Nail fungus, often known as onychomycosis, is one of the most common nail infections. Nail fungus is caused by fungi, which are microscopic parasitic organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on keratin — a fibrous structural protein found in your nails, hair, and skin. This infection promotes excessive keratin production in the nails, causing them to thicken and detach from the nail bed.
Causes
- Fungal infections of the skin
- Nail abnormalities
- Exposure to excessive moisture
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Chronic medical conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Medications such as steroids or antibiotics
- Old age
- Family history
The Dangers of Toenail Fungus
Nail fungus usually is not life-threatening. And because early symptoms cause no discomfort or pain, it is easy to dismiss. However, leaving the infection untreated for a long period can sometimes result in severe health consequences. In addition to unbearable foot and nail pain, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Severe cases of toenail fungus can even limit your ability to walk. Therefore, it must be treated as soon as early symptoms appear.
If you are still not convinced, check out the following dangers of ignoring the warning signs of toenail fungus:
1. Torn or detached nails
Fungus growth can sometimes cause your toenail to detach from its nail bed. This is especially true in the late stages of the infection when the nails become thick, brittle, crumbly, and ragged. All of this makes it easier for the nail to crack or break — and if untreated, it can result in severe nail damage and loss of the entire nail. The loss of a nail can be irreversible in some cases.
2. Foot pain
A fungus-infected toenail can thicken and grow malformed over time, causing serious pain and discomfort. If left ignored and untreated for a long while, it can even get to the point where walking in your shoes can become a painful task.
3. Fungal spread in the body
Toenail fungus is highly contagious. If left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding skin, causing athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis). Athlete’s foot is a skin infection characterized by a scaly rash that causes itching, stinging, and burning. Toenail fungus can also cause jock itch (or tinea cruris), in which the infection spreads to the genitals.
4. Widespread infection
Apart from athlete’s foot and jock itch, ignoring nail fungus can lead to a variety of other bodily infections. As previously discussed, nail fungus infects the surrounding skin, and when the skin is damaged and exposed, germs and bacteria can easily enter and cause widespread infection throughout the body. Cellulitis, for example, is a common bacterial skin infection that causes swollen and red skin and requires emergency antibiotic treatment since the infection can enter your blood circulatory system (or cardiovascular system) and be fatal.
How to Avoid Toenail Fungus?
Ignoring toenail fungus for too long can put your life at risk. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures you can take to keep the infection at bay. You could avoid this unsightly and potentially fatal infection if you take the time to follow these simple tips.
- Never share nail clippers or filers, and always clip your toenails properly. Nails should be clipped straight across, and any rough edges should be smoothed out with a filer. It is also important to ensure that your clippers have been properly sanitized.
- Wear shoes that fit perfectly. Make sure your shoes have ample room and are not too tight. You can prevent toenail fungus by keeping your feet dry and allowing air to move freely around them.
- Take off your shoes and wear flip-flops in wet public spaces such as locker rooms or showers. The most effective way to avoid toenail fungus is to keep your feet dry — you don’t want to put on your sweaty shoes from the day before. Wearing flip-flops in public places allows your feet to breathe easily and dries them fast. Remember that moisture is a risk factor; therefore, keeping your feet dry is essential.
- Disinfect your shoes on a regular basis and sprinkle them with antifungal powder. Always use a bleach-based cleaner to disinfect your shower or tub. Spray anti-bacterial spray on your shoes, especially if you have worn them without socks. If you have sweaty feet, wash your socks in hot water and change them daily. You can also use antifungal powder to prevent fungus growth on the insides of your socks and shoes.
- Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your feet before going to bed each night.
What If You Already Have Toenail Fungus?
If you already have toenail fungus, you should get rid of it before it gets any worse by following the tips we mentioned above. Toenail fungus can take some time to treat, but it may never go away and even worsen over time if you ignore it.
There are a number of non-prescription treatment methods available, including antifungal foot creams, lotions, and nail polish. In serious cases of infections, consult your doctor because you may need a prescription for a more potent drug. Remember that it may take several weeks (or months) of administering these treatments before you see any effects.
Visit the FootDocStore.com online store to find a wide selection of foot pain relief and comfort solutions. Also, be sure to check out our blog to learn more about how to keep your feet and ankles healthy and happy.