Do You Have Nail Fungus?

Fungal infections are common on both fingernails and toenails. Toenail fungus also known as onychomycosis is caused by a group of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungus are harmful because as they grow they feed on the keratin that makes up the surface of the toe nail. The two fingers that are more likely to be affected are the big toe finger and the little toe finger. Toenail fungus causes disfiguration and discoloration of the nails. It is a contagious disease and some times it may be hereditary.

Symptoms of Fungal Infections

Some of the most common fungal infections include Tinea or ringworm that affect the nails, hair or skin and causes red ring-shaped rashes on the scalp, hands, legs; Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that appears between the toes and can also affect the side of the feet or the toenails. Toenail fungus, as the name suggests, affects specifically the toes.

Some of the most common symptoms of fungal infections are:

Itchy, cracked, dry and red skin between the toes.

Some of the rashes can have elevated edges and can cause a burning and itching sensation.

Fungal infections can cause the skin to become red and inflamed. This is accompanied by a terrible itching sensation.

Fungal infections can also be accompanied with smelly discharge, depending upon the area that is affected.