If you have ever had an infected toenail, you know that is isn't fun.
From the itchiness, to the swelling to severe pain, it's definitely something that you don't want again.
The good news is once you know the causes you can learn how to avoid having to experience it again.
Here are three of the most common causes.
Toenail Fungus - Fungus grows in places that are moist and dark, which describes a nail bed stuffed in a shoe all day perfectly.
You can pick up fungus by walking barefoot in a locker room, public showers, at a poolside or just about any place that has moisture on the floor.
Poor hygiene is also a contributing factor to the growth of fungus.
Wearing shower shoes or flip-flops along with cleaning and drying the feet can make a big difference in avoiding this one.
Dry, Cracked or Broken Skin - Dry skin and cuts or wounds on the feet, especially on and in between the toes can also become a prime target for infection.
Once bacteria set in and the surrounding tissue starts to die you can also attract fungus which feeds on dead skin.
This is all too common.
While it's important to keep the feet and toes free of excess moisture, it is also important to keep the skin moisturized and healthy.
Any less than ideal foot conditions should be taken care of without delay.
Ingrown Toenail - Ingrown toenails can cause a variety of problems all of which contribute to infected toenails.
When a hang-nail grows into the skin it can be a carrier for foreign agents like dirt, bacteria or fungus.
Cutting the nails too close may also nick the skin making it prone to infection.
It is very important to handle the cutting of nails with care and with as much precision as possible.
Remember to cut straight and not curved, to avoid this problem.
In addition to these top three causes other factors include diseases and overall health conditions such as HIV, liver disease, diabetes, poor circulatory problems, and prior instances of toenail damage or infection.
It's always best to consult a health care professional when you suspect that you have a toenail infection since treatment sometimes requires prescribed antibiotics.
The important thing to do when you suspect that you have an infected toenail is to act and to act quickly.
Left untreated an infected toenail could have grave consequences.