It is an infection of the nail system by mycetes (fungi).

Onychomycosis may manifest as a color change in a portion of the nail; when the fungal infection spreads deeply it can thicken and crumble the lamina.

Podiatric treatment includes:

removal of the material produced by the fungus, application of local antifungals to eradicate the mycosis(fungus).

Factors that can increase the likelihood of manifesting a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) are:

• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating);
• Working in a humid environment;
• Psoriasis (skin disease);
• Socks and shoes that prevent perspiration and do not absorb sweat;
• Wet environments such as swimming pools, showers and the locker room;
• Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot);
• Diabetes
• Circulatory problems, etc.