Some subjects are best left to private places, and admittedly toenail fungus is one of those topics. What may be amazing is there are many people who acquire this unsightly fungal infection. Any fungus that grows enough to develop into an infection should be treated immediately. If you would like to keep your toenails, or fingernails, then you must begin treatment for this type of infection as soon as possible. This fungus also may grow in your fingernails, although it is more common in toenails. Higher humidity with dim light promotes the development of this fungus, and that is why it is called toenail fungus. Also keep in mind that toenail fungus spreads very easily from person to person, or in community conditions.

Among the basic symptoms of toenail fungus is a slight discoloration of the nail. It may show itself to be yellowish or white in color, and people usually think they just have a stain underneath their toenails. But keep in mind that this growth is on the nail bed, and trying to clean it will not be effective. That is a crucial thing to remember concerning this condition. Truly, regardless of how hard you persevere, you won't be able to restore your toenail's normal appearance. As the infection becomes more serious, then the nail could possibly turn completely blackish or brownish in color. There are various medications available you can find that do not require a docotr's prescription.

You are going to shortly find yourself having more problems to deal with if this condition is ignored. You will find a variety of symptoms as things become severe, and some people experience having serious thinning of the infected toenail. Still, you'll see that there are people who develop thicker toenails because of the infection. Other indications are flaking of the nail, or the nails become chipped or damaged easily. If this continues on, then the infected nail will chip off or fall out. All the while, due to the presence and growth of fungus, you will notice an undesirable scent.

Other symptoms include pain which can be a very real problem with toenails and wearing shoes. This type of fungus typically develops on the nail bed, and that is why the basic symptoms are beneath the nail. What takes place is the fungus begins metabolizing the toenail because it is consuming the keratin protein found in the nail. In general, toenail fungus thrives extremely well in damp places far from light. In terms of what could cause toenail fungus, tight shoes worn too often as well as poor nail care. Likewise, a number of people could have a strange skin pH that contributes to the spread of this fungus.

Generally, you could prevent toenail fungus from becoming serious in the first place with good hygiene and nail care. Since toenail fungus is a communicable condition, you need to be careful in places like public saunas and steam rooms at fitness clubs and similar places. Oral and topical skin curatives can be purchased with no prescription that are effective.