What happens if nail fungus goes untreated

Widespread infection. This complication of toenail fungal infection is of particular concern for people with diabetes and other chronic conditions that weaken the immune system. If a toenail fungus spreads to the skin and causes it to crack, bacteria can get in.

This may cause cellulitis , a condition that produces swollen, red, tender skin and must be treated with antibiotics, according to the U. National Library of Medicine. In severe cases of cellulitis, the infection can enter the bloodstream and be deadly.

Loss of nails. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains that toenails infected with fungus can separate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. If this happens, the loose portion of the nail will need to be removed.

In this case, a procedure called an avulsion is used to remove the entire nail. Sometimes the nail is removed permanently through a procedure called a matrixectomy. If you suspect you have a toenail fungal infection , see a doctor, Joseph says.

You cannot take antifungal tablets if you're pregnant or have certain conditions. They can damage your liver. Badly infected nails sometimes need to be removed. It's a small procedure done while the area is numbed under local anaesthetic. You'll have to pay for it as it's not covered by the NHS. It can be expensive. There's little evidence to show it's a long-term cure as most studies only follow patients for 3 months. Fungal nail infections develop when your feet are constantly warm and damp.

The infection can also make your nail chip or fall off in pieces, which can also be extremely painful. Once the microorganisms enter your toenail, the dark and damp environment of your feet in shoes and socks serves as the perfect breeding ground for fungi to multiply and spread.

The infection can even spread to your genitals when you pull on your underwear, resulting in a condition called jock itch. You may have an increased risk of complications from toenail fungus if your immune system is compromised due to the side effects of medication or some medical conditions.

If you have diabetes, reduced nerve sensation in your feet may prevent you from noticing that you have a problem until the toenail fungus becomes severe. The result increases your risk of developing cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. By ignoring toenail fungus, you may also miss more serious foot conditions.

In some cases, squamous cell skin cancers and melanomas have brown or black discoloration that you may misinterpret as toenail fungus. You get the best results if you begin treatment as soon as possible after the infection begins. Severe cases of toenail fungus can take up to a year or more to clear up.

Treating toenail fungus requires an antifungal treatment. Medicated nail polish or topical antifungal creams or ointments may be effective, though oral antifungals provide the fastest results. The treatment most appropriate for your needs depends on the type of fungus causing your infection and the extent of your condition. Treatment often requires more than one type of therapy and may include debridement, which is the removal of the diseased nail matter and debris.

If the infection is severe, Dr.