Causes of Fingernail Fungus

Warm, Dark, Moist Environments

A fungus loves places where it can grow and thrive. A fungal infection occurs in areas that are moist, dark and warm--frequently in toenails squashed inside shoes, but also in fingernails. Anytime your nails are kept in that kind of environment, you run the risk of getting a fungal infection--the most common cause of all nail infections.

Fungi that Cause Infections

Fungal infections are typically caused by three types of fungi: yeast (known as Candida), molds and dermatophytes. Yeast infections most frequently strike fingernails while dermatophytes are a more frequent cause of toenail fungal infections.

Soaking in Water

Washing dishes or other jobs that require your hands be wet for a large portion of the day can increase the risk of a fungal fingernail infection. Keeping skin and nails warm and wet allows fungi, which may be lurking in small cuts in the skin, to grow and spread to the fingernails.

Family History

Nail infections tend to be more common in people who have a family history of them, so If your parents, siblings or other family members suffer from fingernail fungal infections, that could be why you are susceptible.

Lowered Immune System

Feeling rundown or sick, or having a condition that weakens the immune system, can increase the risk of developing a fungal infection in the fingernails, since your body isn't as able to protect itself.

Contact With an Infected Person

Sharing contaminated items--towels, linens or other items that could harbor a fungus--can also be a cause of fingernail fungal infection.