Some subjects are best left to private places, and admittedly toenail fungus is one of those topics. What may be surprising is there are many people who contract this unpleasant fungal infection. Any fungus type that grows enough to turn into an infection has to be treated as soon as possible. If you would like to keep your toenails, or fingernails, then you need to apply treatment for this type of infection straightaway. This fungus also can grow in your fingernails, although it is more common in toenails. The fungus type involved in this condition has a friendlier habitat in toenails because of the limited light conditions as well as the moisture. Toenail fungus also should be treated because it is infectious not only to other people but can spread out in your body.

You can spot when it begins growing because the infected nail will have small spots with a different shade to it. It may show itself to be yellowish or white in appearance, and many often think they simply have dirt underneath their nails. An obvious giveaway with it, however, is those spots cannot be removed. Therefore that is one way you can remember the signs of the infection. Really, regardless of how hard you persevere, you are not going to be able to restore the normal appearance of the nail. As the infection becomes more serious, then the toenail could turn completely black or brownish in color. There are a variety of treatments available you can find that do not require a docotr's prescription.

You are going to quickly find yourself having more problems to deal with if you ignore the infection. There is variation, but the toenail itself is going to grow weaker and even appear to become thinner. On the other hand, you will also find some whose nails become thicker as a result of the infection. Regardless, the infected toenail will turn weaker and can start chipping here and there. Of course eventually the entire nail will probably fall off, which is extremely undesirable for anyone. All the while, because of the presence and growth of fungus, you will notice a foul odor.

Toenail fungus can develop to the point where it becomes severe and causes genuine discomfort. What makes it difficult to pick out instantly is the fact that the fungus starts to collect and develop under the nail. Under the nail is so idyllic for this fungus because it in reality feeds oon the protein, keratin, that is part of the nail itself. Keep in mind that the fungus favors dark areas so it can develop well. You can help keep this from happening by taking good care of your nails, and avoid wearing too tight shoes all the time. In addition, some those with this infection could possibly have a strange skin pH that lends to the development of this fungus.

Generally, you could arrest toenail fungus from developing in the first place with proper hygiene and nail care. But it is important to realize that this can spread from others directly to you or from wet community conditions. Treating toenail fungus is possible either topically or taking drugs that have to be taken orally.