What happens if toenail fungus goes untreated

Q: Is it always possible to cure onychomycosis? A: Onychomycosis can take a long time to treat, and some fungal nail infections can be resistant to antifungal medications. Treating a fungal nail infection can depend on identifying the appropriate medication that is effective against a particular subtype of infection. Q: Can nail polish cause onychomycosis?

A: Nail polish is a sealant, so it can cause a buildup of moisture behind the nail, potentially creating an environment in which dermatophytes and other microorganisms can thrive. Avoiding nail polish is recommended while undergoing treatment for onychomycosis, as it could reduce the effectiveness of the antifungal medication. Furthermore, the applicator brush could be a vehicle for spreading infectious microorganisms.

Q: What are the main methods for removing a fungal nail? A: Fungal nails can be removed surgically, using a tool to loosen the skin around the nail and remove the nail after a local anaesthetic is applied to the affected area to prevent pain. If the whole nail is removed, this is called avulsion. If part of the nail is removed, this is called debridement.

Alternatively, the nail can be removed chemically non-surgically by placing a dressing containing urea on the nail. This must be kept dry for 10 days after which the nail is softened to the point where it can be removed painlessly by the doctor.

Good to know: It is also possible to treat a fungal nail infection by removing the infected nail using a laser. However, laser treatment for onychomycosis is not usually considered, other than in cases where antifungal medication has been ineffective. Q: Are fungal nail infections contagious? A: Fungal nail infections can be passed from one infected nail to another due to direct or indirect contact.

For example, toes which are next to one another on the foot may rub together, causing the fungi to spread to skin and infect other nearby nails. People risk catching tinea unguium from one another when they share implements such as these, use public foot-baths or foot-spas, or share shoes or socks.

Q: What are the best home remedies to treat a fungal nail infection? However, many people report success in reducing the severity of their fungal infection, or curing it altogether by using herbal remedies with antifungal properties, including:. Applying products containing tea tree oil to the affected nail plate s and surrounding skin Taking herbal supplements and vitamins , as vitamin deficiencies, in particular being deficient in the B vitamin biotin, can lead to fungal nail infections.

If you think you may be affected by a vitamin deficiency, assess your symptoms for free by downloading the Ada app Topical creams and rubs containing ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus oil, camphor and thymol have been found to treat or cure onychomycosis, in particular, ointments which are traditionally used for decongestion.

Q: What is the difference between onychomycosis and onycholysis? A: Although onychomycosis and onycholysis sound similar and are both conditions that affect the nails, these two terms have slightly different meanings:.

The definition of onycholysis is the separation of the nail from the skin , which can happen due to a variety of causes, including a single injury or a repetitive trauma, allergic reactions to chemicals such as household cleaning products or nail polish, or as a result of having a fungal nail infection.

This may or may not eventually result in onycholysis if the infected nail becomes sufficiently damaged that it crumbles and breaks away from the skin. Q: Do fungal nail infections cause pus? A: The appearance of pus near the nails is more commonly associated with bacterial infections rather than fungal ones.

Pus around the nails may indicate that a person is affected by a condition called paronychia, an infection of the skin beside the nail , most often developing in the nail fold.

A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause. December Accessed: 27 August You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions: Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible. Clip your nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.

Use a quality foot powder — talcum, not cornstarch — in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe. Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Ankle Problems. Arthritis Surgery.

Metatarsal Surgery. Ingrown Toenails. Skin Problems. Foot Diseases. Toenail fungus is definitely not a good look. Fortunately, the team at Easton Dermatology Associates can address any nail fungus issue you may have with a diverse menu of treatment options. Toenail fungus usually starts subtly, so you might not notice anything different with your nail immediately.

After a while, though, you see some noticeable differences that indicate a fungal condition. Nails become:. Because a nail infected with a fungus is compromised, it can also break or split easily.

As the condition progresses, itchiness and pain can occur, and the nail becomes separated from the nail bed. If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge.