What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus - green nails, thick nails, discolored, black nails!

This condition is marked by a thick and yellowish toenail, a common condition that destroys and disfigures the nail. Toenail fungus is a fungal infection in one or more toenails. Like other fungal infections, toenail fungus starts as a small spot under the nail, but as it spreads, it causes the nail to discolor and thicken. Half of all nail disorders are caused by toenail fungus. It invades and feeds on the protein or Keratin, which makes the surface of the toenails hard. This fungal infection is rarely found in children. 48% of Americans have at least one toenail infected with these fungi by the time they are 70

years of age. Having diabetes also affects and increases the risk of toenail fungal infection. The big toe, and the smallest toe are the ones mostly affected. It is somewhat difficult to treat, and often times it reoccurs after typical treatment. On the other hand, there are medications to treat toenail fungus and these can be very dangerous to the body.

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Possible causes of toenail fungus

There is a group of fungus called Dermatophytes, which is where toenail fungus belongs. Yeast and molds are also suspected to cause toenail fungus. These type of fungi exists in warm and moist environments, like shower areas, locker rooms and swimming pools. It

enters the skin through small cuts, or small separations between the nail and the nail bed. Studies shows that most toenail fungus occurs in toenails rather than fingernails due to the warm and moist insides of socks and shoes, unlike the fingernails that are always exposed, and are not confined.

There are many factors that may cause toenail fungus. It includes age, history of family infection or heredity, smoking, heavy perspiration, among others. In addition, moist or humid environment may also cause bacteria development which may result in toenail fungus. People suffering from circulatory problems, weak immune system, or people

with diabetes are at greater risk of developing this fungi infection.

Possible symptoms of toenail fungus

Thickened and discolored toenails, and toenails with brittle edges are some symptoms of nail fungus. Check if they are yellow, green or brown in color, with flat and distorted looking nails that may look thick and overgrown. Nails that are separated from the nail bed, and have an unpleasant odor are also signs. You may also find debris under the

nail that emits a foul-smelling odor. Eventually, the nail crumbles, and completely falls off or may become very thick, making it very painful to wear shoes.

Prevention and Avoidance

Knowing what causes the fungus is important to preventing and understanding it. Avoiding toenail fungus can be best accomplished by taking preventive steps and making sure that the fungus has no chance of appearing there in the first place. Making the toenails short and clean will help prevent toenail fungus. This will help to stop the growth or worsening of the growth. Also, be informed that the equipment in salons may also transmit the fungus. In order to avoid it, we must be sure that the equipment they use must be cleaned and ready for their next customer.

The discoloration of the nail is due to bacteria growth. If this is left untreated, it may lead to more serious infections and may spread on to the other nails. This condition is serious for diabetics, but still poses a serious danger to anyone who does not find proper

treatment. This may cause permanent nail damage.

If an unpleasant odor and searing pain occurs in the nail area, then it is definitely a toenail fungus infection. If symptoms are present, before they worsen, consult your physician to gain proper treatment that is most effective for the toenail fungus infection.