• Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
• What Is It? & Symptoms
• Diagnosis & Expected Duration
• Prevention & Treatment
• More Info

What Is It?

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a relatively common condition that disfigures and sometimes destroys the nail. This problem can be caused by several different types of fungi (microscopic organisms related to mold and mildew). These fungi thrive in the dark, moist and stuffy environment inside shoes. As they grow, they feed on keratin, the tough protein that makes up the hard surface of the toenails. In most cases, the fungus belongs to a group of fungi called...