Even though toenail fungus brings up all kinds of unpleasant images, it is a serious condition that needs to be treated immediately. Still, this is a condition that affects millions of people world wide. Any fungus that grows enough to develop into an infection should be treated promptly. If this is allowed to continue, then additional problems may appear such as loss of finger and toenails. Yes, it is possible to develop toenail fungus on the fingernails, as well. The fungus involved in this condition has a better habitat in toenails due to the limited light conditions and the moisture. One more good reason for arresting the spread is due to its being contagious.
You can tell when it starts growing because the affected toenail is going to have little spots that have a different hue to it. It may look to be yellowish or white in color, and others oftentimes think they simply have grime underneath their toenails. An obvious giveaway with it, though, is those spots cannot be removed. Thus that is one way you can remember the symptoms of the toenail fungal infection. That is something you will not be able to achieve with any type of scraping action. Left untreated, you are going to observe your infected nail eventually grow really dark in color. There are many different medications available you can find that do not require that you have a prescription.
With the continued growth of the infection, the nail is going to soon start to show other signs of infection. There is variation, but the toenail itself is going to grow weaker and even appear to become thinner. Still, you will also find some who develop thicker toenails because of the infection. Other signs are flaking of the nail, or the infected toenails become chipped or damaged easily. The end result will be loss of the nail entirely with advanced instances. An additional indication as the infection progresses is a more or less foul smell given off by the affected toenail.
Unfortunately there is a pain factor related to toenail fungus, and the more advanced it becomes the more pain there is. What makes it tough to pick out right away is the fact that the fungus starts to amass and grow under the nail. What takes place is the fungus starts metabolizing the nail because it is consuming the keratin protein found in the nail. It's possible that toenail fungus could develop in lighter areas, like fingernails, but it does best under toenails because of less light. You can help keep the infection from developing if you take good care of your nails, and avoid wearing too tight shoes every day. An unusual pH of the skin for an excessive period may also add to its development.
Sufficient cleanliness of your self and nails, obviously, is the most effective way to keep this condition from developing. Since toenail fungus is a communicable condition, you have to 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 effective.
You can tell when it starts growing because the affected toenail is going to have little spots that have a different hue to it. It may look to be yellowish or white in color, and others oftentimes think they simply have grime underneath their toenails. An obvious giveaway with it, though, is those spots cannot be removed. Thus that is one way you can remember the symptoms of the toenail fungal infection. That is something you will not be able to achieve with any type of scraping action. Left untreated, you are going to observe your infected nail eventually grow really dark in color. There are many different medications available you can find that do not require that you have a prescription.
With the continued growth of the infection, the nail is going to soon start to show other signs of infection. There is variation, but the toenail itself is going to grow weaker and even appear to become thinner. Still, you will also find some who develop thicker toenails because of the infection. Other signs are flaking of the nail, or the infected toenails become chipped or damaged easily. The end result will be loss of the nail entirely with advanced instances. An additional indication as the infection progresses is a more or less foul smell given off by the affected toenail.
Unfortunately there is a pain factor related to toenail fungus, and the more advanced it becomes the more pain there is. What makes it tough to pick out right away is the fact that the fungus starts to amass and grow under the nail. What takes place is the fungus starts metabolizing the nail because it is consuming the keratin protein found in the nail. It's possible that toenail fungus could develop in lighter areas, like fingernails, but it does best under toenails because of less light. You can help keep the infection from developing if you take good care of your nails, and avoid wearing too tight shoes every day. An unusual pH of the skin for an excessive period may also add to its development.
Sufficient cleanliness of your self and nails, obviously, is the most effective way to keep this condition from developing. Since toenail fungus is a communicable condition, you have to 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 effective.