When you are experiencing symptoms such as a discolored nail color such as a yellow or brown color, foul smell coming from under the toenail, on the side and tip of toenail and pain in the toe, you are likely to have a fungal infection. You will often begin to notice your toes can become painful when wearing closed toe shoes because the toenail has become so thick.

Toenail fungus can be cured but is difficult to cure if left untreated. It is recommended that you seek the care of your primary care physician or podiatrist immediately to prevent losing your toenail. Toenail fungus grows slowly and is not contagious.

Anti-Fungal medications usually suppress the infection when taken as directed by your doctor. Anti-fungal creams to the nail can be effective in the early stages of a toenail fungus but if you have left the fungus untreated then the anti-fungal cream might not be able to reach the nail bed.

Your primary care physician or podiatrist might recommend that you keep the hygiene of your feet in good condition, keep your feet dry, and avoid closed toe shoes made of synthetic materials so that your feet and toes can breathe. Treatment may begin with your doctor removing a portion of the infected area with clippers or dissolve the infected area by bifonazole.

If the infection is a relatively small area your doctor may prescribe medicated nail polish containing amorolfine. Use as directed by your doctor, however, the nail polish is normally applied twice a week until the nail is free from infection or fungus. If the infection has spread into a larger area or onto several nails, your doctor may prescribe anti-fungal medications and oral medications that will need to be taken consistently over three months in order to ultimately rid yourself completely of the toenail fungus.