The Dangers of Ignoring Toenail Fungal Infections

Untreated toenail fungus may spread to the surrounding area of the foot.
Cactus Creative Studio/Stocksy
With all the serious health dangers out there, like cancer and diabetes, having a yellowed nail from toenail fungus can seem pretty insignificant. Since toenail fungus (onychomycosis) usually isn’t painful, many people put off seeking treatment, says Peter Joseph, DPM, a podiatrist with Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh. While many people are otherwise healthy and may just think of it as a cosmetic problem, ignoring a toenail infected with fungus could have health consequences beyond appearances. Potential complications of a toenail fungal infection:

Foot pain. Over time, a nail infected with fungus can become thick and misshapen, causing pain, Dr. Joseph says. It can even make it difficult to walk when wearing shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Spread of the fungus. Sometimes untreated toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot. This may result in athlete’s foot, a condition marked by itchy, red, cracked skin. “If you wear shoes and socks all day and one of your toenails is infected, it can spread quite easily because fungus thrives in a warm, dark, moist environment,” Joseph says. The fungus can also spread to the genitals, where it becomes jock itch, a condition that can affect both men and women, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

Widespread infection. This complication of toenail fungal infection is of particular concern for people with diabetes and other chronic conditions that weaken the immune system. If a toenail fungus spreads to the skin and causes it to crack, bacteria can get in. This may cause cellulitis, a condition that produces swollen, red, tender skin and must be treated with antibiotics, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In severe cases of cellulitis, the infection can enter the bloodstream and be deadly. “And it can all start from a simple fungal infection,” Joseph says.

Loss of nails. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains that toenails infected with fungus can separate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. If this happens, the loose portion of the nail will need to be removed. Even if an infected toenail doesn’t become loose, it may still need to be removed if the fungus doesn’t go away with traditional treatments. In this case, a procedure called an avulsion is used to remove the entire nail. Sometimes the nail is removed permanently through a procedure called a matrixectomy. “This destroys the growing center at the base of the nail, either surgically or chemically, so it won’t grow back,” Joseph says.

Treating Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

If you suspect you have a toenail fungal infection, see a doctor, Joseph says. Your doctor may take a small sample from your toenail and have it analyzed to confirm the presence of a fungus. If the test comes back positive, an oral or topical antifungal medication may be prescribed to help treat the fungus. Most medications are well tolerated with few side effects, Joseph says.

If the affected area of your toenail is small and doesn’t hurt, your doctor may take a wait-and-see approach and just observe the infected nail over time. While the fungus is unlikely to go away on its own, it may not get any worse. “If you can live with a spot on your nail, then it might be fine with no treatment,” Joseph says. “But if you have cosmetic concerns, then a small dose of medication will probably take care of it.

Related Posts

Man Thinks He Found “Hornets” Nest In Attic – Turns Pale When He Realizes What’s Inside

It broke the monotony of James’s day to see Liam sobbing in the attic. He didn’t know that as he hurried to console his terrified son, a…

Woman Slams Veteran In Middle Of Restaurant, Then He Shuts Her Up In Epic Way

Our country’s veterans have given up so much for us. They give up their homes, their families, their comfort, and their safety to fight for us and…

Male nurse has absolutely no clue that he’s on camera as he decided to grant his old patient’s final ever wish 😲 Just check comments to find out what happened next 👇😱

We all go through life knowing that someday we won’t be here forever. I’m not afraid of dying and see it as a natural part of life….

Oh God, who remembers this handsome guy, the son of one of the most famous actors ever Well he was a true heartthrob, but today he is 84, yes Patrick is EIGHTY-FOUR NOW and he looks just like his dad He is barely seen anymore, so try not to smile when you see him today. Check the photos in the comments ⬇️

Patrick John Wayne, the charismatic son of the legendary John Wayne, faced the daunting task of establishing his own identity in Hollywood while living under his father’s…

Single Mother’s Parenting Decision Sparks Controversy

Being a good mom is a challenging task, especially in difficult times. Every parent faces unique circumstances and makes different decisions based on their situation. However, it…

KEVIN COSTNER NEWS

Beloved Hollywood manager Peter Meyer, who represented A-list stars like Tom Hanks and Kevin Costner, passed away at 68 after a brave five-year battle with sarcoma.His sister…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *