PODIATRIST DISCUSSES ONYCHOMYCOSIS (FUNGAL NAILS)

“Toenail fungus is caused by a skin-, hair-, and nail-loving fungus,” says Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM, a podiatrist and a clinical professor at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. Toenail fungus often forms after damage to the nail that causes the nail-skin junction, where the nail meets the skin of the toe, to be disrupted. This can occur after a pedicure, because of ill-fitting shoes, or after repetitive trauma from running or hiking that causes the nail to lift or get pressed on.

 

Dr. Tracey Vlahovic

 

“The fungus is attracted to the protein in the nail bed, and the toenail is perfect because it’s in a moist and warm environment — inside your shoes — most of the day.” Toenail fungus can give nails an unattractive, deformed appearance. It can also spread to other nails, including fingernails.

 

Source: Brian P. Dunleavy, Everyday Health [9/4/20]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News