Why are my toenails so thick and discolored?

It may be toenail fungus. Infections related to toenail fungus are fairly common conditions that affect approximately 10% of the American population. The fungus that invades your nail is a living organism that thrives in dark, damp conditions. The only definite way to know if you actually have a toenail fungus is to seek medical advice. There are a few steps included in the diagnostic process, which usually includes a physical examination of the infected toe, then a series of questions, and finally a culture of the infected toe.