
TOENAIL FUNGUS
Toenail 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. Brittle, discolored nails, usually on the toes, are a common symptom of a fungal nail infection. Onychomycosis is its official term, and it resembles athlete’s foot.
TOENAIL FUNGUS
However, this fungus infiltrates it rather than the skin between your toes or on the bottom of your feet . Fungi are microscopic organisms that are only visible under a microscope. Nail infections can be caused by a wide variety of types. They can occasionally live on your skin without causing any problems. However, you could become infected if you have a bunch in one place. If you have toenail or fingernail fungus, don’t be ashamed. You wouldn’t believe how frequent that is.
1. lateral subungual region

The most prevalent type is this one. It is caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte. It might appear in your toenails or fingernails. It begins beneath the nail in the nail bed. There will be spots where it separates from the nail bed and a yellowish patch that extends from the nail’s edges to the middle.
Onychomycosis that is superficially white

This is less frequent and primarily affects your toenails, affecting only the nail surface. The nail crumbles as a result of the white patches that turn into powder.
Onychomycosis at the proximal stage

Initially, this manifests as white dots near the cuticle in the middle of the nail bed. As the finger or toenail grows, they spread outward. It is uncommon and typically affects those with immune system issues, such as HIV.
2. Candidal onychomycosis

Yeast causes this infection that usually affects your fingernails. The area around the nails is often swollen and inflamed, and the nails may come off entirely. It tends to happen to nails that have been damaged by an injury or another infection.
Causes
When a fungus enters and grows inside a nail crack or the skin surrounding it, you have an infection. Your toenails are more susceptible than your fingernails because the fungus prefers warm, dark environments. Additionally, your body finds it more difficult to detect and stop an infection in your toes since they receive less blood flow than your fingers.
Treatment
antifungals used orally
However, the doctor might prescribe a medication to eradicate the fungus throughout your body. In most cases, this is the most effective method for eliminating a nail infection. If the infection is in your fingernails, treatment may take two months; if it’s in your toenails, it may take three months. antifungals used topically. These medications are applied to your nails by brushing or rubbing. They might be effective for a little infection, but they can’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to treat a more serious one. A topical therapy and a tablet may be used together.
Surgery
The doctor might have to remove your nail completely and let a healthy one to grow in its place if previous treatments are unsuccessful. Also, the new nail may become infected.
Laser therapy
Also, In an effort to eradicate the fungus, researchers are looking into more recent therapies that employ specialized light.
Summary
Hence, a common nail infection is nail fungus. Under the tip of your fingernail or toenail, it first appears as a white or yellow-brown patch. The nail may become thicker, disintegrate at the edge, and change color as the fungal infection spreads. Numerous nails may be impacted by nail fungus. You might not require treatment if your illness is minor and does not cause you any discomfort. Medication and self-care techniques may be helpful if your nail fungus is painful and has resulted in thicker nails. However, nail fungus frequently returns even after good therapy.