Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that happens in nails, mostly in the toenails. Lots of people get this infection each year, but some are at higher risk. People who are more likely to get fungal toenails include:

• A nail injury
• Diabetes
• A foot deformity
• A weakened immune system
• Poor circulation in the legs 
• Other fungal infections

Symptoms of Fungal Toenails

While toenail fungus isn't usually a big deal for many folks, it can cause issues for those with diabetes or circulation problems.

A toenail with a fungal infection may become:

• Thickened
• Brittle
• Fragile
• Cracked
• Discolored
• Distorted
• Foul smelling
• Separated from the nail bed

Sometimes, the skin around the toenail might hurt and swell up. If you don't treat it, the infected toenail could make it hard to wear shoes or walk.

Getting or Preventing a Fungal Toenail Infection

Fungi like to live in damp, warm places such as locker rooms, public showers, and shoes. They can also be found on surfaces like nail clippers and towels. These fungi can sneak into a toenail through tiny cracks.

Getting a Fungal Toenail Infection: A person is more susceptible to contracting a fungal toenail infection if they have:

• A nail injury
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system
• Poor circulation
• Other fungal infections

Preventing a Fungal Toenail Infection: Fungal toenail infections can often be prevented by:

• Keeping toenails and fingernails trimmed and clean
• Never walking barefoot in locker rooms, public showers, or pool areas
• Never sharing shoes or socks with someone
• Never sharing nail clippers or other pedicure tools
• Ensuring that nail salons sanitize tools and foot baths properly

Diagnosing and Treating Fungal Toenails

A podiatrist can figure out if you have a fungal toenail by checking your symptoms and testing nail clippings. Fungal toenail infections usually don't get better on their own and can be tough to treat at home. The fungi can hide in the many layers of a toenail and underneath it, and they often don't respond to over-the-counter creams.

But a podiatrist can help. They can give you prescription medicines and creams that work better. They might also use a special laser to get rid of the fungi. Sometimes, if the infection is really bad, they might need to remove the nail surgically.

It's important to see a podiatrist as soon as you can if you think you have a fungal nail infection. It's easier to treat early on, and it's less likely to spread to other parts of your body.