Risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:

• Being older, owing to reduced blood flow, more years of exposure to fungi and slower growing nails
• Sweating heavily
• Having a history of athlete's foot
• Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
• Having a minor skin or nail injury or a skin condition, such as psoriasis
• Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system