Nail fungus or onychomycosis is a common infection of the nail that begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails. When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of you feet, it’s called athlete’s foot. If the condition is mild, it may not need treatment. If your it is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. It is important to know that whether or not the treatment is successful, there are chances of coming back.

Symptoms of nail fungus include thickened nail, discolored nails, nail separtaed from the nail bed, smell, and brittle nails. This Nail infection is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration from a bacterial infection tends to be green or black. Fungal infection of the foot (athlete’s foot) can spread to the nail, and a fungal infection of the nail can spread to the foot.

The risk factors of this condition include older age, wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily, having had athlete’s foot in the past, walking barefoot in damp public areas, nail injury, and having a nail condition such as psoriasis. A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. The recommended ways of prevent nail fungus include keeping your nails clean and dry. Also, keep your nails trimmed and ensure that the nails are straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thickened areas. The other way is changing socks throughout the day .