Toenail fungus is certainly not an appropriate issue for discussion at the dinner table. There are more people than you may think who develop this condition. Any fungus type that grows enough to turn into an infection has to be taken care of quickly. If you let the infection continue, then other problems may appear such as loss of finger and toenails. This fungus also may develop in your fingernails, although it usually develops in toenails. Higher humidity with low light promotes the development of this fungus, and that is the reasin it is known as toenail fungus. Toenail fungus also must be treated because it is contagious not only to other people but can spread out in your body.

Some of the basic symptoms of toenail fungus is a slight discoloration of the nail. Initially you may think your toenails simply have to be cleaned due to the discoloration. This discoloration is under the toenail, but it is impossible to clean. That inability to clean the dirty nail is something to remember. Truly, regardless of how hard you persevere, you will not be able to restore the normal appearance of the nail. If the infection is not treated, you are going to observe your affected nail eventually grow very dark in color. There are a lot of products available you can find that do not require a prescription.

You will quickly find yourself having more complications to deal with if this condition is ignored. There is some variation, but the toenail itself will grow weaker and even seem to get thin. Nevertheless, some people experience the opposite with an increase in nail thickness. Other signs are flaking of the nail, or the infected toenails get chipped easily. Of course pretty soon the entire nail is going to fall away, which is extremely unwanted for anyone. All the while, as the result of the presence and growth of fungus, you will notice a foul smell.

Additional symptoms include pain which may be a serious issue with toenails and putting on shoes. This type of fungus usually grows on the nail bed, and that is the reason the basic symptoms are observed under the nail. Underneath the nail is so idyllic for this fungus because it actually eats the protein, keratin, that is part of the nail itself. Toenail fungus can develop in lighter areas, like fingernails, but it does best beneath toenails due to less light. Some of the more typical causes of the infection are poor nail hygiene or even constantly wearing shoes that fit too tightly. Optimal growth conditions could occur as a result of a skin pH that is outside of what is considered average.

The most effective way to stop the outgrowth of this fungus is by simple good hygiene. Since this is a contagious condition, you should be careful in places like public hot rooms and steam rooms at wellness facilities and similar places. Oral and topical skin cures may be purchased without prescription that are effective.