You'll discover that some topics are best left to private places, and admittedly toenail fungus is one of those subjects. But, this is a condition that impacts millions of people in many countries. If you ever develop any type of fungus growth on your body, then you really must see a doctor or treat it with non-prescription medication. If you let the fungal infection continue, then other problems could come up such as loss of finger and toenails. This kind of fungus commonly develops in toenails, but you can surely get it under your fingernailsas well. The strain of fungus involved in this condition has a friendlier habitat in toenails because of the limited light conditions as well as the moisture. One other good reason for halting the spread is due to its being contagious.

You can spot when it begins growing because the nail will have tiny spots with a different color to it. At first glance you may think your nails simply have to be cleaned due to the discoloring. This discoloration is beneath the nail, but it cannot be cleaned out. Thus that is one way you can remember the indications of the infection. You can rubbing hard but the discolored appearance won't vanish. As the infection grows, then the toenail could possibly turn entirely blackish or brownish in color. There are many different products available you can find that do not require that you have a docotr's prescription.

You will quickly find yourself having more problems to deal with if you ignore the infection. There is variation, but the toenail itself will grow weaker and even seem to get thin. Still, you will also find some whose nails become thicker as a result of the infection. Other indications are flaking of the nail, or the infected toenails become chipped or damaged easily. The result will be loss of the nail entirely with severe cases. The infected nail will noticeably begin to smell terrible as the infection grows beneath the toenail.

Unfortunately there is a discomfort element associated with toenail fungus, and the more severe it becomes the more discomfort there is. What makes it challenging to see immediately is the fact that the fungus begins to amass and grow under the nail. What happens is the fungus starts metabolizing the toenail because it is consuming the keratin protein contained in the nail. Keep in mind that the fungus favors dark areas so it can develop well. You can help keep toenail fungus from happening if you take good care of your nails, and avoid wearing excessively tight shoes all the time. An unusual pH of the skin for a long time may likewise add to its development.

Generally, you could stop toenail fungus from forming in the first place through proper hygiene and nail care. Since the fungus is a communicable condition, you must be careful in places like public hot rooms and steam rooms at fitness facilities and similar places. Oral and topical skin cures are available with no prescription that are efficacious.