was once a common method. However, many are also put off by the idea of long-term medication treatment. It is important to remember that the fungus will not go away on its own! The sooner the disease is accurately diagnosed and treatment begins, the easier it will be to treat.
