Since many toenail fungal infections aren’t painful or don’t seem like dangerous conditions, many people decide to either treat them with home remedies or completely ignore them, hoping they will go away on their own. However, if not treated properly, these infections can cause more serious health problem that requires medical attention.
Here are some of the most common complications of toenail infections.
Foot Pain
As a toenail gets more and more infected, the nail becomes thicker and more painful. At some point, it can become difficult to wear shoes and socks and even walk.
Nail Loss
One of the more common complications of toenail infections is onycholysis – the separation of nails from their nail bed. Although this isn’t a serious medical condition, it can cause a lot of pain when the lifted portion of the nail catches on socks or bed sheets.
Spread of the Infection
An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body. Athlete’s foot is a common occurrence, as it is caused by the same fungus that grows in dark and moist surroundings, so this could be a concern if you spend most of your day in shoes and socks. If the yeast spreads to the genitals, it can cause jock itch – a fungal infection of the inner thigh in both men and women.
Other Body Infections
In some cases, a toenail fungal infection can lead to a widespread infection in your body. This happens if a portion of the infected skin cracks and the fungus enters the bloodstream. If you have diabetes, you should treat these infections with great caution.
Conclusion
Some complications of toenail infections are more serious than others, but there is no doubt that this condition shouldn’t be left untreated. If you notice home remedies aren’t helping, contact your doctor so he or she can prescribe more effective medication.
