Nails that are thick, yellow or falling off are often nails suffering from a nail fungus infection.
Between 2 and 18 percent of the population of the world suffers from nail fungus.
The treatments are often unsuccessful without diligent care and will often be accompanied by serious side effects.
Prevention is the key to avoiding nail fungus infections as well as care of the nail during treatment.
The fingernails and toenails should be kept clean and trimmed cutting straight across.
In addition, avoiding the spread of fungal infections is essential.
Do not share nail polish, gloves, socks or shoes with other people as this can spread nail fungus even if symptoms are not apparent.
Nail salons that do not practice the proper sanitization are often to blame for wide spread nail fingernail fungal infections.
Due to the moist and dark environment of the foot, toenail fungal infections can be harder to successfully treat as well as prevent.
Make sure your socks wick away wetness and are always clean, wear sandals or flip flops when at a public pool, locker room or bathroom and wear shoes that do not irritate the nail.
These measures will help to ensure that the toenail fungus treatment you use will have a greater chance of success.
If you notice symptoms of a nail fungus infection it is important that you begin treatment right away before the fungus spreads or gets deep set.
Begin with a natural fungal treatment such as Tea Tree oil is always best; if this does not work then try a topical treatment before beginning an oral medication regimen.
Always check with your physician before starting any treatment.
It is important to know that some of the more serious fungus treatments can have serious side effects including liver damage.
Nail fungus infections are often curable when caught right away and accompanied with proper management as discussed above.