What Is A Fingernail Fungus Infection?

A finger nail fungus is an infection that is quite common. Although the effects of it are not very pleasant or attractive, they are easy to treat once they are identified.

Infection Symptoms

One of the earliest indicators that you have a fingernail fungus infection will be discolouration of the nails. They will appear to be a yellow-brownish colour. This can be a very mild discolouration at first and will often go unnoticed, especially if you are wearing nail polish. The reason there is the colour change is that the fungus is growing colour pigmentation as it is forming under the nails and skin.

Fingernail fungus infections develop very slowly so the change in colour may be the only sign that you see for quite some time. However once the process has started, the fungus will continue to grow unless it is treated.

Signs of more advanced fingernail fungus infections can be identified if the nail begins to come apart. The fingernails will begin to harden and become flaky as the fungus starts to grow and push up the nails cells.

Infection Causes

Fingernail fungus infections can be caused by several different factors. The condition is extremely contagious and can be picked up by sharing towels, face cloths, or things like gloves and direct contact.

Although nail polish is not a direct cause of fingernail fungus infections, wearing it creates conditions perfect for fungus to grow. Nail polish coats the nail and locks in underneath it an air bubble. Because this air bubble is unable to evaporate as it is trapped by the nail polish, the area between the nail and nail polish gets very moist. A moist area is exactly the type of environment fungus will thrive in.

Another cause of fingernail fungus infections can be related to the strength of a person’s immune system. In some cases, fungus will begin to develop on a person’s fingernails but will not flare up into a full blown infection because their body is able to fight off the infection itself. If someone has a strong immune system they are able to defend themselves against the infection before it gets too serious. However if someone has a weak immune system they are unable to do this, meaning the infection will develop.