The unfortunate truth is that there aren't that many solutions that you can try to get to the root cause of toe nail fungus. Some of the ointments just don't work and oral medicines may result in serious side effects. Your only other valid option is to try natural solutions that can help treat the cause of toe nail fungus. You should know though that it also helps to understand the causes of nail fungus and the factors that make it worse. Knowing the cause of toe nail fungus can help you avoid the condition and prevent it from getting worse.



Where you Get It

Common sense will tell you that the cause of toe nail fungus is getting infected with fungus. The real question should be where you got it. It is part of the nature of fungi to love places that are moist and warm. Although they are really relatives of plants, fungi don't like the sun and the air.

Fungi can be bred anywhere. The most likely place to get it though is from a public place. Think of where you have been that has a lot of wet or sweaty people and a lot of warmth and water. The most likely places are public baths or showers, pools and locker rooms. The cause of toe nail fungus could be you walking barefoot in these areas and not properly drying your feet and nails afterwards.

Salons

Salons are also some of the places where you can get the fungus. Sharing files, emery boards and other salon nail tools may not be a good idea especially if they are not properly sterilized. Although not all individuals get nail fungus in this way, it is possible to transfer fungi from one person's nail to your own. You are especially at risk of getting nail fungus if you have small cuts near your nails and if your immune system is weak.

Socks and Shoes

It is a sad fact that once you get infected with the fungus, it can become very difficult to get rid of. Even topical anti fungal creams don't always kill nail fungus. Creams can't always penetrate the nails to get at the root cause of toe nail fungus. It is therefore easy to understand why some people, out of desperation, tend to look for ways to cover their nails.

Be warned though that wearing tight socks and shoes or nonporous and non absorbent footwear may make your nail fungus worse. These kinds of footwear can make your condition worse by sealing more moisture in.

Fighting nail fungus is not an easy battle. The best thing for you to do is to avoid the situations that can get you infected or that can make an existing infection worse. Try natural solutions if nothing else works.