Nail fungi enter the nail through cracks in the nail or cuts in the skin. These cracks can be very small which is why fungus can sometimes seem to appear spontaneously.

Toes are often warm and damp, making them ideal environments for fungi to grow.

Yes, in some cases it is possible for the fungus to spread from one nail to another and to appear in the surrounding skin.

You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails is:

• Discolored (yellow, brown, or white)
• Thickened
• Brittle, crumbly, or cracked

Nail infections are usually not painful, unless they become severe. It is important to have your concerns alleviated through proper diagnosis and treatment when needed, so schedule an appointment today with the board-certified dermatologists at Skin and Laser Dermatology Center.

Keeping hands and feet clean and dry, and maintaining short and clean nails can reduce the likelihood of developing a fungal nail infection. It is also important to not share nail clippers with other people or walk barefoot in communal areas such as locker rooms or public showers. Biting or chewing nails, cutting cuticles, and biting hangnails should also be avoided, because they contribute to the spread of infections. Finally, wearing shoes made of breathable materials and sweat-absorbing socks can lower the chance of developing a fungal infection.

Ensuring the salon is clean and licensed by your state’s cosmetology board are important when selecting a nail salon. The nail salon should be sterilizing its instruments after each use, or you can bring your own.