A toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is the result of a fungal known as a dermatophyte, and became a common problem that can be rather challenging to get rid of.

Fungal is all around us. They are more often found in warm, dark, and damp places such as communal locker rooms and showers, gyms, and local swimming pools. If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, be sure to ask how the staff disinfects their tools. Tools, such as emery boards and nail clippers, can spread fungal infections from person to person if they're not sanitized.

Who's at risk for fungal infections?

There are many different causes of fungal nail infections, and each cause has a treatment of its own. You're more likely to develop a fungal nail infection, regardless of your age, if you:
1. have diabetes;
2. have a nail injury;
3. wear artificial nails;
4. have a weakened immune system;
5. wear closed-toe shoes;
6. have a skin injury around the nail.

What are the most common symptoms of nail fungus?

1. whitish to yellow-brown discoloration;
2. thickened;
3. brittle, crumbly or ragged;
4. smelling slightly foul.

Some natural remedies for toenail fungus:

1. Oregano oil
To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together.

2. Vinegar
To use, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily.

3. Garlic
You may treat toenail fungus with garlic by placing chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes daily.

4. Olive leaf extract
You can apply olive leaf salve directly to nail fungus or ingest in capsule form.

What complications may occur in a toenail fungus?

If you have diabetes, you may have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in your feet. You need to know also that any relatively minor injury to your feet - including a nail fungal infection - can lead to a more serious complication. See your doctor if you have diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus.

Some cases of nail fungus can be severe and painful and may cause permanent damage of your nails, and if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabet or other conditions, you are liable to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet.