Understanding Toenail Fungal Infections

Toenail fungal infections not only affect the nail but can also infect the skin. Oftentimes, the symptoms are hardly noticed and become chronic. Aside from the damaging effects of such toenail fungal infection, it is also painful. The pain eventually affects the daily activities of the infected individuals.

The incidence rate for toenail fungal infections is four times higher than that of fingernail fungal infections. It can spread from one foot to the other side, and from nail to nail. However, fingernail fungal infections are often limited to one nail or hand only.

The main cause of a toenail fungal infection is the exposure of a nail to a warm environment and moisture that is highly ideal for fungus growth. Furthermore, the severity and symptoms of a toenail fungal infection is related to the type of fungus involved. Some cases make the nail turn yellow, brown, or even black and may even result to a brittle nail which eventually cracks. The infected area may also be itchy, swollen, and red. Now let us try to understand how each type of fungi affects the nails.

The fungus Trichophyton rubrum causing athlete’s foot also makes the nail thick for some people with toenail fungal infection. Fungus like yeasts, exotic fungi, or even psoriasis can also cause the nails to thicken.

Subungual onchymosis (DSO), a kind of dermatophyte fungal infection, involves the tip of the nail and toe. It makes the nail turn yellow and causes the nail separation from the nail bed.

A fungus called white superficial onchymosis (WSO) changes the nail to color white and have crumbly spots. The condition is easily treated with scraping. Followed after scraping, is a topical antifungal application which is done to prevent another infection.

Proximal subungual onchymosis (PSO) is a not so common nail fungus causing toenail fungal infection. For this type of fungus, the nails turn white or yellow near the cuticle. Thus, the nails eventually lift and fall due to plaque build up. This kind of toenail fungal infection is usually given a systemic medication.

Surely enough, the things discussed should increase awareness and help recognize the importance of immediate toenail fungus remedy and care. Toenail fungal infections should be dealt appropriately and immediately.

At his wesite, ToeNailsFungus.net, Art Fedrohr writes more about toenail fungus remedy and Fungus Under Toenails.