There are some discussions best left to private places, and admittedly toenail fungus is one of those topics. What may be startling is there are millions of people who contract this ugly fungal infection. Any fungus type that grows enough to become an infection must be treated rapidly. Failing to get treatment for the toenail fungus will result in a lot more issues including nail loss. This fungus also can grow in your fingernails, although it usually develops in toenails. However it commonly develops in toenails just because the fungus favors dark and relatively damp environments. Toenail fungus also should be treated because it is contagious not only to other people but can spread in your body.

You can spot when it starts growing because the infected nail will have tiny spots that have a different hue to it. In the beginning you may think your nails merely have to be cleaned due to the discoloring. But keep in mind that this growth is on the nail bed, and trying to clean it won't be effective. Therefore that is one way you can remember the signs of the toenail fungal infection. You can cleaning and scraping but the stained appearance does not go away. As the infection becomes more serious, then the toenail could turn entirely blackish or brown in color. There are many different medications available you can find that do not require that you have a prescription.

With the progression of the infection, the toenaial is going to right away start to show other signs of infection. There is noticeable change, but the nail itself is going to grow weaker and even appear to become thinner. Still, some people whose nail become thicker. Other indications are flaking of the nail, or they get chipped easily. If this goes on further, then the infected nail is going to break or fall out. One more symptom as the infection turns more severe is a more or less foul odor emitted by the affected toenail.

Some other signs include pain which may be a real issue with toenails and putting on shoes. This type of fungus actually grows on the nail bed, and that is the reason the initial indications can be seen beneath the nail. Beneath the nail is so idyllic for this fungus because it actually eats the protein, keratin, that is part of the nail itself. This fungus may grow in lighter environments, like fingernails, but it does best beneath toenails because of the lower light. In terms of the causes for the fungal infection, ill-fitting shoes worn too often as well as substandard nail care. Optimal growth conditions can come about as a result of a skin pH that is outside of what is considered average.

Generally, you could arrest toenail fungus from developing in the first place by practicing proper hygiene and nail care. Since the fungus is a contagious condition, you must be careful in places such as public sweat rooms and steam rooms at fitness clubs and similar places. Oral and topical skin cures can be purchased without prescription that are efficacious.