What Causes Onychomycosis?

Skin Or Nail Injuries

Nail or skin injuries increase an individual's chances of contracting a fungal infection in their nail. The injury itself won't cause an infection, but the injury has the potential to leave the nail bed open to fungus. Similarly, injuries may become infected by bacteria and other substances that enter through the wound. Skin conditions like psoriasis also increase an individual's chances of developing a fungal infection because they cause injury and abrasion to the nails and skin. In fact, researchers estimate about thirty-five percent of individuals with skin psoriasis are also dealing with onychomycosis on at least one nail. The injuries don't have to be traumatic. In fact, some individuals might not even notice them. If individuals clip their nails too short and cause bleeding, they might increase their risk of onychomycosis. The same is true of peeling hangnails and pulling at cuticles. Sometimes fungal infections occur at the tip of the nail after a manicure. When sharp tools are pushed beneath the nail to clean away dirt, they can leave tiny pockets, which are vulnerable to fungal infection.

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