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Toenail Fungus - The Silent Menace

Toenail fungus, or onychomicosis, is a common condition in the World.  Studies shows that approximately 2% - 18% of people in the world have this nail fungus infection which is caused by several type of fungi, most of them form the dematophytes group.  These organisms live in dark, damp environments, such as the on found in the toes, and this is the reason it is more likely to have fungus on the toenails, than I the fingernails.

The factors that make easy the fungal nail to appear are many:

- Poor foot hygiene
- Abnormal pH level of the skin
- Toenail trauma
- Susceptibility of contact (such as in people with low immunity)
- The daily use of tight footwear
- Wearing layers of toenail polish
- Circulatory problems

If you relate to some of these factors, then your risk of contracting toenail fungus is high, and not only that, nail fungus risk increases with age.  Keep in mind also that most infections come from public places such as showers and lockers, so wear some bathing shoes or avoid exposing your feet and toes in public places.

Symptoms of toenail fungus in early stages are that the toenail becomes slightly discolored and thickened, later it becomes the toenail very thick and grows up, with a dark yellowish browned, ending up deformed or even falling out, just to grow back again still infected.

It is important that if you know you have fungus on your toenails, to start treatment immediately, toenail treatments for nail fungus are slow, they take several months, and in some cases even more than a year.  In any case prevention is the key to avoid embarrassing problems on the toenails, and always consult with a doctor first.