What Is Toenail Fungus?

By: David M. Hughes Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Millions of people all over the world have toenail fungus. It is an unfortunate condition that leaves the toenails to become irritated. Nail fungus or onchomycosis is a very common condition that can become nasty and painful if left untreated. This condition usually begins as a light spot beneath the tip of the toenail where the fungus can continue to spread. How do you know that you have this unfortunate condition? Knowing that you have any of the symptoms associated to it then you can actually confirm its presence. Diagnosis of nail fungus is essential to prevent you from losing your nail. The safest way to ensure its existence is by confirming its symptoms by visiting a doctor.

Toenail fungus is caused by the presence of yeast and fungi on the skin beneath and surrounding your toes. Since fungi love moist and warm environment, your toenail is a great dwelling place for them if you frequently wear closed footwear with dry feet. The fungus that specifically invades the nail comes under the group of dermatophytes. The type of nail fungus infection is based in which area the infection has started.

The factors that lead to this ugly disease involve different types of infection. One of its most common types is distal subungual onchomycosis. This usually results to athlete’s foot. It starts by infecting the nail and make its way to the skin beneath the nail. This kind of fungi infection can make your nail turn yellow or white. This also causes the nail to split and crumble into tiny fragments. This is the most painful kind of toenail fungus because crumbled nails can hinder your wearing of shoes or sandals and walking can even be an uncomfortable ordeal.

Another type of nail fungus infection is white superficial onychomyosis. This kind of infection happens in the upper nail layer. This usually makes the top layer of the nail to have white distinctive spots. If left unnoticed or untreated for a long period the white spots can crumble or powder. Compared to other nail fungal infections, this type of onychomyosis allows the nail to stay thin instead of becoming thick. This type of toenail fungus is easier to cure than other types. Minimal treatment is recommended for this infection.

The third type of nail fungus is candida onychomycosis. This is actually caused by candida yeast. It primarily affects the skin near the border of the nail. This type of infection is most commonly found in fingernails rather than toenails. The most unfortunate thing about candida is that it can quickly affect nearby nails and can painfully allow the infected nail to be loosened from the nail bed. Additionally, your nail color can change to green, white, or brown.

The last type of infection is proximal subungual onchomycosis. Only a lesser population is infected with it. HIV victims are usually the ones who are more susceptible to it. The nail folds are greatly infected and the skin becomes thick which separates the nail from the nail bed. White discoloration of the nail can occur and the surrounding areas can also be affected.

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About The Author:

David M. Hughes is author of this article on Nail fungus treatment. Find more information about Nail fungus cure here.