Can Toenail Fungus Be Harmful? Exploring Foot Treatment Options

According to the latest reports from the US epidemiology of onychomycosis survey, nearly 8% of Americans suffer from fungal nail infections. This condition, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is caused by various fungi, molds and yeast that thrive in moist environments. Left untreated, this infection can cause severe pain and lead to other complications, such as skin irritation and bacterial infections. Fortunately, several treatments are available for treating this condition, including topical medications and laser therapy. Let’s discuss whether toenail fungus is harmful and explore the most effective treatment available today!

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that typically affects the toenails. It affects both fingernails and toenails, but it is most common in toenails due to their proximity to moist environments. The most common types of fungus that cause this condition are dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. These fungi thrive in warm, humid climates, so keeping your feet dry and clean is essential to limiting their growth.

A toenail fungus infection can cause visible changes to the affected nail and cause intense pain. The nails may appear gnarled, discolored, and brittle due to the presence of fungi that feed on keratin. In some cases, the nails may thicken and become difficult to trim.

Is Toenail Fungus Harmful?

Fungi grows under the nail bed and can cause pain and discomfort. The fungus may also eat away at the nail, leading to an uneven surface and difficulty walking. It can also cause swelling, redness, and tenderness at the nail bed.. If left untreated, the toenail fungal infection can spread to other nails or lead to more severe complications, such as bacterial infection or skin irritation.

Toenail fungus can be harmful, so it is important to receive treatment for it.

Toenail Fungus Symptoms

The symptoms of toenail fungus can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

Change in Nail Color

Nail color changes are a common symptom of toenail fungus, which can be quite concerning for many people. The nails may become yellow, brown, or black due to the infection. In some cases, white spots or streaks may also appear on the nail. A buildup of debris underneath the nail can also occur.

Thickening of the Nail

This fungus can cause the nails to become thicker and more difficult to trim. This is due to a buildup of keratin and fungal debris underneath the nail plate, which causes the nail to become brittle and distorted in shape. The fungus feeds on these keratin deposits, causing them to swell and thicken. As the condition progresses, the affected nails may become more difficult to trim and may even begin to lift off the nail bed.

Crumbling or Separation of Toenail

Fungal infections can also cause the nails to become brittle and easily breakable, making them more prone to breaking or chipping. This is due to a weakening of the nail bed, which leads to crumbling or separation of the toenail from its nail bed. Fungal infections can hurt the nail plate and the tissue around it, making the pain and discomfort even worse.

Changes In Position of Toenail

As the fungus grows, it can cause the shape of the toenail to become distorted. The nails may begin to rise away from the nail bed, commonly referred to as onycholysis, or they may curve down into the nail borders, a condition known as onychocryptosis. These distortions in shape can cause discomfort and bacterial infection.

Foul Smell

As the infection progresses, a foul odor may become present. The smell is caused by an expansion of bacterial infection and dead skin cells near the nail bed that feed on the fungus, leading to an unpleasant odor. This can cause further embarrassment and distress for those who suffer from toenail fungus.

Sense of Pain and Discomfort

The nails may become sensitive or painful due to the infection. This can cause discomfort when walking or wearing shoes if you experience toenail fungus pain. In some cases, the pain may be so intense that it affects daily activities such as walking or wearing shoes.

The Most Reliable and Safe Option for Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, with proper treatment, it is possible to manage and even eliminate the infection. Laser treatment is increasingly becoming the most reliable and safe option for toenail fungus treatment.

Clinical studies have proven laser fungal removal to be one of the most useful treatments for toenail fungus. Over 91 percent of patients reported visible results within 180 days, with more than 30 percent experiencing a complete cure. The treatment works by using a targeted laser beam to reach the infected area, heating it and killing off the fungus without causing any damage to the surrounding skin. The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no downtime afterward.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus has become popular among those looking for an effective and safe treatment option. Laser fungal removal is a reliable way to treat and manage the infection. It has a high success rate and almost no side effects.

If you have toenail fungus and want to find out how to treat it, you should talk to a doctor or clinic like Northern Ankle & Foot Specialists.

Other Common Treatments for Toenail Fungus

The treatment for toenail fungus will depend on the type of infection and its severity. Common treatments include:

Antifungal Medication

Antifungal medications are commonly prescribed to treat toenail fungus. The medication is taken orally or applied topically, killing the fungal cells. It may take several weeks of treatment before symptoms improve, but it can effectively combat the infection.

Topical creams and liquids

Your doctor may recommend topical medications such as clotrimazole or econazole to help treat fungal nail infection. These ointments and creams are put directly on the affected area. They help reduce clear very superficial infections on the nail before the fungus is very invasive. The liquid topicals have been shown to clear more invasive infections that have not been present for years..

Surgery

In some cases where the nail is causing severe pain or a bacterial infection,o, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected nail. This is usually only done for the most severe cases of toenail fungus, and it involves cutting off the whole nail plate and any infection that is under it.

Prevention Tips for Toenail Fungus

To prevent the spread of toenail fungus and avoid infection, practice basic hygiene. Here are some tips:

• Wear shoes or sandals in public places such as pools or gyms.
• Avoid sharing nail clippers or other personal hygiene items with others.
• Keep your feet dry and clean.
• Change your socks regularly.
• Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks and keep your feet as dry as possible.
• Disinfect all pedicure tools before use.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help strengthen your immune system and reduce your chance of developing toenail fungus. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Experience Advanced Care With Northern Ankle & Foot Specialists!

If you are looking for reliable and safe treatment options for toenail fungus, Northern Ankle Foot Associates can help! Our experienced medical professionals will provide you with the best care available. We are here to help you get back on your feet and live your life to the fullest. We offer laser fungal removal and other treatment advice, such as antifungal medication, topical ointments, and surgery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!