You'll discover that some topics are best left to private places, and admittedly toenail fungus is one of those subjects. What may be surprising is there are many people who develop this ugly fungal infection. Any fungus that grows enough to develop into an infection should be taken care of quickly. If you let the fungal infection continue, then other problems could come up such as loss of finger and toenails. Yes, you can contract toenail fungus on the nails on your fingers, as well. The fungus type involved in this condition has a better habitat in toenails because of the limited light conditions as well as the moisture. Also remember that toenail fungus spreads very easily from person to person, or in community conditions.

The infected nail will develop a different hue to it in the initial stages. At first glance you may believe your toenails merely have to be cleaned due to the discoloring. This discoloration is beneath the nail, but it is impossible to clean. So that is one way you can remember the symptoms of the infection. You can cleaning and scraping but the discolored appearance is not going to go away. As the infection progresses, then the nail could possibly turn entirely black or brownish in color. You can quickly treat the infection with a medication that's available at the pharmacy, or possibly have your health care provider treat the infection.

With the continued growth of this condition, the nail is going to shortly begin to exhibit other signs of infection. There is variation, but the nail itself is going to turn weaker and even turn thinner. However, some whose nail become thicker. Other indications are flaking of the nail, or the infected toenails are easily chipped and damaged. Of course eventually the whole nail will probably fall away, which is extremely undesirable for anyone. Another symptom as the infection becomes more serious is a more or less foul smell emitted by the affected nail.

Regrettably there is a discomfort component linked to toenail fungus, and the more advanced it becomes the more pain there is. Keep in mind that the toenail fungus infection is not on the outer nail, but it does originate on the nail bed underneath. It is the keratin that the toenail fungus feeds off of, and that is the reason the nail turns so weak. Keep in mind that the fungus favors damp and dark places in order for it to thrive well. You can help prevent the infection from occurring if you take good care of your nails, and avoid wearing excessively tight shoes day in and day out. An unusual pH of the skin for a long time could likewise contribute to its growth.

More often than not, you can stop toenail fungus from forming in the first place with proper hygiene and nail care. Since the fungus is a contagious condition, you have to be careful in places like public saunas and steam rooms at fitness clubs and similar places. Oral and topical skin cures can be purchased with no prescription that are efficacious.