Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis) – what is it and why is proper foot hygiene important?
Nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common and contagious nail infection caused by fungi. Most often, these are dermatophytes, less commonly yeasts or molds. These microorganisms thrive in warm and moist environments, which is why toenails are most frequently affected.
Toenails are often enclosed in footwear for long periods, creating favorable conditions for fungal growth. If left untreated, the infection can progress, leading to structural changes in the nail, discomfort, and even pain.
Nail fungal infections can spread through:
direct contact,
shared surfaces (such as swimming pools, saunas, and gyms),
shared personal items (footwear, nail care tools).
For this reason, proper foot hygiene and disinfection are especially important both for prevention and daily care.
The risk of developing nail fungus increases with:
older age;
frequent exposure to moist environments;
visiting public swimming pools and saunas;
minor nail or skin injuries;
a weakened immune system;
chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes);
inappropriate or non-breathable footwear.
Statistics show that nail fungus affects approximately 10% of adults, with prevalence increasing significantly with age.
Symptoms of nail fungus often develop gradually. The most common signs include:
changes in nail color (yellow, brown, white, or greenish);
thickening of the nail plate;
uneven, distorted nail shape;
brittle, crumbling nails;
separation of the nail from the nail bed;
unpleasant odor;
redness or swelling around the nail.
In the early stages, symptoms may be barely noticeable, making regular nail inspection important.
Early stage – a small spot or slight color change.
Moderate stage – a larger portion of the nail is affected; the nail thickens.
Severe stage – the entire nail is deformed, with possible pain and functional impairment.
To lower the risk of infection, it is recommended to:
maintain daily foot hygiene;
thoroughly dry feet after washing;
wear breathable footwear;
avoid walking barefoot in public wet areas;
avoid sharing nail care tools;
regularly disinfect feet and footwear.
Products such as CUTASEPT FEET can be used for foot hygiene and disinfection, especially in environments with an increased risk of exposure to microorganisms.
If left untreated, nail fungus may lead to:
long-term structural damage to the nails;
pain and discomfort when walking;
spread of the infection to other nails or the skin of the feet;
a higher risk of complications in people with diabetes or circulatory disorders;
psychological discomfort related to appearance.
