What causes nail fungus? Fungal nails have a number of causes. However, many people do not know them. Some people are interested in the science behind them. A nail fungal infection is caused by a few organisms, three to be exact.

Likely Causes of Nail Fungus

These organisms target skin, hair, and nails thriving off of the tissue on the nail (which is known as dermatophytes), yeasts, and dermatophyte molds. Of these three cases, they all result in alike symptoms. Both have early stages and chronic stages. With that said, the appearances will be similar and may not reveal which particular case of fungus you may have. Globally, the most common cause for a nail fungal infection is Dermatophytes. Some examples include Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum species. As a result, 8% of the infections are caused by yeast, and the remaining 1% are caused by non-dermatophyte molds.

Common causes are:

• Dermatophytes, as mentioned above, target the hair skin, and nails, as they use keratin found in these body parts. As a result, these dermatophytes are typically spread through direct contact from organisms found in humans, animals, and soil.
• Yeast is typically responsible for the fungus growth on the skin. As a result of being sick, the use of antibiotics, birth control, and issues with the immune system, all may lead to an increase in the growth of yeast in the body, which is how yeast infections form.
• Molds, which are the least common. It is a type of fungus that develops in soil most often and can grow onto the skin and nails. Typically, these are not passed through human contact. Although, it still can be.

Although there are several causes of nail fungus infection, it is still a nail fungus nonetheless and all categories still require the same treatment options.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus as well, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser. As a result, it typically only takes on treatment. Compared with other lasers that require 4 treatments.  

Our toenail doctor in Manhattan, NY recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 160 locations.