While there is ongoing comprehensive medical research to determine whether most cases of toenail fungus are genetic in nature, physicians attribute the high prevalence of toenail fungus (onychomycosis) among family members to interfamilial transmission. This is where toenail fungus spreads among family members either directly through the sharing of personal items such as socks, or passively when family members pick up the microorganisms from moist places such as the bathroom.
Preliminary studies show that Trichophyton rubrum, the major causative agent of onychomycosis, is autosomal dominant in nature. This essentially implies that the abnormal genes that predispose one to toenail fungus may spread parent to child without necessarily going through the other spouse.
What Type of Toenail Fungus is Genetic?
Physicians classify onychomycosis into four main categories. These include the following:
- Distal subungual onychomycosis
- White superficial onychomycosis
- Proximal subungual onychomycosis
- Candidal onychomycosis
Distal Subungual Toenail Fungus
Distal subungual toenail fungus is the most prevalent form of the infection and primarily affects adults over the age of 60. Here, Trichophyton rubrum invades the finger or toenail bed, and enters into the nail matrix. The nail matrix consists of keratin and dividing skin cells that ultimately form the nail plate. Infection of the nail matrix leads to brittleness, lose of shape, thickening, discoloration, and other typical symptoms associated with the toenail infection. Research shows that distal superficial toenail fungus infections are autosomal dominant among families.
About 10 % of all onychomycosis cases are superficial in nature and normally do not have a genetic connection. The causative agent known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes usually invades the superficial area of the nail plate, and forms white patches. When left untreated, the patches typically expand over the entire nail plate rendering it soft and crumbly.
Proximal Subungual Toenail Fungus
Proximal subungual toenail fungus is the rarest form of the infection in healthy adults. Here, Trichophyton rubrum normally invades the nail plate and spreads laterally and while it is not a genetic condition, it usually indicates a failing immune system due to viral infections, or arises from minor toenail injuries.
Lastly, candidal onychomycosis is a form of toenail fungus caused by yeast infections and causes the infected nail to turn yellowish in color as well as swelling of the surrounding skin. Just as the other aforementioned types of onychomycosis, it is not a genetic condition.
Treatment for Genetic Toenail Fungus
You can receive oral or topical medications to treat toenail fungus. Researchers are currently working on a prophylaxis for individuals genetically predisposed to the condition. These include terbinafine and itraconazole, which work within the nail matrix and remain therein for months preventing relapses.
Besides medications, laser treatment for toenail fungus is an effective panacea among patients. At Clear Toe Clinic, we specialize in advanced laser-guided therapy to cure this stubborn nail condition. Our laser procedure is safe and easy to use with virtually no side effects. Contact us today for details on how to receive this proven solution against genetic toenail fungus.
