A recent article in Arthritis Today takes a look at two types of arthritis being mistaken for nail fungus.  This would be easy to do as the two types of arthritis, reactive and psoriatic arthritis can produce the yellow, thick or crumbling nails common in nail fungus.

The possibility of it being nail fungus is much greater as nearly half of the population will have had a bout with it by the age of 70.

The article suggests the importance of having the doctor take a look at the infection to verify that it is toenail fungus and then treat accordingly. 

Left untreated the infection gives bacteria a way to enter the body, increasing the chance of a more serious infection, such as cellulitis or gangrene.  People with diabetes, suppressed immune systems or poor circulation are more susceptible to this occurring. 

Men are twice as likely to develop the toenail fungus but typically not as apt to hide it as women.  A woman will tend to hide the unsightly nails under polish only worsening the problem by trapping moisture that allows the fungus to thrive since it will also keep the problem in the dark, another situation the fungus loves.

There are prescribed oral medications for the fungus problem but doctors hesitate to prescribe them due to the possibility of liver damage, expense and they do not mix well with other medications. 

The Zeta Clear is a product that has had good success in healing the problem.  Consistent applications of the medication and proper hygiene are important in the treatment of the toe fungus condition.