
Toenails fungus. Your nail gets thick, yellow, and may have white streaks and patches if you have toenail fungus. The most prevalent nail fungus, tinea unguium, is caused by a form of mold known as a dermatophyte. Although it can also damage your fingernails, tinea unguium most commonly affects your toenails. The disorder is also known as onychomycosis.
TOENAILS FUNGUS
A common fungal condition that affects your toenails is called toenail fungus. Your fingernails may get infected with a nail fungus less frequently. When fungi grow between your toenail and the tissue directly beneath it, you have toenail fungus. Usually, a cut or crack in your toe causes this.
Signs

Tinea unguium can alter the appearance of your toenail in a number of ways. Your toenail could:
change color, appearing brown, yellow, or white.
appear hazy or powdery in certain areas.
thick and perhaps asymmetrical.
Leave a gap between your nail and the flesh beneath it to separate from your nail bed.
One or more places may break or crack.
Causes
Tinea unguium is caused by a dermatophyte, a form of mold. Fungal germs known as dermatophytes are too small to be seen with the human eye. The protein keratin, which is present in your fingernails and toenails, is what they eat. Keratin hardens nails. Ninety percent of fungal infections of the toenails are caused by dermatophytes. However, your toenails can also become infected by different kinds of fungi.
Treatment

Oral antifungal drugs
To treat the fungus, you can take an oral antifungal drug as directed. Among the alternatives are fluconazole (Diflucan®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), and terbinafine (Lamisil®). For a few months (or more), you will need to take the drug daily. Blood tests may be used by your doctor to look for any drug adverse effects. Oral antifungals aren’t for everyone because they can combine with other drugs and harm your liver.
Topical drugs
Topical medications can be applied directly onto your nail on a daily basis. Over time, the drug cures the fungus. Oral drugs work best when combined with topical treatments.
Laser therapy
To treat the fungus, your doctor will use a sophisticated laser beam and specialized lighting to your toenail. Lasers are not a cure for nail fungus, but the FDA in the US has approved them for “temporary increase of clear nail.” Laser treatment has a lower cure rate than topical and oral medications. Usually, your doctor won’t treat nail fungus using lasers as a first line of treatment.
Prevention

Steer clear of barefooting in public places including swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. In these circumstances, the majority of people acquire fungus. Wearing flip-flops in certain public places is beneficial.
Try using a different shower or wearing flip-flops in the shower to prevent contact if you have a family member who has nail or foot fungus.
Trauma brought on by careless or forceful nail trimming can become access points for the fungus.
Before using your nail trimmer, clean it.
Avoid purposefully tearing or ripping your toenails.
Observe all foot care advice given by your healthcare practitioner if you have diabetes.
Don’t let your feet get wet. After taking a shower, make sure your feet are completely dry.
Before trimming your toenails, soak them in warm water. After taking a bath or shower, you can also trim your nails.
Summary
Tinea unguium, or toenail fungus, is a very common illness that can be challenging to cure. Although tinea unguium typically doesn’t hurt, it can cause you to feel self-conscious about the appearance of your foot. Discuss your treatment choices with your healthcare physician if it affects you. A qualified expert (such a podiatrist or dermatologist) can advise you on the best course of action to manage your issues while safeguarding your general well-being.