How Common Is Toenail Fungus? US and Worldwide Statistics

All over the globe, people are cursed by having to deal with toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus can be embarrassing, so finding the best toenail fungus treatment is important. This painful and ugly-looking fungus can affect 3% to 5%, or 12 million Americans.

Toenail fungus can develop over time if your nails are not properly cared for. It has been shown that toenail fungus affects between 3% and 12% of the world’s population.

According to some studies, this number could mean that as many as 150 million people have been affected by serious fungal infections worldwide. This condition usually affects adults, and the likelihood of contracting it increases with age. Did you know that 25% of adults will develop nail fungus before the age of 40?

The statistics get worse as you age. Senior citizens are at a 50% risk of developing toe nail fungus. Toe nail fungus can be more common than hand nail fungal disease. This is because fungi thrive in warm, dark places, and your feet provide a fertile environment for them.

A dermatology study conducted in the U.S. found that nearly half of all patients who visited a clinic for treatment were suffering from fungus-related problems. It’s not surprising, is it? But, don’t get discouraged. Although many drugs and ointments have failed in the past, I can assure you that your case will succeed.

Statistics show that seniors, people with diabetes, poor blood circulation, and other health conditions are more susceptible to nail fungus than others. They also tend to walk barefoot in infected locker rooms and sweat heavily around their feet.

Researchers found that fungal infections can be more common in certain individuals than in others. However, this is not true for everyone. You should avoid walking barefoot in damp places and wearing heavy work boots.

The chances of contracting the disease over time increase dramatically.

These infections can also be spread to those who work in places where their hands are frequently wet, such as a dishwasher at a restaurant or a housecleaner.

You should be aware of the prevention methods you have to prevent toe nail fungus if you fall into one of the high-risk groups. People over the age of 50 are more likely to become infected than those under the age of 40.

If you live in an environment that encourages you to wear sweaty shoes or puts you in close contact with people who are infected, you could be at risk of contracting the disease.

However, once you have an infection, it is important to know that you aren’t the only one. This is a common problem in America and all over the world. However, it can be treated.

Doctors can often see the frustration of patients when they return for treatment. Therefore, patients must not only treat the infection but also stop the cycle of re-infection.

Itchy, scaling skin between your toes is the first sign of toenail fungal disease. This type of infection can be prevented by:

• Avoid nail injuries, as this can increase your risk of getting a nail infection.
• Flip-flops are not recommended for public areas (e.g., community bathing/shower rooms, locker rooms).
• Do not share towels.
• You might consider replacing your old shoes, as they could have fungal spores.

Toenail Fungus in Medical Terms

Onychomycosis, a common nail disorder, is also known as toenail fungal disease or mycotic nail. This condition is caused by a variety of fungi and can cause severe nail damage. The fungus will spread and eventually cause a thickening of the toenails, which can lead to yellowing and crumbling.

Toenail fungus is more common in damp and dark environments. This means that people who wear tight shoes and those who apply multiple coats of nail polish (which trap moisture and encourage growth) are more likely to get it.

The reason is that the fungus thrives on the toenail protein called keratin once it has formed.

Onychomycosis is the most common nail condition. It causes approximately half of all conditions. Onychomycosis may affect the fingernails as well as the toenails, but the most common targets are the toenails.

These organisms thrive in closed shoes and plastic shoes, which makes them easier to infect the toenails and feet. These infections are common in people who have had their hands exposed to water for a long time.

Double gloves are a solution. They should be made of cotton on the inside and vinyl or latex on the outside. If they come into contact with water, it will cause them to become infected.

Facts about onychomycosis

1. Up to 30% of all skin conditions can be attributed to onychomycosis.
2. Nail fungal infections may affect up to 5% of the population, 20% of people over 60, and 50% of those over 70.
3. In 14% of cases, conventional treatment for fungal infections is effective.
4. This is the most common Dermatophyte toenail fungal infection.
5. Dermatophytes are one of the most prevalent sources of fungal infections in humans. Each year, they affect millions of people and cost $800 million to treat.
6. Toenail fungus is more common in men than it is in women.
7. The risk of infection increases when you work in moist areas.
8. Poor circulation, age, diabetes, nail thickening, and excessive sweating are all risk factors.
9. Onychomycosis is a condition that affects one third of diabetics.
10. Nail infection is more common in smokers and those with psoriasis.
11. Scientists don’t yet know if there is a genetic susceptibility to nail fungus in some people.

It is frustrating to see that millions of Americans with this condition think it is not serious and doesn’t require immediate treatment. Although it may not be a serious problem yet, the fact that the fungus can spread from one person to another and is contagious should be alarming enough. There are many remedies, but none is guaranteed.

The most effective drug, Lamisil, is linked to many liver problems. It is not surprising that so many people will choose to ignore the issue and cover their tracks. It is unlikely that young, healthy adults will notice any problems immediately if they ignore them. As the fungus grows, however, you will notice more problems over time.

It can cause the nail to become thicker and appear like a giant’s from the tip of it to the cuticle. Your entire life will be affected by pain and inflammation. Many people can’t admit to their illness, and it is shameful. It is not a state you should be following, but it is one I recommend.

You already know that you have made a huge decision to make a change in your life. Now you are reading about how to get rid of this terrible disease. It can be quite overwhelming to realize that this organism could spread if you don’t treat it.

It won’t spread beyond their feet for most people. However, it can spread to the fingers and other areas (hands, back, and legs) in some people. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to treat!

Sources:

• Side Effects Of Lamisil (Terbinafine), Warnings, Uses. (n.d.). RxList. https://www.rxlist.com/lamisil-side-effects-drug-center.htm.
• Fungi On the Skin: Dermatophytes And Malassezia. (2014, August 1). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109575/.
• Onychomycosis – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Onychomycosis – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/onychomycosis.
• Westerberg|Michael J. Voyack, D. P., Westerberg, D. P., & Voyack, M. J. (n.d.). Onychomycosis: Current Trends In Diagnosis And Treatment – American Family Physician. Onychomycosis: Current Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment – American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1201/p762.html.
• Is Diabetes Causing My Yellow Nails?. (n.d.). Is Diabetes Causing My Yellow Nails?. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-diabetes-causing-my-yellow-nails#diabetes-and-nails.
• @. (n.d.). Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis): Causes & Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11303-toenail-fungus.
• You Are Being Redirected…. (n.d.). You are being redirected…. https://www.themedicalcity.com/news/nail-fungus.
• Global And Multi-National Prevalence Of Fungal Diseases—Estimate Precision. (2017, December 1). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753159/.
• More Than Half Of All Americans Are Symptomatic Of Highly Contagious Nail Fungus And Infection, But Unaware Of It, New Survey Reports. (n.d.). Infection Control Today. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/more-half-all-americans-are-symptomatic-highly-contagious-nail-fungus-and-infection.
• Nail Fungus: Overview – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf. (2018, June 14). Nail fungus: Overview – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279547/.