11/01/2026
FAQ | What are the most common causes of fungal toenails?
Your toenails are composed of 80% hard keratin and 20% soft keratin. Keratin is also in your skin and hair. Dermatophytes are the fungus profound for causing onychomycosis. This type of fungi feeds on keratin to grow and multiply.
Dermatophytes love warm, moist environments, such as:
- Public swimming pools
- Beaches
- Saunas
- Changing rooms