It’s a stubborn hang nail, a hit to that spot on your toe in the middle of the night while trying to make your way into the bathroom in the dark, or it’s that stubborn toe slamming against that tight shoe. There are several ways you can get toenail fungus. Fungi gains entry into the toe through a small trauma in the nail. By the age of 70 at least half of Americans will have been affected with toenail fungus also known as Onychomycosis by physicians.

Do you have reason to believe that you might have a toenail fungus? Here are the signs and symptoms to help you be able to determine the problem head on.

First Signs

The first sign of fungi growing in the toenail can be very subtle. So subtle that you may not even notice it or think nothing of it. It starts with a whitened area at the end of the nail. So to spot it you have to look at it closely and routinely. By doing this you will be able to catch the infection in the beginning. The sooner you catch it, the sooner it can be healed.

Discoloration

In the second stage toenail will began to darken. Yes, when the fungal infection is full blown your toe will take on a whole different color. The discoloration starts as a golden yellow or in some cases it can be a rich brownish color. It has even been known to turn the toe green with white specks. There can be a variation of colors. The discoloration first starts at the nail bed and then slickly works it way to the rest of the toe and creates a mixture of colors.

Shape

As you will notice the toe will also began to change shapes. The nail will become hard, brittle, jacked and it may even start to bend. Sometimes it even begins to curl at the ends. Your toes began to look dull.

Pain

Of course you will feel some discomfort and pain from the infected toe. Because the nail starts to change in shape or form it becomes very uncomfortable to wear shoes. That is why when suffering from toe fungus it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that aren’t too small and socks that will give you lots of room so there won’t be any excess moisture. It may also become difficult to walk.

Odor

An infected toe will also develop an unpleasant smell. So make sure you wash your feet regularly and thoroughly dry them.

These are the signs that will help you notice that, that pain in your toe just might be a toenail fungi. If so there are several types of home remedies you can try to get rid of the infection and get back to that same old you.