Toe Nail Fungus Discussed

Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is a common nail condition. It is capable of not only making nails look unhealthy and unattractive but can even destroy nails if care is not taken. There are many types of microscopic organisms or fungi responsible for nail fungus.

Toenail fungus tends to flourish in the dark dampness of shoes. The fungus feeds upon keratin which is the protein making up the top surface of your toenails. Generally, the fungus belongs to a category of fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes further break down into three types of fungus responsible for skin disease; namely Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton. Other causes for toenail fungus include molds and yeasts. Tinea unguium is a type of ringworm that also causes athlete’s foot. Ringworm is a fungal affection that affects the skin of people as well as animals. This type of fungi enters through the underlying nail bed through small cracks in the skin. The mold and yeast variety of fungus are not considered dermatophytic and mostly occur in hot temperatures and extremely humid conditions or climates.

2% to 18% of people around the world are affected by toenail fungus. In the United States, the number lies between 3% to 5%. It is interesting to note that this nail condition, though rare in young persons, affects nearly one for every 200 individuals under the age of 18 years. That ratio increases the older we get. The percentage is nearly 50% for individuals who reach the age of 70 years.

Many view toenail fungus as mostly a cosmetic problem and are content to cover it up with socks or toenail polish. Poor hygiene only deepens the infection. Persons with HIV, diabetes or chronic illness are more at risk for developing a fungal infection. However, nail fungus does not discriminate and anyone can develop it for any reason. There are a number of products available to fight these types of infections. It is always helpful to consider an all-natural approach as these are usually devoid of any side effects.