Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, affects roughly five percent of people in the United States. It is a problem that can disfigure and even destroy the toenail. There are several different types of fungi, or microscopic organisms, that can be responsible for toenail fungus. In most cases, toenail fungus belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Toenail fungus can also be caused by yeasts and molds.
The fungi that affect the toes thrive in dark, moist, and stuffy environments, such as that commonly found inside your shoes. In order to grow, they feed on keratin, the tough protein that makes up the hard surface of the toenails.
What Are Toenail Fungus Symptoms?
A toenail fungus can affect the appearance of the toenails, making them appear unsightly. When a toenail develops a fungal infection, the first thing you will probably notice is that the color of the nail has changed. The toenail may become thick and hard, turning yellow, green, or brown in color. Some may even be brown or black, or they may develop white patches.
Foul-smelling bits of “gunk” or debris may build up under the toenail, especially at the sides and tip. As the infection worsens, the toenail may get so thick that it becomes difficult or painful to wear shoes. Discomfort from the infection may make it hard to walk, work, or do other activities. Eventually the toenail fungus may cause the nail to fall off or crumble away gradually.
Other toenail fungus symptoms may include:
• Flaky, brittle or chipped nails.
• Foul smelling toenails.
• Splitting of the toenail.
• Pit marks on the toenail.
You may also be affected by a less common condition called white superficial onychomycosis. Toenail fungus symptoms of this condition include a toenail that turns white rather than yellow or brown, with a soft, dry and powdery surface.
Toenail fungus symptoms generally will not get better on their own. In fact, if a toenail fungus infection is not treated, it is likely to get worse.
Am I At Risk For Developing Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus develops rapidly in dark and dank environments. Therefore, people who wear tight fitting shoes or tight hosiery are more likely to develop toenail fungus symptoms, especially if they don’t take particularly good care of their feet. Consistently wearing toenail polish also makes one more susceptible to toenail fungus, as the polish does not allow the nails to breathe. Certain conditions such as diabetes or HIV, as well as circulatory conditions, increase a person’s chance for developing toenail fungus. This condition is also especially common among people who frequently share a shower facility or locker room such as military personnel, athletes and miners.
The development of a toenail fungus infection is relatively rare in children; however, the likelihood increases with age. Roughly 1 of every 2 people will have at least one toe affected by fungus by the time they reach age 70.
Roughly 2.5 million Americans see a podiatrist each year for the treatment of toenail fungus, and it is likely that many more are infected but never seek help.
Treating Your Toenail Fungus Symptoms
There are many remedies that you can use to treat your toenail fungus symptoms. Of these, Mycozil is the only all-natural anti-fungal product in the United States to use active Horopito in its formula. Horopito is a unique anti-fungal agent that also contains the powerful antioxidants quercetin and taxifolin. Clinical research has found that active Horopito is as effective as prescription medications in treating fungal infections. In addition to this potent ingredient, Mycozil also contains the anti-fungal ingredients inner bark pau D' Arco, wild Mediterranean oregano, lemongrass, anise seed, and bacillis laterosporis.
When choosing a treatment method for your toenail fungus symptoms, remember that because this fungus is a systemic condition it may take as long as one to two months before you see any visible improvement in your toenails. If a product claims to be able to cure your toenail fungal symptoms in just a few days or weeks, you can be pretty sure that the product will not be effective at completely destroying the fungus that has affected your toenails.
Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO-Fungus Research, L.L.C.
Fungus Research L.L.C. recommends the potent, all natural formula Mycozil for the treatment of athlete's foot fungus, nail fungus, and toenail fungus. Mycozil is a powerful internal anti-fungal formula, which is highly effective against all fungal infections. The ingredients in Mycozil have been clinically proven against fungal infections. It is also highly effective against internal Candida or yeast infections. To read more about Mycozil or to place an order click here… |
