Toenail fungi are basically microscopic organisms which doesn't need sunlight to survive like most living things do. Some fungi do have beneficial uses, while other causes illness and infection.

Toenail fungi infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Yeast and molds can also be responsible for toenail fungi infections.

All of these microscopic organisms thrive in warm, moist environment like showers and even swimming pools. They can invade your skin through tiny, invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. They will only start causing problems when your nails are continually exposed to warm, moist conditions, ideal for the growth and spread of toenail fungi.

Infections with toenail fungi occur more than those of the fingernails because the toenails are more likely to be confined by dark, moist, warm environment inside the shoe. Another contributing factor may be the reduced blood flow due to the shoe which makes it more difficult for your body to detect and eliminate an infection with toenail fungi.

Toenail fungi may begin as a yellow or white spot under the tip of the nail. As the the toenail fungi spreads deeper into the nail, it may cause the nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbly edges - an unsightly and sometimes painful problem - both physically and emotionally.

One has to keep in mind that toenail fungi is not the same as athletes foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but it is sometimes possible for the two to coexist and can be caused by the same fungus.


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