This is an infection that causes thickened, discolored nails. It can happen in fingernails, but it's most common in toenails. Nail fungus can spread from one nail to others. And it spreads from one person to another. Nail fungus can be painful and embarrassing. A severe infection permanently harms your nails.
What causes nail fungus? It's linked to several different fungi. They grow in warm, wet places, like inside sweaty shoes and on the floors of public showers and locker rooms. A typical infection happens when your bare feet come into direct contact with a nail fungus. It invades small cracks in your nails or in the skin around them. Your risk for an infection is higher if you have things like diabetes, a weakened immune system or poor circulation. It's also higher if you have an injury or deformity involving your nails.
What are the symptoms? Look for one or more nails that are thick and yellowish. They can become brittle and ragged. They may separate from the nail bed. An infected nail may have a bad smell.
How do we treat nail fungus? An infection doesn't usually go away on its own, but we can fight the fungus with over-the-counter and prescription medicines. You may benefit from laser therapy or nail removal. Nail fungus can be hard to get rid of. And even after it's treated, it may come back. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.