Toenail fungus is certainly not an acceptable issue for discussion at the dinner table. What may be startling is there are many millions who acquire this ugly fungal infection. Any fungus type that grows enough to become an infection needs to be attended to quickly. Failing to treat toenail fungus will result in a lot more issues including nail loss. This variety of fungus is typically seen in toenails, but you can certainly get it under your fingernails, too. Higher humidity with dim light encourages the development of this fungus, and that is why it is known as toenail fungus. Toenail fungus also should be treated because it is contagious not only to other people but can spread out in your body.

You can tell when it starts growing because the affected toenail is going to have little spots with a different color to it. It may look to be yellowish or white in color, and many oftentimes think they simply have a stain under their nails. An obvious giveaway with it, though, is those spots cannot be removed. That is a crucial thing to keep in mind about this condition. That is something you won't be able to achieve with any type of scraping action. If you don't treat the nail, you will notice your affected nail eventually grow really dark in color. There are various treatments available you can find that do not require a prescription.

You will shortly find yourself having more issues to deal with if you ignore the infection. Drastically thinner nails is highly common with a large number of people, but not everyone has that happen. However, some whose nails thicken. But no matter what, the nail will turn weaker and may begin breaking off here and there. Of course sooner or later the whole nail will most likely fall off, which is vwet unwanted for anyone. All the while, as the result of the presence and growth of fungus, you will be able to smell a foul scent.

Unfortunately there is a discomfort element tied to toenail fungus, and the more serious it becomes the more discomfort there is. What makes it difficult to spot right away is the fact that the fungus starts to amass and develop beneath the nail. It is the keratin that this particular fungus consumes, and that is why the nail turns so weak. It's possible that toenail fungus could grow in lighter areas, like fingernails, but it does best beneath toenails because of the lower light. You can help keep this from occurring if you take good care of your nails, and avoid wearing overly tight shoes day in and day out. Likewise, a few toenail fungus sufferers could have an abnormal skin pH that adds to the growth of this fungus.

The best way to stop the development of this fungus is by simple good hygiene. But it is important to realize that the fungus can spread from other people directly to you or from wet community conditions. Oral and topical skin remedies can be purchased without prescription that work.