Much has been written about fungal infection of the nails and more particularly of the toenails which result in unsightly and often painful feet that you do not want to show off in open-toed shoes or barefoot on the beach.
And yes, it is difficult to treat with the potential for it to recur.
There are medications available, however, to help clear up those infected toenails.
One of the most common reasons 'onychomycosis' or fungal toenails occurs in the first place is as a result of these microscopic organisms which live in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms and showers.
They are able to invade your skin through small invisible cuts or tiny separations between your nail and the nail bed in your toes.
They cause problems when your feet and therefore your toenails are subjected to continual warmth and moisture inside closed shoes, socks, stockings and the like.
Those who suffer from diminished blood circulation in their feet are even more susceptible as the body's immune system finds it harder to detect and eliminate the infection.
It is certainly a very good idea for sufferers who have used or are using a medication to follow a regimen which will prevent further infection and also reduce the chances of it recurring in the future once they have cured their existing problems.
These steps are a recommended regular discipline to be followed.
-Keep toenails short, dry and clean.
-Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas.
-Thoroughly dry after bathing particularly between the toes.
-Wear appropriate socks, in particular ones that will wick away moisture to keep the feetdryer.
Synthetic types are preferable to cotton or wool ones in this respect.
-Change the socks often, especially if your feet sweat excessively.
-Take shoes off occasionally during the day and also after any exercise.
-Alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes.
-Use anti-fungal sprays or powder on your feet and the insides of your shoes.
-Don't trim or pick at the skin around your toenails which could give germs access to your skin and nails.
-Don't go barefoot in public places - wear some form of suitable shoe when in public pools, showers and locker rooms.
-Don't paint infected toenails with polish or even cover them with artificial nails which would seem tempting but can trap unwanted moisture and worsen the infection.
-Wash your hands after touching infected toenails as the fungus can spread to other nails you touch in this way.
Medication for nail fungus treatment is long-term.
It can take up to three months to complete but in that three months while your nails grow healthy again, the medication applied prevents fungi from growing back.