by Charlotte Raynor Piggush

Created on: December 19, 2008

I have Type 2 diabetes and have had toenail fungus for quite a number of years. It is not a very fun or pretty topic to talk about, but I have learned that diabetics especially need to know about this infection. After years of trying numerous topical and oral medications to treat the toenail fungus, I had two toenails removed on one foot a couple of weeks ago with two more on the other foot to be done in about six weeks. The podiatrist applied a special solution on the toenail bed afterwards so that the toenails wouldn't grow back and no more toe nail fungus. In this article I will give information that all diabetics should be aware of.

* What is Toenail Fungus? *

Toenail fungus happens when fungi infect one or more of your toenails. It will begin as a yellow or white spot under the tip of your toenail. Once the toenail fungus spreads deeper into your toenail, it might make your toenail thicken, discolored and produce jagged, crumbling edges which is very ugly and the potential of being very painful.

Toenail fungus mainly happens when toenails are continuously in moist, warm environments, for instance shower floors or sweaty shoes. Even though toenail fungus can exist with athlete's foot, toenail fungus is not identical to athlete's foot that mostly involves the foot's skin.

Toenail fungus infection might be hard to cure and usually comes back. There are medications accessible to assist in treating this fungus, but they may not always work.

* Symtoms *

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis (on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis), appears if one or more of your toenails are:

Deformed in shape
Very thick
Dark in color, because debris forms under your toenail
Jagged, flaky or easily broken
Dense, with no shine or luster

Some toenails, when infected, disconnect from the nail bed. You also may notice a vaguely foul-smelling odor and feel pain in your toes.

* Causes *

Toenail fungus infections are usually caused by a fungus that is part of a group of fungi called dermatophytes. However, molds and yeasts can also be to blame for toenail fungal infections.

These types of organisms thrive in moist, warm environments such as showers and swimming pools. They enter your skin through very small invisible cuts or through a tiny division between your nail bed and the nail. This can cause trouble if your toenails are continuously in warm and moist areas which are ideal for the spreading and development of this fungus.

* Risk Factors *

Toenail fungus is more widespread among older adults, men and those

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