If your toenails are yellow and crumbling, a fungal infection may be to blame. Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, affects nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Treating the fungus can help prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people in your home.
Symptoms
Fungus causes nails to thicken and turn yellow or brown. White spots may also develop on the toenails. Eventually, the infected nail may begin to crumble. You may notice that your infected toenails look duller than normal, may be slightly warped or distorted, and may be painful. In some cases, you may notice an odor coming from your toenails. Infected nails may develop a condition called onycholysis, in which infected toenails separate from the nail bed underneath.
Acquiring the Fungus
Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, making your feet the perfect place for a fungal infection, particularly if your feet sweat or you wear shoes or socks that don't allow your feet to breathe. Microscopic fungi invade your skin by penetrating small cuts or slipping into the small separation between your toenail and the surrounding skin. Because fungus likes wet places, you may be more likely to pick up a fungal infection in a health club locker room or shower room or from a visit to a public swimming pool.
Once you have a fungal infection in one toenail, the infection can spread to other toes, other parts of the body or even to your family members if you share towels or shoes. The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine reports that you may be at higher risk of developing toenail fungus if you fail to dry your feet thoroughly after exercise or bathing, have a compromised immune system or have had a toenail fungus previously.
Considerations
People who have diabetes or poor circulation in their feet may be more likely to develop toenail fungus. Anyone who has diabetes and develops a fungal infection should see his doctor immediately, because a fungal infection can lead to more serious complications.
Treatment
Both topical and oral treatment can be helpful in treating toenail fungus. While over-the-counter treatment may be helpful in treating a mild case of toenail fungus, if all of your toes are affected, you may benefit from using prescription medication. Newer prescription oral antifungals approved by the Food and Drug Administration may be the most effective treatment, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Your doctor may suggest that you apply prescription topical medication to your toenails in addition to taking an oral medication. If fungus is severe, your doctor may recommend removing your nail to treat the fungus hiding under the nail.
Warning
While wearing nail polish may seem like a good idea to disguise your toenail fungus, using polish can actually cause more problems. Nail polish can seal in fungus and allow it to grow.
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