While most people go their entire lives with healthy attractive finger and toenails, for some people this is not the case. If you have ever suffered with a nail infection that has caused an unsightly discoloration you know exactly what I'm talking about. Ringworm in the nails is a quite common fungal infection also known as onychomycosis. It is treatable and there is home treatment for ringworm.

There are three distinct categories of toenail and fingernail infections: ones that are caused by dermatophytes, ones caused by saprophytes, and ones that are yeast infections.

Dermatophytes - dermatophytes are actually fungi which grows under your hair, nails and skin. Dermatophytes are what cause basic skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. But, they can also cause infections under your toenails and fingernails.

Saprophytes - Saprophytes also cause fingernail and toenail infections, although they are not as common, and usually occur by accident. Saprophytes are present in the everyday atmosphere. You find them living in musty, damp organic material and they only cause an infection by chance contact. Most of the time they never cause a skin infection. Another aspect is that there is no testing for onychomycosis against them.

Yeast Infections - This is the more common causes of toenail and fingernail infections that cause ringworm. What is so strange is that these yeast organisms are also the same things we use to make bread and beer. Who would have thought it? There is treatment available to easily heal this form of ringworm.

I would strongly advise anyone with toenail or fingernail infections to seek the advice of a doctor before attempting to treat. Only a doctor can test the infection and advise you in the proper course of action.

You most likely have heard and seen the ads on TV for Lamisil tablets that cure nail infections. While Lamisil tablets are an excellent medicine in the elimination of ringworm of the nails, there are also many health concerns with taking it. You'll need blood testing on regular intervals to be sure your kidneys are reacting normally. Kidney damage is permanent and you have to watch it. In the long run you'll have to decide if the risks are worth the possible benefits from taking Lamisil tablets. It will take a year to be completely healed, so it is not a quick fix.

Although ringworm of the nails is unsightly, it is curable with proper medical treatment.