Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin. It can make your toenails change color or get thicker. It can also be painful at times. 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.

Who is more likely to get a fungal infection?

Men are more likely to get it than women. The older you are, the higher 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 of getting toenail fungus to go up. This infection is very common among athletes. This is due to the fact that many athletes keep their shoes on for an extended period of time. When people don’t change their shoes and socks often they let fungus thrive in that environment. This lets the fungal infection multiple.

Is it a bruise or is it toenail fungus?

If you’ve recently suffered from a toenail or foot injury, or spent a fair amount of time in the water, your odds for infection skyrocket. Many people notice that their nail fungus starts from a simple injury such as stubbing your toe on an end table. When an injury happens, fungus spores will find an opening of the nail and start their camp. From there on fungus will start growing and spreading.

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!