The Causes And Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

Learn how to identify the causes of toenail fungus with these key symptoms

Nail fungus can affect toenails and finger nails. People can be afflicted with Nail fungus for months without knowing it. Nail fungi can lie in wait for quite some time until the right conditions for a full fledge invasion prevail. Once Nail fungus has gotten a hold, it can be very difficult to eradicate.

Nail fungus is caused by fungal infections near the nail in the hand or foot. The factors which cause this are fungus spores, attaching themselves to the keratin cells which make up the nails. They ingest the keratin and proceed to live within it. Fungal spores can be contracted in the following ways: Not drying hands or feet properly after bath or shower, Cuts and scrapes near the nails (causing infection), Exposure to harsh chemicals such as detergents and Use of nail strenghtheners and extension.

 The first sign of nail fungus is usually a yellow or brownish discoloration of the toenail, most likely on the big toe or thumb nail. Next, the nails become thick and dry with layers of material accumulating under and along the side of the nail. The nails can become brittle or break easily, or might even begin to crumble. Nail fungal infections should not be confused with discolored nails that are natural in some people. A podiatrist or foot specialist can certainly differentiate and make a diagnosis on sight.

if infection is present, there will be redness, swelling, pain, and discharge from the site. Bacterial colonization, though unattractive, is not a medically important toenail condition, but infection should be given prompt medical attention.

The diagnosis of fungal nail infections is usually made by a physician through microscopic identification of fungi in nail scrapings. This also rules out the presence of other nail diseases. For professional advice, you should always seek your doctor or physician.

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