Illinois Nail Technician Practice Exam

Why do toenails get more infected than fingernails?

1. Because they are exposed to more air

2. Because of constant use of socks and closed toe shoes

3. Because toenails are thicker than fingernails

4. Because they grow faster than fingernails

The correct answer is: Because of constant use of socks and closed toe shoes

Toenails are more susceptible to infection primarily due to their environment and the conditions in which they are often kept. When wearing socks and closed-toe shoes, toes are enclosed in a warm and moist environment, which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This constant usage and lack of air circulation promote conditions that facilitate the growth of pathogens, increasing the likelihood of infections. On the other hand, fingernails are often more exposed to the air and are generally not confined in a way that retains moisture as often as toenails, reducing their infection risk. While toenails may be thicker than fingernails, thickness alone doesn't contribute to a greater risk of infection; rather, it's the environmental factors and physical confinement that play a crucial role. Fingernails also tend to grow at a different rate than toenails, typically not faster, and this growth rate is not a significant factor in infection susceptibility.