Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin. It can make your toenail change color or get thicker. It can also hurt. Because toes are often warm and damp, fungus grows well there.
Different kinds of fungi and sometimes yeast affect different parts of the nail. Left untreated, an infection could spread to other toenails, skin, or even your fingernails.
Men are more likely to get it than women. The older you are, the better your chances are, too. People who have diabetes, athlete’s foot, or a weak immune system, who smoke, or whose family members have it are also at a higher risk. If you spend a lot of time in the water or you’ve injured your toenail, your odds for getting toenail fungus go up.
If you’ve recently suffered from a toenail or foot injury, or spend a fair amount of time in the water, your odds for infection sky rocket.
Take precaution now, be proactive! Never walk barefoot in public, wear flip flops in public locker rooms and showers, and always bring your own nail polish whenever you. get your nails done at the salon!
