Is a fungal infection of the feet equivalent to mould?

A fungal infection of the feet is not equivalent to mould. While both are caused by fungi, they represent different types of fungal infections. Mould refers to a type of fungus that typically grows in damp environments and can cause various health issues, particularly respiratory problems when its spores are inhaled.

On the other hand, a fungal infection of the feet, such as athlete's foot, is specifically an infection caused by dermatophytes, which are a group of fungi that thrive on keratin found in skin, hair, and nails. This type of infection often produces specific symptoms like itching, redness, and peeling of the skin. Hence, the two terms describe different phenomena within the realm of fungi, making it critical to differentiate between them in a nail technology context, especially for diagnosing and treating conditions appropriately.