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.
You may have a higher risk of getting toenail fungus if you have: Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Diabetes. Hyperhidrosis (a disorder that makes you sweat a lot).
You can develop foot fungus with a healthy immune system, but your odds go up, especially of getting chronic or severe foot fungal infections, if your immune system is weaker. This is because your body has a more difficult time fighting off fungal spores and preventing them from developing into an infection.
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.
Nail fungus can increase the risk of a bacterial infection of the surrounding skin, and in rare cases, a toenail fungal infection can lead to bacterial skin infections that develop when certain bacteria enter the skin through a cut or sore.
More importantly, it is also possible for toenail fungus to spread to the blood too, but it is not very common for toenail fungus to migrate to become a fungal blood infection in this way except in severe cases.
In some cases, toenail fungus can even spread to the genitals to cause jock itch. In severe cases, the spread of bacteria from untreated toenail fungus can cause cellulitis. Cellulitis is a condition in which your skin becomes swollen, red, and painful to the touch due to a bacterial infection.
Your immune system cannot defeat and eliminate a fungal infection such as onychomycosis without help. Left untreated, toenail fungus can infect the nail bed and enter the bloodstream with, in the most severe cases, life-threatening results.
Nail fungus is not a health risk to most people. But anyone with a compromised immune system, such as a diabetic who contracts nail fungus, is at risk of developing serious complications like foot ulcers.
The Nail Fungus and Candida Connection
However, when it overgrows and gets out of control it can lead to a variety of symptoms, from skin issues such as nail fungus, itching, psoriasis, and rashes, to brain fog, chronic fatigue, mood issues, bloating, constipation, seasonal allergies, and even autoimmune conditions.
Fungal nail infection should be suspected if: The nail looks abnormal and is discoloured. There are white or yellow streaks along one side of the nail. There is a thickening of the nail; white or yellow spots; or complete destruction of the nail.
“Toenail fungal infection can be affected by heredity and some families are more prone to it than others. In these cases, toenail fungus is sometimes seen at an earlier age”. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, men over age 60 are most likely to get toenail fungus.
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder, is persistent or recurring infection with Candida (a fungus) due to malfunction of T cells (a type of white blood cell). Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis causes frequent or chronic fungal infections of the mouth, scalp, skin, and nails.
Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor ASAP if your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.
There are multiple treatments for toenail fungus, though some are faster than others. The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment.
Anyone with a weakened immune system may be more likely to contract a fungal infection, as well as anyone who is taking antibiotics.
There's a chance toenail fungus will go away on its own, but most often, early treatment is key. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more pronounced your symptoms will become.
If you have a case of toenail fungus, please do not ignore this problem. Serious complications can arise if you do not have the fungus treated, including foot pain, widespread infection, the loss of your nail and more.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed.
Fungus thrives in moist and dark places so give it some light. Keep them naturally dry by exposing them to the sun whenever you can.
Nail Removal Sometimes completely removing the toenail is seen as a treatment option for toenail fungus, says Sundling. There are two ways to do it: Permanently, so it never grows back (and then you won't have a toenail anymore), or you can let it grow back in.
The toe-to-heart connection
How does a fungal infection in the foot have the potential to damage your heart? The answer lies in your circulatory system. When a fungal infection gets into the blood stream, it can spread throughout your body—including your heart, since all blood eventually passes through the heart.
A serious infection of these unwanted microorganisms can even cause nerve damage in the affected area.
In some cases, fungus can get into the cells that make the nail, called the nail matrix. That can make the fungus very difficult to eliminate because the cells manufacturing the rest of the toenail are infected. The good news, though, is that toenail fungus typically does not lead to bigger medical problems.