If you have nail fungus, the best thing you can do is inform yourself about how to prevent it and how to properly treat it. I'll lay out the facts, plain and simple.

DEFINITION:
Nail fungus is the most common nail disease. It is an infection that grows under the bed of toenails (mostly) or fingernails. Nail fungus feeds off keratin, which is a protein found in dead tissue.

SYMPTOMS:
Yellow nails, white nails, thickening nails and crumbling nails are all signs of nail fungus. The more yellow the nail, the more severe the nail fungus. It is also a sign of nail fungus if the nail plate separates from the nail bed (the skin under the nail).

3 CAUSES:
Nail fungus is caused by molds, yeasts or dermatophytes (fungus that grows on the skin, hair and nails) that can find their way to nails or nail beds through small cuts or openings around your nail and skin. Nail fungus usually returns if you are susceptible to it and if you don't take necessary changes to prevent it. It is contagious and very difficult to get rid of once you have it.

HOW IT'S TRANSMITTED:
About 90% of nail fungus is caused by Dermatophytes. They can cause Athlete's Foot (about 70% of people get Athlete's Foot at least once in their lifetime), which can then cause nail fungus. Public floors, humid areas and other people's clothes, shoes, manicure and pedicure objects all can have Dermatophytes that can infect you. Be cautious and wear sandals in wet, public places such as pools, locker rooms and spas.

Yeasts that can cause nail fungus can grow (and therefore spread to your nails) when you are sick, using an antibiotic, using birth control pills or having immune system problems.

Most molds grow in soil, and then can be transmitted to nails or skin, but usually ca not be passed from person to person.

Continue reading for information on treatment & prevention.