Health & Medical Diseases & Conditions

Find the Vital Facts About Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is surely not an appropriate issue for discussion during dinner. What may be startling is there are millions of people who acquire this unsightly fungal infection. If you ever get any type of fungus growth on your body, then you really must see a doctor or treat it with OTC drugs. If you let the infection continue, then additional problems could come up 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 just because the fungus favors dark and relatively damp surroundings. Also bear in mind that this infection spreads easily from one person to the next, or in community conditions.

One of the initial symptoms of toenail fungus is a slight discoloration of the nail. It may look to be yellowish or white in appearance, and people usually think they simply have dirt underneath their nails. This discoloration is under the nail, but it is hard to get rid of. Thus that is one way you can remember the symptoms of it. That is something you are not going to be able to do with scraping. As the infection develops, then the toenail may turn completely black or brownish in color. The best thing to do at any point is to use an over the counter toenail fungus drug or even visit your physician.

You will shortly find yourself having more complications to deal with if you ignore the infection. There is variation, but the toenail itself is going to grow weaker and even seem to get thin. But, some experience the opposite with an increase in nail thickness. In any case, the nail will become weaker and could start chipping here and there. The outcome will be loss of the nail completely with severe cases. The infected toenail will noticeably begin to smell badly as the infection becomes more severe under the toenail.

Other symptoms include pain which can be a very real issue with toenails and wearing shoes. What makes it tough to see right away is the fact that the fungus begins to accumulate and grow underneath the nail. What occurs is the fungus begins metabolizing the toenail because it is feeding on the keratin protein contained in the toenaail. Bear in mind that the fungus likes dark and moist areas in order for it to develop well. In terms of what may possibly cause toenail fungus, tight fitting shoes worn too often as well as improper nail care. Optimal growth conditions can happen as a result of a skin pH that is outside of what is considered average.

You can generally prevent toenail fungus from developing in the first place through proper hygiene and nail care. However it is vital that you realize that toenail fungus can spread from others directly to you or from wet community conditions. But you can easily and quickly take drugs by mouth or apply it directly to the nail.



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