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 affect 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 can happen if toenail fungus is left untreated?
If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge.
The infected nail can become misshapen and increasingly separated from your nail bed
. Itching and pain are unpleasant side effects; if they’re too severe, you can have trouble wearing shoes or walking.
Can toenail fungus affect your immune system?
Nail fungus can increase the risk of a bacterial infection of the surrounding skin in people with diabetes or a weakened immune system
. The nail might also thicken, which can make it difficult to walk.
Can fungus from a toenail spread?
A toenail fungal infection can spread from one nail to another
. But typically it is uncommon to get an infection directly from another person suffering from the condition. Again, fungal nail infections usually spread by coming into contact with surfaces that contain the toenail fungus.
Does toenail fungus ever go away?
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.
How do I get rid of toenail fungus permanently?
Oral antifungal drugs
.
Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug for six to 12 weeks. But you won’t see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called
subungual hyperkeratosis
. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
How do I know if my toenail fungus is dying?
- Nail color changes. If your nail turns white and chalky or yellow, it’s not a good sign. …
- Nail position changes. If your nail starts to curl downward or upward, it’s time to be concerned. …
- Nail texture changes. …
- Nail smell changes. …
- Nail sensation changes.
What are the stages of toenail fungus?
Color changes—More pronounced discoloration will occur with nails becoming brown, gray, or a deeper yellow. Pronounced ridges—Raised ridges run across the nail. Nail thickening—More severe thickening of the nails will occur. Scaly looking skin—Skin near the nail will take on a scaly appearance.
What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
The best pill for toenail fungus is
terbinafine
. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time.
Why is my big toenail so thick?
Toenails that have grown thicker over time
likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis
. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment is key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections can be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.
How can I boost my immune system to fight fungal infections?
To help the immune system fight off infection, it is important to
not smoke, exercise with regularity, drink in moderation, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest
.
How can I boost my immune system against fungal infections?
- Coconut oil. Candida yeasts are microscopic fungi found around the skin, mouth, or gut ( 2 ). …
- Probiotics. Several factors may make some people more prone to Candida infections, including diabetes and a weakened or suppressed immune system. …
- A low-sugar diet. …
- Garlic. …
- Curcumin.
Does nail fungus hurt?
Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin. It can make your toenail change color or get thicker.
It can also hurt
. Because toes are often warm and damp, fungus grows well there.
What is the fastest home remedy for toenail fungus?
Tea tree oil
is a popular home remedy for many skin infections, including fungal infections. Dab a few drops of the oil onto your toenails twice a day, or mix a few drops of oil with some water and soak your entire foot. You can buy over-the-counter urea paste to dissolve the infected portion of the toenail.
Is toenail fungus contagious in bed?
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Yes, many types of toenail fungi are quite contagious
. An infected person can spread the fungus to someone else through direct contact. You can also get toenail fungus by touching an infected surface.
How do Podiatrists treat toenail fungus?
Podiatrists will treat toenail fungus by
using topical creams, removing part of the nail, and or using more modern methods like laser therapy to eliminate the infection
.
Does hydrogen peroxide cure toe fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails
. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.
Does toenail fungus cause pain?
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 is toe Jam?
Toe jam is
a nonmedical, umbrella term that refers to the smelly gunk which can accumulate between toes
. When feet are sweaty or not washed often, toe jam may be more likely to result. Luckily, this condition is usually not serious, and responds well to lifestyle changes.
How do you grow healthy toenails after fungus?
Soak your foot in a combination of 1 tsp (5 g) of salt and 4 cups (1 L) of warm water for 20 minutes, 2 or 3 times each day, for the first 3 days after you lose your toenail. Cover with a fresh bandage. Ensure the nail bed is kept dry and clean until the nail bed is firm and you see signs of the nail growing back.
