White Spots / Nail Fungus

Nail fungus develops when microscopic organisms called fungi infect a nail. This can happen through:

• Direct contact with someone who has a fungal infection (e.g., ringworm or athlete’s foot).
• Sharing nail clippers with an infected person.
• Small cuts or cracks in the skin around the nails, providing entry points for fungi.
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed or cracks in the nail itself.

The risk of developing nail fungus increases with:

• Health conditions:
  • Athlete’s foot or other fungal skin infections.
  • Diabetes.
  • Psoriasis.
  • Poor circulation in the hands or feet.
  • Weakened immune system.
  • Cancer treatment with chemotherapy.
  • Previous organ transplant.
• Lifestyle factors:
  • Smoking.
  • Spending extended periods in water.
  • Walking barefoot in warm, humid environments like locker rooms, pools, or public showers.
  • Frequently wearing tight, closed-toe shoes that cause sweating.
  • Using plastic gloves for prolonged periods.
  • Regularly having wet hands or feet throughout the day.
• Environmental factors:
  • Living in hot and humid climates.

• Yellow or white spots beneath the tip of the nail.
• Thickened, crumbling, or discolored nails.
• Pain in the affected nails.