Toenail fungus is surely not an appropriate topic for discussion during dinner. What may be surprising is there are millions of people who acquire this ugly fungal infection. Since this is a fungus infection that has gone out of contro, it should be regarded seriously and treated. If you are interested to keep your toenails, or fingernails, then you need to start treatment for this type of infection right away. This fungus likewise can appear in your fingernails, although it is more common in toenails. However the fungus is typically seen in toenails just because the fungus likes dark and relatively damp environments. Also keep in mind that toenail fungus spreads very easily from person to person, or in community conditions.

The affected nail will get a different color to it in the beginning stages. There are people who may dismiss this because it looks like slightly dirty toenails. But remember that this growth is on the nail bed, and any attempts to get rid of it is not going to be effective. Therefore that is one way you can remember the indications of the infection. That is something you are not going to be able to achieve with scraping. Left untreated, you are going to watch your infected nail eventually turn very dark in color. You can promptly stop this fungus with a medication you can buy at the store, or perhaps have your health care provider treat the infection.

You are going to soon find yourself having more complications to deal with if this condition is ignored. Drastically thinner nails is extremely common with many people, but not everyone experiences it. Nevertheless, some whose nails thicken. Other symptoms of more serious problems include flaking, cracking, and easily damaged nails. The result will be loss of the nail completely with serious instances. The infected toenail is going to start to smell badly as the infection develops underneath the toenail.

Additional symptoms include pain which can be a very real issue with toenails and wearing shoes. Keep in mind that the fungal infection infection doesn't occur on the outer nail, but it does originate on the nail bed underneath. What occurs is the fungus starts metabolizing the toenail because it is consuming the keratin protein within in the nail. In general, toenail fungus flourishes very well in moist places far from light. Some of the more usual causes of the infection include poor nail hygiene or even constantly wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Likewise, some people may experience an abnormal skin pH that contributes to the growth of this fungus.

In general, you can prevent toenail fungus from forming in the first place by practicing good hygiene and nail care. Since toenail fungus is a contagious condition, you must be careful in places such as public hot rooms and steam rooms at health clubs and similar places. Treating toenail fungus is done either topically or through drugs that have to be taken orally.