Fungal toenails rarely 'just go away'. Thick, discolored toenails with a crumbled texture are a hallmark feature of the condition and, in some cases, may last for many years. Understanding the causes may help you treat the problem and take steps to prevent it from recurring.
Warm, Damp Conditions
Fungi thrive in warm, damp conditions. If your feet remain imprisoned in socks and shoes for hours each day then you may end up creating the perfect environment for fungi. A rich blood supply to the toenail provides a supply of nutrients to feed the fungi and allows blood-borne organisms to relocate to the problem area. Keeping the area dry represents an important step against promoting growth of the fungi -- with this in mind, sandals may be a better option than traditional shoes when possible.
Systemic fungal infections
As noted, warm and damp conditions with a consistent supply of food can make an inviting home for pathogenic fungi. The intestines represent an ideal environment and can act as a stronghold for fungal organisms launching a systemic infection. In these cases, inflammation at the intestinal wall allows the fungal population to become blood-borne, allowing them access to anywhere in the body. While this may result in headaches or sinusitis, fungal toenails are another example of the problems caused by systemic fungal infections. The Henry Spink Foundation lists 47 of the more popular symptoms caused by the candida species. Following an anti-candida diet and using anti-fungal supplements can help eradicate the problem.
Weakened immune system
Your body has a particular mechanism that deals exclusively with invading pathogens like viruses, bacteria and fungi, often referred to as the cellular response. A weakened cellular response leads to inefficient and ineffective action against pathogenic fungi; systemic fungal infection and chronic inflammation may result. Dr Rodger Murphree, a board-certified chiropractic physician who has written five books on dealing with difficult medical problems, suggests a number of nutrients known to boost the immune system and exert and anti-fungal action, including garlic and coconut oil. He also explains the benefit of using probiotics, which provide a wealth of good organisms to repopulate the body's bacterial population.
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