The Risks of Ignoring Fungal
Infections

Onychomycosis, the official term for toenail

fungus, may appear to be a small aesthetic issue,

but if left untreated, it can have major health

effects. A podiatrist at Allegheny Health Network

Or. Peter Joseph, cautions that ignoring an

infected toenail could result in a number of

consequences.

Foot discomfort is one concern that could arise.

The thickening and misshapening of the infected

nail as the fungus spreads makes walking

uncomfortable and challenging, especially while

wearing shoes.

Athlete’s foot, which is distinguished by red, itchy,

and cracked skin, can also result from untreated

toenail fungus because it can spread to the

nearby skin. The warm, wet atmosphere found

within shoes makes for the perfect habitat for

the fungus to grow and spread.

Even more worrisome is the possibility of a

widespread infection, which poses a serious risk,

particularly for people with compromised

immune systems like those with diabetes.

Cellulitis, a bacterial skin condition that can be

fatal, can result from the fungus penetrating the

skin and creating cracks. If the infection is

severe enough, it may potentially enter the

bloodstream and become fatal

Onycholysis, a condition where the toenail

separates from the nail bed, can also occur in

fungus-infected toenails. In some situations, it

could be necessary to remove the damaged area

of the nail. Avulsion of the entire nail or a matrix

ectomy, which eliminates the nail’s developing

core at the base, may be necessary in some

cases if standard treatments are unsuccessful.

Dr. Joseph suggests visiting a doctor if there is a
suspicion of an infection since he understands
the significance of receiving medical care for
toenail fungal infections. The existence of the
fungus can be determined by analyzing a tiny
sample of the toenail. Once a condition has been
dentified, treatment options include oral or
topically applied antifungal medicines, which are
often well tolerated and have few adverse
effects.
Some doctors may choose to take a wait-and-
see strategy in small cases that don’t cause
discomfort, keeping an eye on the infected nail
over time. The fungus might not become worse
even though it is unlikely to go away on its own.
A tiny amount of medicine may be recommended
n these circumstances to alleviate aesthetic
issues.

The main lesson to be learned from this is that

toenail fungus should not be disregarded.

Complications, discomfort, and the maintenance

of healthy feet can all be avoided with early

diagnosis and effective treatment. Therefore, do

not hesitate to seek expert assistance from a

nealthcare specialist if you suspect a toenail

fungal infection. Comment what you think here down 👇👇