Toenail fungus is not just something that you have to learn to live with. Lots of people are affected by this common problem, particularly if they wear shoes which have closed toes and often work in wet or cold conditions. The cause of the infection is often wets socks and shoes which the wearer does not remove at once. There are other causes of nail fungus, too. Diabetes, for example, can be an underlying cause of people’s nails contracting this type of fungal infection.

Fortunately, toenail fungus is a condition which can be treated in your own home, so there is no need to consult a doctor to obtain a prescription. Topical creams can be purchased over the counter, which will stop your nails from being thickened and yellow, but instead help them to regain good health and to look good. The time it takes to return your nails to a normal appearance varies, depending on how bad your case of nail fungus or toenail fungus is. It is important that you take action as soon as you notice signs that your nails have become affected by nail fungus, because otherwise your nail bed can become infected and you could end up losing your nail altogether.

How Do You Know You Have Nail Fungus?

If you are wondering how to recognize a case of toenail fungus, then it is usually noticeable because your nails become thickened and yellow in color. Normal nail appearance is clearer and thinner over the nail bed. Nails which have become infected by nail fungus are unsightly in appearance and are difficult to trim. The nail fungus can sometimes become so bad that the nails turn brown or occasionally even black. As soon as you suspect that your nails might be infected with nail fungus you should get treatment, so that further problems do not develop.

Signs and symptoms of a nail fungus infection.

A nail fungus can be seen, smelled, or even felt once it takes hold. Here is a list of some of the most common signs and symptoms of nail fungus: The nail fungus may affect the appearance of the nails. They might look greenish, yellowish, or even darker colors. Some may have little white patches on them. Nails may get flaky, brittle and chipped.

Debris might collect under your nails causing them to smell bad. Sometimes nail fungus causes the nails to split. Sometimes toenails get so thick that even wearing shoes or walking will be painful.

If you think that you have a nail fungus go to your healthcare provider and he or she will perform a test. This is the only way to know for sure if you have a nail fungus.

How to prevent a nail fungus from affecting your toenails?

Well-fitting shoes is always a good defense against a nail fungus. Shoes are well-fitting where there is space (about the width of a thumb) between the end of the shoe and the tip of the longest toe, preventing the toe from being damaged upon impact. Another way to prevent the nail fungus from appearing is to change socks whenever they become damp.