Toe Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus Infection (onychomycosis) - Brief Overview:
Both fingernails and toenails can be affected, although toenail fungus is usually more common.

Symptoms: Infected nails can start off with just a small spot that can then take over the whole nail. An infected nail can become thick, yellow or dark and can even get "crumbly".

What Causes a Fungal Infection: The fungi (sometimes the same as causes athlete's foot) will "colonize" body parts like hair, nails and skin that are made of keratin. In some cases, a yeast infection may take hold.

Some Things that Increase Risk of Nail Infections: Infections can be more common in nails that may already be in a weakened state (an injury to the nail; elderly nails that may be unable to defend against the infection). Also having nails submersed in water for long periods of time or excessive moisture or sweating in the socks or even walking around barefoot in common public areas.

If you think you may have nail fungus or a nail infection you should see a physician and they can take a sample and determine if you do.

see also: Toe Fungus Relief