Toe Nail Fungus Infection 101

Toe Nail Fungus Infection

A toe nail fungus infection (onychomycosis) is a common nail fungal infection and health concern among otherwise healthy individuals. These infections are generally time consuming and difficult to resolve because they are not just a topical infection like athletes foot, but a fungal infection in your nails.  These fungi live inside the nail and feed on keratin, the protein that makes up your nails.


Risk Factors for Getting a Fungal Infection in the Nails

There are several different risk factors that can increase the likelihood that you will contract a nail fungal infection. The first risk factor is age.  Toenail fungus cases are relatively rare among younger populations, however their frequency of occurrence increases with age.

The environment your feet are in is also a significant contributor to your likelihood of contracting a nail fungus.  If you spend a lot of time wearing shoes that keep your feet hot sweaty and that do not breathe well, you are more likely to contract a nail fungus in addition to general foot fungus infection or athlete's foot.  These nail fungi thrive in dark, moist places and easily reproduce inside of your shoes. The combination of sweat and heat that is produced by wearing shoes creates an environment that is ideal for these fungi to thrive.  If you have poor hygiene, or walk barefoot on public locker room or restroom floors, your chances also increase.

Injuries can also be a significant risk factor for contracting a nail fungus,  scrapes and tears in the nail or skin can introduce the fungi into the nail and give it the opportunity to spread.  It is important to properly clean and treat any injuries sustained in order to prevent infections.

In many cases a toenail fungus will appear only as a cosmetic health issue - it may be very difficult to get an insurance company to pay for the costs of curing it.



Once a foot is infected, the fungus may spread from toe to toe on the foot.

Symptoms of Nail Fungus

Infected toes can be identified by their thick deformed discolored and often flaky nails. They may be softer than healthy nails and have a yellowish to brown appearance. The nail will also accumulate gray or white buildup underneath, and sometimes along the cuticle. Over time as the nail continues to grow, wearing shoes may become painful. The nail will eventually begin to decay as it becomes soft and brittle. A foul smell is often present and the nail may eventually fall off.  Once a toe is infected, the fungus may spread from one toe to another on the foot.

Treatments for Nail Fungus Infection Sufferers

I have heard that it is possible that a toe nail fungus infection can naturally heal if the conditions are right. Wearing open toe shoes and keeping the feet dry are essential, arid environments can greatly assist in maintaining dryness. However, you should bear in mind that it is very rare and highly unlikely that a toenail fungus will disappear on its own, even under ideal circumstances.

There are several different treatment options available to you for nail fungal infections, however the effectiveness of each option varies greatly depending on the type and location of the particular fungus involved and the type of treatment.  There are both herbal and home remedies for nail fungal infections, and  medical and surgical treatments for nail fungal infections.  Some treatment options are more dangerous than others. None of them are quick fixes, but with a little education you may find one that is right for you.