There are some discussions best left to private places, and admittedly toenail fungus has to be one of them. What may be startling is there are millions of people who contract this unpleasant fungal infection. Since this is a fungus infection that has gotten out of hand, it needs to be considered seriously and treated. If you want to keep your toenails, or fingernails, then you must start treatment for this type of infection straightaway. This variety of fungus commonly develops in toenails, but it can certainly get it under your fingernails, too. Higher humidity with low light encourages the growth of this fungus, and that is the reasin it is referred to as toenail fungus. Toenail fungus also have to be treated because it is communicable not only to other people but can spread in your body.

One of the initial symptoms of toenail fungus is a slight discoloration of the nail. In the beginning you may believe your toenails just need to be cleaned due to the discoloring. But keep in mind that this growth is on the nail bed, and any attempts to get rid of it will not be effective. That inability to clean the infected nail is something you should keep in mind. You can clean and scrape but the dirty appearance won't go away. As the infection develops, then the toenail may turn completely black or brown in color. The clever thing to do at any point is to use an OTC toenail fungus treatment or even see your doctor.

With the progression of this condition, the toenaial is going to quickly begin to exhibit other signs of trouble. Drastically thinner nails is highly common with a large number of people, but not everybody has that happen. However, there are people who whose nail become thicker. Other symptoms of more serious problems include flaking, cracking, and easily damaged nails. Of course sooner or later the whole nail is going to fall away, which is highly unwanted for anyone. One more sign as the infection becomes more serious is a more or less foul odor emitted by the affected toenail.

Other signs include pain which could be a genuine issue with toenails and wearing shoes. What makes it challenging to see right away is the fact that the fungus begins to amass and develop beneath the nail. Beneath the toenail is so perfect for this fungus because it in reality consumes the protein, keratin, that is part of the nail itself. Remember that the fungus favors dark areas in order for it to thrive well. As far as what could cause the fungal infection, tight shoes worn too often as well as substandard nail care. Also, a few those with this infection us likely to have an abnormal skin pH that lends to the spread of this fungus.

Sufficient cleanliness of your self and nails, obviously, is the most effective way to keep this condition from developing. Since toenail fungus is a contagious condition, you have to be careful in places like public saunas and steam rooms at fitness facilities and similar places. Treating toenail fungus is possible either topically or with orally administered medication.