Toenail fungus is a common issue that affects both men and women equally. It is seen that the older you get, the more you are likely to be prone to it. It is a common condition, which begins as a yellow or white spot under the tip of the toenail. Toenail fungal infection can affect adults and children too, where the fungus may affect the nail bed.

What is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through the cracks in the nails. It causes the toenails to get thicker and change colour. It can also cause pain, and because toes are often damp and warm there, the fungus grows well. Onychomycosis that is also known as tineaunguium, which is a fungal infection of the nail. The untreated toenail fungal infection at times, can spread to the surrounding area on foot.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungus:

When one is affected by toenail fungus, then the symptom primarily involves aesthetic effects on the toenails. The toenail fungus symptoms vary widely depending on the severity of the infection and for how long it has been left untreated. In most cases, there is no pain. The common symptoms are.

• Discolouration of the nail to black, white, green, or yellow.
• Thickened nails.
• Nails become brittle, easily break or chip.
• The nail bed is discoloured where the skin around the nail is yellow to white.
• Scaly or dry scaly skin all around the nail.
• Foul smell.

Causes of Onychomycosis:

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection, and some of the common causes are,

• Ageing is one of the common reasons for onychomycosis. As one gets older, the nails tend to get thicker, and due to a weak immune system, it makes the elderly more prone to onychomycosis.
• Restricted ventilation can also increase the risk of infection in toenails.
• Yeast onychomycosis is caused by Candida. Candida can cause yellow, brown, white, or thickened nails.

Preventive Measures for Toenail Fungus Infection:

The following precautions should be followed to prevent toenail fungus, reinfections, and athlete’s foot, which ends in causing nail fungus: