What causes fungal nails and athlete’s foot? 

Our skin and nails are susceptible to fungal infections. This condition worsens with age as our immune system becomes less resistant to this subtle disease. Fungus tends to grow in warm, moist environments much like it does in the corner of our showers. Fungal nails usually begin with an athlete’s foot infection which then migrates to the nail plates. It then invades under the nail causing the nail to lift from the nail bed. Fungal debris then build-up beneath the nail plate causing occasional pain and notably unsightly toenails. Fungal infections can be spread through, casual contact, from hard surface areas such as swimming pool decks, locker rooms and when sharing towels and such. We rarely see fungus infections in young children under the age of 10. The onset of fungal athlete’s foot infections usually begin in our adolescent years. Fungal nails become most problematic after the fourth decade of life. Dermatologic studies show that fungal nail infections increase with each year of life.

Treatments provided at The Foot and Ankle Institute of Utah: 

• Oral antifungal treatments using Lamisil or Sporanox after proper diagnosis and laboratory workup as required by the FDA
• Topical antifungal treatments using Clear Nails
• Fungal nail debridement which increases the speed and success of recovery