Toenail Fungus

Guide to Toenail Fungus Treatment

A toe nail fungus is a very uncommon occurrence in children and adolescents but is increasingly likely as a person gets older; somewhat less than half of all adults will have at least one nail fungus by the time they reach the age of 70. The actual figures for the occurrence of toenail fungi may be higher because many people will allow a minor nail fungus to go untreated, considering an unsightly toenail to be 'no big deal.'

The medical name for a toenail fungus is “onychomycosis” and it is also often called “tinea.”

Symptoms

If you have a toenail fungus you will see your toe nail become discolored (yellowish or brownish streaks) and, as it becomes worse, the toe nail may become brittle and possibly start to crumble or shed. A severe toenail fungus will also be painful when there is any pressure put on the nail and may cause an unusually strong foot odor.

There is a less common version of toenail fungus that turns the toe nail white and makes the surface of the toe nail soft while it's texture is dry and flaky.

Causes of a Toe Nail Fungus

Treatment toenail fungus is available. Nail fungus may be caused by several different fungi. Fungi are particularly active in dark, moist environments (like the insides of shoes and socks). A fungus is a parasite and will feed off of the protein (keratin) that makes up the toe nail. (It is also possible, but far less likely, to contract a nail fungus in the fingernails; the people most at risk for this type of fungus are people who's activities find them wearing gloves over sweaty hands most of the time.)

You are likely to contract a toenail fungus if:

your skin has an abnormal pH level,

you suffer an injury to a toe nail,

you do not keep your feet clean and dry

you have a medical problem that had affected your immune system