Onychomycosis, the official term for toenail fungus, may appear to be a small aesthetic issue, but if left untreated, it can have major health effects. A podiatrist at Allegheny Health Network, Dr. Peter Joseph, cautions that ignoring an infected toenail could result in a number of consequences.
Foot discomfort is one concern that could arise. The thickening and misshapening of the infected nail as the fungus spreads makes walking uncomfortable and challenging, especially while wearing shoes.
Athlete’s foot, which is distinguished by red, itchy, and cracked skin, can also result from untreated toenail fungus because it can spread to the nearby skin. The warm, wet atmosphere found within shoes makes for the perfect habitat for the fungus to grow and spread.
Even more worrisome is the possibility of a widespread infection, which poses a serious risk, particularly for people with compromised immune systems like those with diabetes. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin condition that can be fatal, can result from the fungus penetrating the skin and creating cracks. If the infection is severe enough, it may potentially enter the bloodstream and become fatal.
Onycholysis, a condition where the toenail separates from the nail bed, can also occur in fungus-infected toenails. In some situations, it could be necessary to remove the damaged area of the nail. Avulsion of the entire nail or a matrix ectomy, which eliminates the nail’s developing core at the base, may be necessary in some cases if standard treatments are unsuccessful.
Dr. Joseph suggests visiting a doctor if there is a suspicion of an infection since he understands the significance of receiving medical care for toenail fungal infections. The existence of the fungus can be determined by analyzing a tiny sample of the toenail. Once a condition has been identified, treatment options include oral or topically applied antifungal medicines, which are often well tolerated and have few adverse effects.
Some doctors may choose to take a wait-and-see strategy in small cases that don’t cause discomfort, keeping an eye on the infected nail over time. The fungus might not become worse even though it is unlikely to go away on its own. A tiny amount of medicine may be recommended in these circumstances to alleviate aesthetic issues.
The main lesson to be learned from this is that toenail fungus should not be disregarded. Complications, discomfort, and the maintenance of healthy feet can all be avoided with early diagnosis and effective treatment. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek expert assistance from a healthcare specialist if you suspect a toenail fungal infection.
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.”
