Many people don’t realize they have a fungal toenail problem. Moreover, many people that do never seek treatment. Still, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem.

Fungal toenail infections can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail’s color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish, but it can present serious problems if left untreated.

Also referred to as Onychomycosis, fungal toenail infections occur underneath the surface of the toenail, which can also penetrate the toenail. In addition to causing difficulty and pain when walking or running, fungal toenail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the toenail plate.

A group of fungi called dermatophytes easily attack the toenail, thriving off keratin, the nail’s protein substance. When the tiny organisms take hold, the toenail may become thicker, yellowish-brown or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.

Nail bed injuries may make the toenail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal toenails. Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete’s foot and excessive perspiration.

You can prevent fungal toenail infections by taking these simple precautions:

Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid anti-fungal agents, while sometimes effective, may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed by a process called debridement.

In some cases, surgical treatment is prescribed, during which the infected fungal toenail is removed. Permanent removal of a chronically painful toenail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured, and prevents the return of a deformed toenail.