Millions of people suffer from fingernail fungus; it is a very common problem. Many people will also suffer from toenail fungus and if very unlucky have it on the fingernails and toenails.

A fingernail fungus infection can happen quite quickly and spread very easily to other nails. If left untreated can look unsightly and be very embarrassing. Especially if it is on your fingernails, because you can't walk around wearing gloves all the time unless you live in the North Pole. Even then, you would have to take your gloves off sometime.

The medical term for nail fungus is Onychomycosis, which means fungal infection of the nail.

Fungus loves moist, dark areas so toenails are usually the perfect place for it to grow. Yet it also loves your fingernails fungus isn't fussy. The fungus is actually eating away at the keratin, which is the part that makes up your fingernails and toenails.

When your nail starts to become destroyed by the fungus, it will start to spread and grow. If left untreated, you can run the risk of losing the fingernail altogether, as the nail will detach from the nail bed.

Many people will let this fingernail disease spread because they don't now how to get rid of it or they don't know what it is.

If you have a weak immune system or are under a lot of stress you are likely to get a fungus infection of the nail, or you may have it because of wearing fake nails. In fact fungus loves to grow underneath a fake nail, it provides the perfect environment for it to live.

Fungus also loves to grow underneath nail polish as moisture is trapped under the nail and again provides the perfect environment for this type of nail problem to exist. Trying to cover up the fungus with nail polish will only worsen this nail condition.

Fingernail fungus symptoms can be redness around the base and sides of the nail, maybe accompanied by a slight throbbing or itchiness.

Nails will become thicker and may start to crumble in extreme cases.

You may notice a nail becoming brittle, split, developing holes or grooves in it.

May develop a yellowish, brownish color, the nail could even have white or yellow spots on it or black patches may appear. The nail may even have a powdery look about it.

Poor hygiene is not the reason for a fingernail fungus problem, this type of nail infection can happen for no apparent reason.

Severe nail infections can happen when your immune system is seriously impaired, such as undergoing chemotherapy for example. If you suffer from circulatory problems or diabetes you may be prone to catching this type of nail infection.

You also have a greater chance of nail fungus if there is a history of it in your family, are over the age of 40 or perhaps have cut yourself around the cuticle area and an infection has occurred.