Other factors — such as reduced blood circulation to the feet and a weakened immune system — also may play a role. Toenail fungal infection can start from athlete’s foot (foot fungus), and it can spread from one nail to another. But it is uncommon to get an infection from someone else.
What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?
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.
What happens if you ignore toenail fungus?
It’s easy to ignore fungal nail infections at first, since you may not have any pain. But if you don’t treat them, it can hurt to put any pressure on the area. If an infection gets bad enough, it could even become hard to walk.
Can toenail fungus spread internally?
It is possible to get fungal infections that do spread to the bone, which is a very serious condition. Ultimately, when it comes to toenail fungus, since it can be spread to other parts of the body, and can spread internally, it is worth dealing with it as soon as you notice it.
What medical conditions cause toenail fungus?
– Athlete’s foot.
– Diabetes.
– Hyperhidrosis (disorder that makes you sweat a lot).
– Nail injury.
– Poor blood circulation due to peripheral vascular disease.
– Psoriasis.
– Weakened immune system, such as from an autoimmune disorder or HIV.
Can nail fungus cause other health issues?
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
Can toenail fungus be life threatening?
Although fungal nail infections are not life-threatening, they’re an important health problem because of their high prevalence and poor response to therapy.
Can toenail fungus get into bloodstream?
Widespread infection. 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.
Will toenail fungus go away on its own?
But nail fungus doesn’t go away by itself. And if you don’t treat it, there’s a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body. It could cause pain when you walk.
Should I worry about toenail fungus?
When to See Your Doctor Anytime you think you have a fungal nail infection, or any nail problem, and treating it at home doesn’t help, see your doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor). The sooner you go, the sooner your doctor can help. Fungal nail infections can get worse over time.
Can toenails indicate a health problem?
Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
What are bad toenails a sign of?
Primarily, fungal infections affect a person’s toenails. A type of fungal infection called onychomycosis is one of the most common causes of thick nails. Fungal infections often grow in toenails because they thrive in warm, moist environments.
What happens if you don’t treat fingernail fungus?
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
What kills nail fungus fast?
Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
Is toenail fungus a sign of a more serious condition?
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
What does a bad toenail look like?
You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. As the fungal infection makes its way deeper into the nail, your nail will become discolored and thicken. Your nail may also crumble and become jagged at the edge, and spread to other toenails.
What does toenail fungus look like?
When should I go to the doctor for toenail fungus?
Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor if you notice your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.
How do I fix my bad toenails?
– Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
– Groom your nails regularly. …
– Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.
– Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.
Can toenail fungus spread to other parts of the body?
The greatest danger of not treating the foot or toenail fungus is that it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands and groin. If for some reason you can’t treat your toenails or your feet right away, at least use an antifungal topical cream on the surrounding skin, Dr. Ng says.
What does toenail fungus look like when it first starts?
Nail fungus can cause the nail to become thick or ragged and appear yellow, green, brown or black. An infected nail may separate from the nail bed. Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail.