Toe Nail Fungus

Toenail FungusIt is clinically known as Onychomycosis, and the causative agent is a fungus known as a dermatophyte. When the infection spreads to other areas like between toes and the skin of the feet, it is thus referred to as Athlete's foot. The onset of disease begins with a yellow spot sometimes white under the tip of the toenail. Progressively, the infection goes deeper leading to discoloration, thickening and nails crumbling at the edge and sometimes breaking. Additional symptoms may include foul smelling feet, distorted nails shapes, dark color due to debris and broken nails. Infection may spread to other nails. Usually, because toes are often damp and wet due to sweating, fungi thrive excellently. Personal hygiene is the most effective way of combating fungal infections. Treatment by a specialist may also be helpful, but fungal infections are known to be recurrent. The disease is most common in older adults and people who spend most of the time in water such as sea divers and surfers.