The fungus can begin to thrive by consuming dead skin cells and using keratin for nourishment. Keratin is a protein that is created and found in the skin and nails. So that is why they choose the area just underneath the toenail to live. They also choose that area because it is notoriously warm and even damp. They can grow and expand more effectively in those conditions.

The body will naturally try and fight off any infection but toenail fungus can be particularly tricky to get rid of. Especially if your immune system is being affected by any other health problems you may have such as diabetes.

You will notice the signs of toenail fungus when the toenail starts to change color and turn a yellow or brown color. If left untreated, the fungus will continue to expand making the toenail thicker. It will then start to push it away from the skin and will be a lot more fragile. This is caused by the protein in the nail being broken down by the fungus.

This leads to the skin tissue getting infected and providing more dead skin cells for the fungus to thrive in. So you must treat toenail fungus as soon as you notice it has appeared on your toe.

Whatever the toenail fungus cause is, treating it is of utmost importance. It will just continue to get worse and spread onto your other toes if you don’t treat it.