Why Do Nail Fungus Develop?

Gray nail not only affects the aesthetics of the nail, but also affects the health of the nail. Therefore, patients with gray nails should seek early detection and treatment. They should strengthen their nutrition by eating foods containing calcium, zinc, and collagen. It is also important to maintain hygiene of the hands, and it is advisable to wear gloves when doing work to protect the hands.

What are the causes of gray nails? Let's take a look. First, gray nails, also known as onychomycosis, are often caused by fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum.

1. Subungual onychomycosis often starts from the sides or ends of the nail plate, often preceded by mild paronychia, which gradually turns chronic or resolves over time. This type is common. Deposition of keratin and debris under the nail causes the nail to become loose, cloudy, and thick.

2. Fungal white nails (superficial white onychomycosis) present as one or more small cloudy areas on the surface of the nail plate, with irregular shapes that can gradually spread to the entire nail plate, causing the nail surface to become soft and concave.

3. Onychomycosis caused by Candida albicans often occurs with paronychia, starting from the folds of the nail bed on both sides, and may be accompanied by skin redness, swelling, accumulation of pus, and tenderness. The adjacent nail becomes dark, elevated, and separated from the underlying nail bed, eventually affecting the entire nail plate.

1. Develop good hygiene habits, wash hands and feet regularly, change socks frequently, and expose shoes and socks to sunlight regularly to keep them dry.

2. People with excessive sweating on their hands and feet should wear breathable shoes and socks to reduce local sweating, especially during the summer.

3. Maintain good environmental hygiene and avoid creating an external environment conducive to the growth and reproduction of pathogenic fungi.

4. Avoid direct contact with patients with onychomycosis and do not share shoes, socks, foot baths, or other daily necessities with them.

5. Strengthen physical exercise and attention to nutritional supplementation to enhance the body's resistance to pathogenic bacteria.