Ignoring Fungal Infections

Toenail fungus, known as onychomycosis, may seem like a small issue, but if ignored, it can cause serious health problems.

Dr. Peter Joseph, a podiatrist at Allegheny Health Network, warns that untreated toenail fungus can lead to complications that go beyond just the appearance of your nails.

When toenail fungus develops, it can make the nails thicker and change their shape. This can lead to pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes.

The inside of shoes creates a warm, damp environment, which is perfect for fungus to grow. This can also result in athlete’s foot, a skin condition where the skin becomes red, itchy, and cracked, mostly between the toes.

If toenail fungus is not treated, it can spread and cause even bigger health issues. For people with weaker immune systems, such as those with diabetes, the risks are higher.

The fungus can spread to the skin and lead to cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can be very dangerous. In the worst cases, the infection could enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

Another condition that can happen from ignoring toenail fungus is onycholysis, where the toenail separates from the nail bed. If this occurs, a doctor might need to remove part of the toenail, or in some cases, the entire nail.

This can happen if regular treatments don’t work. Sometimes, more complex procedures might be required to fully remove the affected nail or stop the fungus from spreading.

Dr. Joseph stresses the importance of getting help from a healthcare provider if you think you have toenail fungus. Diagnosing the condition is simple, as it only requires a small sample from the infected toenail.

Treatments can include antifungal medications that are either taken by mouth or applied directly to the nail. These treatments are usually easy to tolerate. In mild cases, where the infection is not causing discomfort, doctors might suggest keeping an eye on the condition and watching how it develops.

The main point to remember is that toenail fungus should never be ignored. Acting early can prevent the fungus from spreading, reduce discomfort, and protect your overall foot health. If you think you might have a fungal infection, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.