Toenail fungus is certainly not a good topic for discussion at the dinner table. But, this is a condition that affects millions of people around the globe. Any fungus type that grows enough to become an infection has to be attended to promptly. Neglecting to treat toenail fungus will result in a lot more problems including nail loss. This fungus likewise may appear in your fingernails, although it is more common in toenails. However it is more common in toenails just because the fungus prefers dark and relatively damp environments. One more good reason for containing the spread is due to its being contagious.

The infected nail will acquire a different color to it in the initial stages. Some people may dismiss this because it looks like somewhat grimy nails. A telltale giveaway with it, however, is those spots cannot be removed. Therefore that is one way you can remember the signs of the infection. That is something you are not going to be able to do with scraping. As the infection becomes more serious, then the toenail could turn totally blackish or brownish in color. You can promptly treat the infection with a medication that's available at the pharmacy, or maybe have your doctor treat the fungus.

With the progression of the fungal infection, the toenaial will soon begin to exhibit other signs of trouble. You will find various symptoms as things become severe, and some people experience having serious toenail thinning. However, in true variability with signs, a few people are going to develop thicker nails instead of thinner nails. Other indications are flaking of the nail, or they get chipped easily. The outcome will be loss of the nail totally with severe cases. The infected toenail is going to begin to smell badly as the infection grows beneath the toenail.

Toenail fungus can possibly continue to the point where it gets severe and causes serious discomfort. What makes it hard to spot immediately is the fact that the fungus starts to accumulate and develop beneath the nail. Underneath the toenail is so idyllic for this fungus because it really consumes the protein, keratin, that is part of the nail itself. Bear in mind that the fungus likes damp and dark places to develop well. You can help prevent the infection from developing by taking good care of your nails, and avoid wearing overly tight shoes every day. An abnormal pH of the skin for a long time could also add to its development.

Sufficient cleanliness of your self and nails, obviously, is the easiest way to keep this condition out of your life. Since toenail fungus is contagious, then you have to take care in public areas that are wet such as swimming areas and locker rooms at gyms and health facilities. But you can easily and quickly take medication orally or apply it directly to the nail.