What Causes Onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is the medical term for nail fungus. Nail fungus infections make up one-third of total fungal infections worldwide, and they also account for about half of all nail conditions. A variety of things can cause onychomycosis. In addition, certain circumstances can increase an individual's risk of contracting an infection, even if they don't cause the infection itself. The condition can often be treated by using over-the-counter antifungal medications. Though mild cases might not cause symptoms, the condition can progress to causing pain and deformity. For this reason, promptly treating any fungal infection is a good idea. Some patients might have several infected nails at once.