Even though toenail fungus invokes all kinds of unpleasant images, it is a serious condition that must be treated quickly. What may be amazing is there are many people who develop this unpleasant fungal infection. Any fungus that grows enough to become an infection must be treated quickly. If you would like to keep your toenails, or fingernails, then you need to apply treatment for this type of infection right away. This fungus also may appear in your fingernails, although it usually develops in toenails. However it commonly develops in toenails just because the fungus likes dark and relatively moist surroundings. Toenail fungus also have to be treated because it is communicable not only to others but can spread in your body.

The nail will get a different coloration to it in the early stages. Initially you may think your toenails merely have to be cleaned due to the stain. An obvious giveaway with it, though, is those spots cannot be scrubbed clean. That is a crucial thing to remember about this condition. You can clean and scrape but the dirty look of the nail won't vanish. As the infection progresses, then the nail could possibly turn completely blackish or brown in color. The smart thing to do at any point is to apply a non-prescription toenail fungus medication or even see your health care provider.

If you let toenail fungus continue to grow, then there will be more complications. You will find various symptoms as things get worse, and there are those who report having severe toenail thinning. But then again, there are those who develop thicker toenails because of the infection. Other signs of advancing problems include flaking, cracked, and damaged toenails. If this goes on further, then the infected toenail is going to break off or fall out. All the while, due to the presence and growth of fungus, you will be able to smell a foul scent.

Toenail fungus could develop to the point where it becomes severe and causes genuine discomfort. What makes it tough to spot right away is the fact that the fungus begins to amass and develop beneath the nail. It is the keratin that the toenail fungus lives off of, and that is the reason the nail becomes very weak. Usually, toenail fungus thrives very well in humid environments far from light. You can help keep this from developing by taking good care of your nails, and avoid wearing overly tight shoes every day. Also, a number of people could have an abnormal skin pH that adds to the spread of this fungus.

You can generally prevent toenail fungus from becoming serious in the first place through good hygiene and nail care. Since the fungus is a communicable condition, you have to be careful in places such as public saunas and steam rooms at fitness facilities and similar places. Treating toenail fungus is done either topically or taking drugs that have to be taken orally.