The most common fungus
infection of the nails, also called onychomycosis.
Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened,
and brittle. Those at increased risk for developing onychomycosis
include:
People with diabetes;
People with disease of the small blood vessels (peripheral
vascular disease); and
Older women (perhaps because estrogen deficiency increases the
risk of infection); and
Women of any age who wear artificial nails (acrylic or
"wraps").
Artificial nails increase the risk for onychomycosis because, when an
artificial nail is applied, the nail surface is usually abraded with
an emery board damaging it, emery boards can carry infection, and
water can collect under the artificial nail creating a moist, warm
environment favorable for fungal growth.
Alternative names for ringworm of the nails include tinea unguium
and dermatophytic onychomycosis.
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