Oh my God! That will be the first reaction when your doctor confirms you what you already suspected: you have toenail fungus. This may or may not have happened to you or someone you know. In fact onychomicosis is a rather common condition (studies show that around 2% - 18% of people in the world have toenail fungus.

Infection can be caused by several different types of fungi belonging to the dermatophytes group. These fungus lives in dark, damp environment, so your toenails are a very interesting place to them. Coupled with tight footwear, it can prove to be their dream house! That is also why toenails ore more affected than fingernails. Fingernails are usually kept out in the open, receiving light and fresh air. The likelihood of having a toenail fungus infection increases with age. As years pass it is more common to find people with toenail fungus, on the contrary it is almost non-existent among children.

So, what triggers the appearance of toenail fungus? We could go over through the causes and factors:

- People using tight footwear
- Poor foot hygiene
- Wearing layers of toenail polish
- People frequenting public showers and lockers
- People with diseases such as diabetes and HIV
- People with circulatory problems

If you relate to some of these factors, you better watch out. And if you see something strange o your nail, such as discolorations, and weird edges you better consult a proper doctor, to start treating the toenail right now, because toenail fungus can take several months to fully heal, and in some cases this could be expensive.