Toenail Fungus May Be More Worrisome Than You You May Be Aware Of
Some of the initial symptoms of toenail fungus is a slight discoloration of the nail. It may show itself to be yellowish or white in color, and people often think they merely have a stain under their nails. A noticeable giveaway with it, though, is those spots cannot be cleaned away. That is an essential thing to keep in mind regarding this condition. Truly, no matter how hard you persevere, you won't be able to restore your toenail's normal appearance. If you don't treat the nail, you are going to watch your infected nail eventually become very dark in color. The smart thing to do at any point is to use an over the counter toenail fungus drug or even visit your doctor.
You will quickly find yourself having more complications to deal with if you ignore the infection. You will find various symptoms as things become more serious, and there are those who experience having serious thinning of the infected toenail. But then again, you will also find some whose nails become thicker as a result of the infection. In any case, the infected toenail will turn weaker and can start chipping here and there. The result will be loss of the nail completely with advanced cases. All the while, due to the presence and growth of fungus, you will be able to smell an unpleasant scent.
Unfortunately there is a pain factor linked to toenail fungus, and the more advanced it becomes the more discomfort there is. This type of fungus typically grows on the nail bed, and that is the reason the first symptoms are under the nail. What occurs is the fungus starts metabolizing the toenail because it is feeding on the keratin protein found in the toenaail. Typically, toenail fungus survives very well in moist areas far from light. Some of the more common causes of the infection can be poor nail hygiene or even always wearing shoes that are too tight. Optimal growth conditions may take place resulting to a skin pH that is outside of what is considered average.
Sufficient cleanliness of your self and nails, naturally, is the best way to keep this condition at bay. Since this is a contractable condition, you have to be careful in places such as public hot rooms and steam rooms at fitness facilities and similar places. Oral and topical skin remedies may be purchased over the counter that are efficacious.