Toenail fungus is more common among older adults for several reasons, including diminished blood circulation, more years of exposure to fungi and because nails may grow more slowly and thicken with aging, making them more susceptible to infection. Toenail fungus also tends to affect men more than women and those with a family history of this infection. Resistance to fungal infection likely has a genetic component.
These factors also can increase your risk of developing toenail fungus:
Perspiring heavily
Working in a humid or moist environment
Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don't absorb perspiration
Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms, a minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection, Diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system.
