Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. Some people may be more likely than others to get a fungal nail infection, including older adults and people who have the following conditions: 2,3

• A nail injury or foot deformity

• Trauma

• Diabetes

• Weakened immune system (for example, because of cancer)

• Venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the legs) or peripheral arterial disease (narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs)

• Fungal skin infections on other parts of the body

Occasionally, a bacterial infection can occur on top of a fungal nail infection and cause serious illness. This is more common in people with diabetes or other conditions that weaken the body’s defenses against infection.