If toenail fungus is left untreated, it can get worse over time, leading to potentially more serious problems. The fungus can spread to other toenails, and even to other parts of the body, such as skin or nearby nails.
The fungus can also start to deteriorate or damage the nail bed, resulting in a discolored, cracked, brittle, or thickened toenail. If left untreated, it can cause pain and restrict movement by damaging the nail.
In some cases, the nail may fall off completely due to the damage. Additionally, the infection can become resistant or difficult to treat if not treated quickly or with the correct medication. If you’re experience discomfort due to toenail fungus, or if you suspect you may have contracted an infection, it’s best to seek prompt medical attention to ensure you’re receiving the appropriate treatment.
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Can toenail fungus be life threatening?
No, toenail fungus is not generally life threatening. Fungal toenail infections, or onychomycosis, are a common condition and can cause the nails to thicken, discolor and/or crumble. While it can be highly irritating, it is not life threatening.
In some rare cases, the infection can cause more severe symptoms if it spreads to nearby tissues and bones, but this is extremely rare.
It’s important to consult a doctor if you notice any of the signs of nail fungus. A doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend an effective treatment. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection but usually involves topical or oral antifungal medications.
It’s also important to keep the feet clean, dry and free from tight-fitting clothing and shoes. Good hygiene combined with medication can help keep the infection from spreading and prevent more severe symptoms.
How do you know if toenail fungus is severe?
Identifying whether or not toenail fungus is severe can be difficult and depends on the individual. In general, some warning signs that infection might be severe include the following:
• Significant discoloration or thickening of the nails
• Nails cracking, splitting, or crumbling easily
• Extreme discomfort when standing and walking
• Foul odor coming off of the nails
• Inflammation and pain in and around the toe
If any of these signs are present, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A podiatrist or dermatologist can assess the infection, determine whether it is severe, and recommend a course of treatment.
In some cases, the doctor may order a sample of the infected tissue to be examined in a lab, to identify the exact cause of the condition.
What kills severe toenail fungus?
Severe toenail fungus can be treated using an antifungal prescription medication like terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole. To get best results, these medications should be used with topical antifungal treatments like creams and lacquers.
A doctor may also recommend laser therapy. Laser treatments use targeted light to kill the fungus, allowing the nail to regrow. This can be done in a doctor’s office with a short visit. While topical treatments are available over the counter, more severe toenail fungus may require a prescription medication.
When treating toenail fungus, it is important to follow directions on the medication exactly as prescribed. It can take several weeks before results are visible and infection may not be completely gone until new nail growth has occurred.
Good nail hygiene and regularly trimming the nails can also help keep infection in check.
Can toenail fungus spread internally?
No, toenail fungus (also known as onychomycosis) cannot spread internally. Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail caused by fungus; it is generally located in the nail bed, nail plate, and/or cuticle.
It can enter the body through minor trauma or a weakened immune system, but will not spread throughout the body. Although the infection does not typically spread to other areas, if left untreated it may cause the nails to discolor and become brittle.
It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have toenail fungus as it can be difficult to treat without the help of a doctor. Treatment may include antifungal creams, topical solutions, oral medications, and laser therapy, so it is important to discuss your options with a medical professional.
How does a podiatrist treat severe toenail fungus?
Treating severe toenail fungus can be complex and often takes multiple approaches. A podiatrist may begin treatment by recommending antifungal medications taken orally. This is often followed by the use of topical medications and ointments applied directly to the affected area.
Your podiatrist may also recommend scraping away the fungal infection, or warm water soaks followed by thorough drying of the affected area. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend a laser procedure to kill the fungus or surgically removing the toenail.
Whatever the course of treatment, podiatrists will often advise consistent follow up appointments to ensure that the infection is properly treated and does not reoccur. Additionally, a podiatrist may recommend lifestyle changes and specific foot care instructions to prevent another infection from occurring.
What does it look like when toenail fungus is growing out?
When toenail fungus is growing out, it will look like a discolored and thickened nail. The affected toenail may appear yellow, brown, or black, and it may become distorted in shape or have debris build up underneath it.
It is common for the nail to become brittle and may flake or break apart. The nail may also be painful, and in some cases it can cause odor due to the fungal infection. As the fungus progresses, it can spread to other toes, which can further discolor and distort the nails.
In more severe cases, the nail may become so thickened it is difficult to trim and if it starts to curl, it can press on the skin and cause pain.
Is toenail fungus urgent?
No, it is not considered an urgent medical condition. It is a common condition that takes time to treat, so it is important to seek medical care if you notice changes in your toenails, such as thickening or discoloration.
However, this does not mean that medical attention should be immediate or urgent because it can take up to several months for toenail fungus to resolve. To treat the condition, your doctor may recommend various medications, topical treatments, or laser therapy.
Occasionally, a podiatrist may need to be consulted for more severe cases. While toenail fungus is not an urgent medical condition, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to get the best possible outcome.
Will toenail fungus go away on its own?
No, toenail fungus will not go away on its own. Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that can affect both the toenails and fingernails. Toenail fungus can vary in severity from cosmetic discoloration to infections that cause thickening and disfiguring of the entire nail.
Treatment for toenail fungus is important, as the infection can worsen and lead to further complications if left untreated. To treat toenail fungus, an antifungal medication is typically prescribed by a doctor.
Depending on the severity of the infection, medications may range from topical creams, gels, and lacquers to oral antifungal tablets. Additionally, one may opt for home remedies such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, as well as natural products like tea tree oil.
Home treatment alone is generally not enough to clear up the infection and typically requires the use of prescription antifungal medications. Therefore, toenail fungus should not be left untreated and it is important to seek medical advice to get the appropriate treatment in order to effectively address the infection.
How long does it take toenail fungus to go away?
Unfortunately, toenail fungus can be a stubborn and persistent condition that typically takes a long time to go away. Typically, it takes at least 8-12 weeks for a toenail with a mild case of fungus to grow out.
However, if the infection is moderate or severe, it may take as long as 6-9 months for the fungal infection to clear up completely. In some rare cases, patients may need to keep taking antifungal medications for up to a year in order to successfully treat the infection.
In addition, the rate of success can vary depending on the individual, with some people finding they experience recurring toenail fungus after a period of time.
Is it OK to live with toenail fungus?
No, it is not OK to live with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus is an infection caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes and can be very uncomfortable and annoying. It is more common on the toenails than on fingernails, and can cause pain, discoloration and thickening of the nail.
It can be very difficult to treat as well, since the fungus can remain alive inside the nail for a long time. Therefore, it is very important to consult with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have toenail fungus.
Treatment options can include prescription antifungal medications, laser or surgery, depending on the severity of the infection. If left untreated, toenail fungus can become very severe, causing extensive damage to the nail, and even leading to bone or joint infection.
Therefore, it is critical to seek medical treatment as soon as you identify any signs of toenail fungus.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to get rid of fungus?
The length of time it takes to use hydrogen peroxide to get rid of fungus depends on the type of fungus and the strength of the hydrogen peroxide used. For instance, when treating athlete’s foot, it can take several days to a few weeks to see results using a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution.
It can take a few weeks to months if using a stronger solution like 35 percent. It is important to keep the area clean, dry, and to use a topical antifungal cream in conjunction with the hydrogen peroxide treatment.
If a toenail is affected, it usually takes several months of treatment to see results and if not treated properly, the fungus can remain. In the case of other types of fungus, hydrogen peroxide can still be used but the length of time to get rid of the fungus would depend on the severity of the infection and the strength of the hydrogen peroxide used.
Will my toenail go back to normal after fungus?
Yes, your toenail can go back to normal after fungus if you treat it properly. The best way to treat a fungal toenail is to use an antifungal medication. This can be either in the form of an oral antifungal such as terbinafine or itraconazole, or a topical antifungal such as clotrimazole.
Oral antifungals need to be taken for longer durations than topical medications and may take up to 12 weeks to resolve the infection. Your doctor might also suggest debridement which involves the removal of the abnormal nail and allowing the new nail to grow out unaffected.
Additionally, you can also make some lifestyle changes such as keeping your feet clean, dry, and well ventilated. Wear properly fitted shoes and synthetic socks and avoid sharing nail clippers or foot baths as this can spread the fungus to other areas.
With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, your toenail should go back to normal.
Can toenail fungus get in your bloodstream?
No, toenail fungus typically cannot get into your bloodstream. In order for a fungus to enter your bloodstream, the infection would have to occur in a part of your body where fungus can live and multiply, such as your lungs or intestines.
However, fungus can enter your bloodstream from other areas of your body, such as when it travels from your skin or nails. In rare cases, toenail fungus can spread to the skin around your toes and become a more serious infection.
If this happens, it can sometimes result in the fungus entering your bloodstream and spreading to other parts of the body. In any case, it’s important to seek medical help if you think you have toenail fungus or notice any unusual or severe symptoms.
A doctor can diagnose the infection and provide appropriate treatment.
Can toenail fungus cause other health problems?
Yes, toenail fungus can cause other health problems. The most common types of toenail fungus, called onychomycosis, typically infects the area around and underneath the toenail resulting in the nails becoming yellow, thick and brittle.
While it is primarily a cosmetic problem, if left untreated, toenail fungus can cause other health issues. It can spread to other nails, toenails, and even to people who come into contact with the infected area, potentially leading to foot and even systemic infections.
In some cases, people with toenail fungus may also be more prone to developing skin infections as the fungus thrives in damp and dark areas. Additionally, if the infection becomes severe enough, it can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, brain, or other organs and result in more serious health issues.
