Nail fungus infection is caused due to the fungal activity of the group known as Dermatophytes.
This infection is also known to be caused by molds and yeasts.
Since fungi are small microorganisms that flourish in the presence of warm and dark areas, they find a perfect place in nails for growth and development.
Usually the infection occurs when the nail bed is damaged because of some bruise, cut or injury allowing the fungi to reside in it.
As long as the infection is mild and taken care off in time, it does not pose any kind of serious threat to the patient.
However, depending upon your existing health, the scenario may vary.
For instance, the patients of diabetes, HIV AIDS, people who recently had a surgery or organ transplant and those with low immune systems can face adverse effects of this ailment.
The same is true for the elderly people who are more prone to the fungal infection.
Depending upon the seriousness of the infection, it can lead to occasional bleeding, pus and pain.
Fungi are usually abundant in moist bathroom corners, swimming pools, kitchen washing basin and bathtubs.
When the nails are attacked by fungus, they show common symptoms.
The most prominent of these are the discolouration of nails, deformed nail shape, brittle and hard nails, segregation of nails form the base and in extreme cases, pus, bleeding and bad smell.
Since the ailment is contagious, it can not only spread to other fingernails or toenails but can transfer to other individuals in your household by sharing of towels, nail clippers, nail polishes etc.
No matter how severe the infection is, good thing about nail fungus is that it can be cured.
Many people usually use the chemical drugs or home remedies to get rid of the infectious diseases.
Herbal products are also used to cure the infection and eradicate it from its base.
No matter what kind of treatment you undergo to get rid of the infection, make sure that you consult your physician and get your infection diagnosed.
Your physician can help you in treating the infection in a very short time.
The prescribed medicines used for treating this infection are known to have a number of side effects that include kidney problems, vomiting, nausea, rash, dizziness, heart and liver problems and even death.
However, the serious side effects are seen on very rare occasions.
All other forms of treatments are known to be safe for use, and do not pose any health risks.
However, those treatments may consume a longer time to show effect as compared to the prescribed medicines.