Symptoms of Toenail Fungus and What Causes It

The toenail fungus is a common condition wherein the toenail is disfigured and destroys the toenail, when left untreated. Usually, the big toe and the little toe are affected by this problem; however, it is still possible for the other toes to be affected. 

If not for the many types of fungi that grows in the moist and warm environment, more probably, inside your shoes, toenail fungus would not form. It is mainly due to this reason that the disorder starts. Once it starts growing, the fungus would feed on the keratin that makes up the toenail's hard surface. Once it is broken, it would be hard to form it again, making it sometimes impossible to be formed again.

The Dermatophytes is the main cause of the disorder. It is where the toenail fungus, the fungus which attacks the toenails, belongs to. Yeast and molds are also assumed to be causes of the formation of the fungus, as it also grow on warm and moist environment. The fungus enters the skin through the small cuts between the nail and the nail bed. Since the fingers are always exposed, it is nearly impossible for it to be infected. However, it can still be infected. But then again, the feet are oftentimes confined inside the shoes, making it more susceptible to toenail fungus.