Fungal toenails generally coexist with a chronic fungal skin infection often referred to as Athletes foot.
Toenail fungus is known medically as onychomycosis. Nails that are discoloured, thickened, damaged and crumbly are clear signs of fungal infection.
To be sure, visit your Podiatrist to detect if your nails are infected. For an accurate diagnosis, nail clippings can be taken from you to be cultured/ tested by a pathology lab. Your social and sports activities together with your medical history, should be considered as well.
There are various topical preparations that can be applied for low grade fungal infections. These have the best results when the fungal nail is thinned back to allow for adequate absorption.
Oral medication can also be a successful way to treat to treat fungal toenails however it is not always suitable if there are underlying medical contraindications.
Whilst all these treatments are effective, it is important to note foot fungus can return if proper foot care is not maintained.