Fungal Toenail - What Is It?

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that usually affects the toenails causing them to be distorted and discolored. Usually, toenail fungus is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. But why is toenail fungus such a problem if it is not a life-threatening condition?

Toenail fungus is not life-threatening, but does require treatment as early as possible. If the nail is not treated timely, then it may deteriorate and finally fall off. In the meantime your other nails can become infected, contaminate your shoes, and even spread the fungus to other people in your family.

Proper treatment is required for your toenail fungus otherwise it can be difficult, painful and disfiguring. But, you will be able to get rid of toenail fungus by choosing a right kind of treatment. Let us have an idea about the causes and symptoms of toenail fungus.

Toes are more likely to be affected by fungus since they are more exposed to the perfect breeding ground of fungi - the shoes. The fungus feeds on the keratin of the nail, which is a protein that makes up the hard surface of the toenail.

Symptoms of Toe Nail Fungus

You will not be able to observe the early symptoms. The discoloration on your nail plate indicate that fungus has already taken hold and its byproduct are feeding on the keratin of your nail.

The first initial symptom of the toenail fungus is the appearance of the white or yellow spot under the tip of the affected nail. If proper treatment is not followed, fungus will spread and develops yellowish or brownish discoloration on the nail.

The nail may become thicken and brittle over time. It might be difficult to wear shoes due to the painful nail. You may observe a smell emitting from your nail due to the accumulation of foul debris under the nail. The nail may have a crumbling edge, and it may completely fall off.

Causes of Toe Nail Fungus

Since toenail fungus is a transmittable disease, it can easily spread from person to person.

Fungus develop rapidly in moist and warm environment. One can easily get toenail fungus by walking bare foot in places like shower stalls, swimming pools and gyms.

Athletes are more prone to have a toenail fungus due to their tight-fitting shoes that cause the nail to squash at the end of the shoe. Fungus easily breeds in a warm and moist environment, therefore, it is not advisable to wear socks and shoes for a very long time.

One who have a weaker immune system or have diseases like HIV or diabetes are more susceptible to have a toenail fungus. This is mainly because their body is not capable enough to combat infections like dermatophytes or other kind of fungus.

Treatment of Toenail Fungus

Your health advisor may prescribe you an oral anti-fungal medication for your toenail fungus, which may take at least 12 weeks to show visible results. However, prescription drugs have some very serious side-effects and may not be suitable for some individuals.

Most of the topical treatments required in the treatment of toenail fungus, are ineffective since they are not able to pass through the thick layers of the toenail.

You may try safe and natural tea tree oil for your toenail fungus, read more about it here: www.nail-fungus-cures-that-work.com