How Does Toenail Fungus Develop?

What is a Toenail Fungus Infection

Toenail fungus infections can be caused by three different types of organisms: fungi (the same fungi that causes athlete's foot), yeast or mold. Fungi is the most common culprit. The symptoms of a toenail fungus infection starts with a small white or yellow spot underneath the nail. As the fungus grows, the nails can discolor, become brittle, or separate from the skin. In some cases there is pain in the nail area and an unpleasant odor. One or more nails may show symptoms of infection.

How Does a Person Get a Toenail Fungus Infection

Fungal infections in the toenails are caused by exposure to fungus, yeast or mold organisms. Exposure happens through direct contact with the organisms. The organisms are common in public swimming pools and public shower areas where many people walk barefoot. To help prevent contracting a toenail fungus infection socks, towels and bedding should not be shared with an infected person.

Conditions that Allow an Infection to Develop

In addition to exposure to the organisms, the right conditions must be available for the organisms to thrive. The responsible fungi, yeast and mold organisms flourish in a warm damp environment. Wearing sweaty socks or closed toe shoes all day, can provide the optimum environment for the toenail infection to develop. An untreated athlete's foot infection often spreads to the toenails.

Diagnosing a Toenail Fungus Infection

It is important to have a toenail fungus infection diagnosed and treated by a doctor. The specific treatment is dependent on which organism is responsible for the infection. In addition, some medical conditions produce symptoms that resemble a toenail fungus infection. To diagnose the infection, the doctor takes a clipping of the nail and analyzes it under a microscope to determine the offending organism.

Treatment

Infections that are caught early can usually be treated with an over the counter topical anti fungal cream. For infections that do not respond to topical creams or for infections that have been allowed to progress, a prescription oral anti fungal medication is needed. Many doctors prescribe both a topical cream and an oral medication. Toenail fungus infections are stubborn and can be difficult to treat. Cooperation with the doctor in follow up visits and medication schedules are essential to successful treatment and eradication of the infection.

Home Remedies

The external use of tea tree oil, vinegar and Listerine are popular home remedies for toenail fungus infections. There have not been sufficient scientific studies to determine the usefulness of these home remedies. Tea tree oil would likely be the best choice of the three, because it is a known anti fungal. Tea tree oil may be as affective as over the counter topical anti fungal creams, but until more scientific studies are done, we do not know. Seek the advice of a medical professional before using a home remedy.

Resources

• Pictures of Toenail Fungus Infections