What Causes Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)?

What Causes Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)?

Fungal nail infections — also known as onychomycosis — are more common than most people think. They can affect anyone, at any age, and once the fungus takes hold, it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of without professional help.

At Podiatry Medic, we see this every week in our Queenstown clinic. So what actually causes fungal nails?

Top Causes of Fungal Nail Infections:

1. Trauma to the Nail

Even a small injury to the nail bed can create an opening for fungal spores to enter. This is common in sports, hiking, or even from tight shoes.

2. Sweaty Feet or Closed-In Footwear

Fungi love warm, moist environments. If you wear closed-in shoes all day (especially without socks), you’re creating the perfect home for an infection to develop.

3. Shared Spaces

Public pools, gyms, and communal showers are breeding grounds for fungal infections. If you’re walking barefoot in these areas, you’re at risk.

4. Underlying Skin Conditions (like Tinea Pedis)

If you have athlete’s foot or flaky skin between the toes, the infection can spread into the nail and become much harder to treat.

5. Poor Immune Function

If your immune system is run down, your body is less effective at fighting off fungal invaders. This is common in diabetics or those under stress.

How to Prevent Fungal Nails:

• Always wear footwear in shared spaces.

• Keep your feet clean and dry.

• Let your shoes air out between wears.

• Treat athlete’s foot early before it spreads.

• Disinfect nail clippers and avoid nail salons with poor hygiene.

Think you might have fungal nails?

Book a consultation with our Queenstown or Cromwell clinic today and let’s take the guesswork out of your treatment.