There are some discussions best left to private places, and admittedly toenail fungus is one of those topics. But, this is a condition that impacts millions of people in the world. If you ever develop any type of fungus growth on your body, then you really must see a doctor or treat it with over the counter medication. If this is allowed to continue, then other problems may appear such as loss of finger and toenails. Yes, you can acquire toenail fungus on the nails on your fingers, too. However the fungus is typically seen in toenails simply because the fungus likes dark and relatively moist environs. Another very good reason for halting the spread is due to its being infectious.

The infected nail is going to get a different hue to it in the initial stages. Some people may dismiss this because it looks like slightly grimy toenails. But keep in mind that this growth is on the nail bed, and attempting to clean it will not be effective. That is a good thing to bear in mind concerning this condition. Really, regardless of how hard you try, you won't be able to restore the normal appearance of the nail. As the infection becomes more serious, then the nail could turn entirely blackish or brown in color. There are a variety of medications available you can find that do not require that you have a prescription.

You are going to quickly find yourself having more problems to deal with if you don't have the toenail fungus treated. Drastically thinner nails is very typical with a lot of people, but not everybody experiences it. But, some people whose nails thicken. Other signs are flaking of the nail, or the infected toenails get chipped easily. Of course sooner or later the whole nail will probably fall away, which is extremely unwanted for anyone. Another symptom as the infection advances is a slightly foul smell given off by the infected nail.

Additional symptoms include pain which could be a genuine problem with toenails and wearing shoes. This type of fungus usually grows on the nail bed, and that is why the basic symptoms are observed beneath the nail. What occurs is the fungus begins metabolizing the nail because it is consuming the keratin protein contained in the toenaail. It's possible that toenail fungus could thrive in lighter places, like fingernails, but it does best under toenails because of less light. You can help prevent the infection from happening by taking good care of your nails, and avoid wearing excessively tight shoes every day. An abnormal pH of the skin for a long time can also lend to its growth.

In general, you can prevent toenail fungus from becoming serious in the first place with 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 wellness facilities and similar places. But you can easily and quickly take medication orally or apply it locally to the infected nail.