Onychomycosis, or nail fungus infections, are very embarrassing to have. They are especially embarrassing when the infection occurs in the fingernails instead of the toenails because it is not easy to hide a fingernail infection. There is much debate about the answers to the question what are the causes of fingernail fungus? Many experts have varying opinions but they do agree on some things.
They are not sure exactly why this is, but it seems that immune system deficiencies could be a cause for many people. Furthermore, it is believed by many doctors that chronic fingernail fungus infections could be hereditary, probably because of something lacking in the immune system that is passed down within the family. People who have certain chronic diseases seem more prone to infections.
Nail fungus infections occur when the fungi makes its way into the skin, usually through a cut or scrape, and then works down into the nail. There is a lot of new evidence pointing to the unsanitary conditions of nail salons where people get manicures or pedicures. If the establishment doesn’t regularly sanitize their utensils, this could help to pass infections along from customer to customer.
It is not known exactly why this is, but many experts agree that exposing your fingers to constantly wet conditions can lead to a fingernail fungus infection. If you wear gloves all day at work, work in water or otherwise damp conditions, you could be at risk.
So, what are the causes of fingernail fungus? No one is exactly sure. The main thing to know is that if you see initial signs of a possible infection, make sure to begin treatment right away.