Fungal nail infection or Onychomycosis is a common concern effecting both fingers and toes but most commonly the toes. The nail can appear thick, discoloured and can eventually crack or break. The infection usually starts at the corner of the nail and can spread inwards to the rest of the nail. Fungal nail infections are not a cause for concern medically but they can take a long time to heal.
The infection is caused by different types of fungi that are already present in the body. Many factors can create a breathing ground for the infection to begin and the fungi to overgrow such as feet that are warm and sweaty for prolonged periods of time, swimming in public swimming pools, sharing nail clippers or nail files with a person who has a fungal nail infection and weakened immune systems. Onychomycosis is more common in men than women and also in older adults due to slower circulation.