Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is an infection that more than 35 million people in the United States suffer from. It is caused by several microorganisms (anaerobic organisms called dermatophytes) that essentially eat the keratin incorporated in your nails. Fungus is a living organism that thrives in dark, moist places – and in the case of nail fungus – under and around your toe nails or finger nails. It is that flaky, brittle, yellow or discolored thick nail that you have. The discoloration is caused by the fungus being deep inside the nails.

Dermatophytes live in shower rooms and around swimming pools – so you need to be very careful in those places.

If getting treatment for nail fungus, it can take at least two months for the new nails to grow back completely. In some cases the nail(s) need to be removed. Many times this infection reappears after a successful cure.