While having a toe nail fungus infection will not kill you, it can lead to complications that can affect your daily lifestyle. Here are some things to consider when you discover a toenail fungal infection.

Treat the Toenail Fungus Quickly or It Will Spread

Treatments Become Less Effective – The worst thing you can with this type of infection is to leave it alone. Toenail fungal infections do not go away by themselves, and only get worse as time goes on. This is because the type of fungus that causes toenail infections lives off of the skin and tissue of the foot and toenail, so it basically has an unlimited supply of food, along with a perfect environment to reproduce.

The type of treatment you use depends on the stage of your toenail fungal infection. Early stage infection can be treated with topical treatments or oral treatments. If you wait too long, the fungus may have grown too deeply to be cured with topical treatments, and you will have to rely on oral cures. If you are suffering from late stage infection, it is best to see a doctor for prescription remedies.

Infection Can Spread to Other Toes or People – When a toenail fungal infection gets bad, it can spread to other toes on the foot. Worst of all, it can become very easy for the infection to spread to other people if you commonly share shower space, shoes, or anything else that comes in contact with the feet. In this instance, sharing is not caring!

Infection Becomes Painful – Given enough time without treatment, a toenail fungal infection can cause the toenail to become deformed and painful. As the fungus grows, the nail thickens and it puts pressure on the area surrounding the toe. In some cases, this pressure can lead to ulcers, sores or an ingrown toenail. It also allows for other types of infections to occur, where bacteria can cause Athlete’s foot and skin infection.

Over time, it can become difficult to walk and run. Walking and running relies on the toes, and every step makes you feel pain if your condition is bad. The problem is worsened if the infection causes sores or ulcers on the foot.

Complications from Toenail Fungus – Elderly people are more likely to have medical complications, such as inflammation of the skin, when they have toenail fungal infections. People with conditions that affect blood vessels and those with diabetes can see an increase in limitations with their limbs.

Self-Esteem Worsens – The emotional damage from toenail fungal infections can be unbearable for a lot of people. While the condition is common (44% of people with such infections say that it has a negative impact on their life), it feels like you are the only person in the world that suffers. Wearing sandals on the beach, swimming, and anything that involves bare feet becomes a problem for self-image.

The dampness and darkness within our shoes and socks provides a perfect environment for toenail fungus growth. The dermatophyte family of fungus, which is responsible for this type of infection, has an ideal condition for growing and spreading in the sweat that gathers around our feet.

You have three ways to treat a fungal infection on your toes. Each one depends on your condition and the progression of the toenail fungus. Give each method some time to work before moving on to the next.

Stage 1 – Topical Toenail Fungus Treatment

A topical toenail fungus treatment can be used when a fungal infection is in its early stages. It is the cheapest and most effective method of treatment. When you see a white or yellowish spot forming on the toenail, it is a good sign of early toenail fungal infection.

There are a number of products and creams available for fungus removal. You can go to your local pharmacy or purchase these products online if you want privacy. If you have a severe case, it is best to speak with a doctor first.

While using topical products, avoid any more foot trauma and keep your feet dry and out in the open as much as possible. Preventing more progression of the fungal infection should be your number one concern. All medications take time, so wait a few days to see if your condition gets better or worse. If it gets worse, move onto the next step.

Stage 2 – Prescription Oral Nail Fungus Medications

If your toenail fungus condition is severe, or topical toenail fungus treatment has not worked, it a good time to see a medical professional. Doctors can provide you prescription oral medications that destroy the fungus from within your body.

Unfortunately, prescription drugs can be expensive and it can take up to 90 days for such medications to do their job. Make sure you know what the side effects are by asking your doctor, and once again, keep your feet dry and in the open.

Stage 3 – Removing the Nail

The last resort for getting rid of toenail fungus is removing the nail itself. Of course, this is the most extreme method, but it is effective. Only people who have ignored a toenail fungal infection for a long time without treatment should opt-in to this procedure. Your doctor will let you know if this procedure is the best option.

Toenail fungus infections are incredibly hard to get rid of, but removing the toenail will give the fungus no place to live and breed. You will be losing the “shield” that protects your toes, but it might be worth it if your condition is very severe. This decision is much more difficult if the infection has spread to more than one toe.

Toe nail fungus is a living organism that develops in dark and damp conditions, specifically shoes and socks. Nail fungus does occur in the fingernails, but it is much more common in the toes due to the environment. The fungus will live and develop under the nail, or along side the nail, but it depends on the severity and progression of t he condition. Early stages of toe nail fungus are typically found along side the nail, but if left untreated, it will progress inwards and under the nail.

The Stages of Toe Nail Fungus

The initial stage of toe nail fungal infection is typically painless, which is why it is so dangerous. Many people simply ignore the symptoms until it starts to become painful, which at that point becomes much more difficult to treat. The first stage of fungal infection results in a white or yellowish area on the nail.

Left untreated, the toe nail fungal infection will start to spread and develop into a yellowing of the toe nail. The nail becomes dull, and can actually change shape as the nail thickens and crumbles around the edges because of the fungus. The yellow and malformed toenail is usually when people take notice and begin treatment, mostly to due to the pain experienced. The toenail can actually separate from the nail bed as the fungus grows.

Serious infection can occur when the nail separates from the skin, leaving the nail bed exposed. Pus emitted from the toe and foul odors are the sure signs that you may be on the verge of infection. While toe nail fungus infections are not life-threatening, they can be extremely painful and embarrassing. Because toe nail fungal infections are difficult to treat, preventing the infection is extremely important. Get treatment as soon as you notice the fungal infection in its early stages.

Dermatophytes Cause Toe Nail Fungal Infections

Spores for nail fungus infection can be found anywhere, but they mostly thrive in wet and dark areas, such as public showers and gyms. Dermatophyte, which is based on the Greek term for “skin plants,” is the medical term for the type of fungus that causes nail infections. Dermatophytes can cause infections on the skin, hair, and nails, where they obtain nutrients on the outside of the body.

There are other factors may make an individual more susceptible to toenail fungus, which include:

• Poor hygiene
• Peripheral artery disease
• A malfunctioning immune system
• Trauma to the foot that includes the toenail
• Abnormal skin PH
• Previous fungal infections of the nails

Nail Fungus Causes – from Work and Play

Warm and wet areas are prime breading grounds for fungus. If you constantly have a body part, a foot or hand, in an environment like this, then you are more likely to get a fungal infection. People who constantly have wet hands, such as dishwashers, house cleaners, or anyone who has to wear gloves all day, are likely to be exposed to the conditions that cause nail fungus infection. Toenail fungus will happen in tight, enclosed areas – specifically the shoes and boots we wear that trap sweat and heat.

In addition, even our naked feet can be exposed to toe nail fungus in public gyms, shower stalls, swimming pools, saunas, and nail salons.

If you are active, activities like running and basketball can cause a broken nail plate. The cracks are prone to moisture found in shoes and shocks, where it seeps in to provide a great environment for nail fungus. It can be very difficult to get rid of these kinds of toe nail fungus infections without a topical treatment.

Lower Immune System leads to More Risk of Infection

Those with a weaker immune system, whether through bad health, smoking or disease, are more prone to the causes of nail fungus infections. Older individuals are also more prone to these infections because age plays a factor. Nearly half of the people over 70 find toe nail fungus infections common. Poor circulation to the feet caused by diabetes and other diseases also means a greater risk.

Maintain Good Hygiene to Reduce the Risk

Even if you are naturally more prone to nail fungus infections, there is still a lot you can do to reduce the risk. You must always maintain proper foot hygiene to avoid toe nail fungus infections. This means thoroughly drying your feet after a shower or bath, and wearing sandals in public showers. Nail fungus spreads easily through wet towels and tile floors whether if an infected person’s feet have touched them. This is why when one person in a family catches a toe nail fungus infection, others in the household are soon to follow.

Nail polish has the ability to trap a small infection and turn it into a bigger one if not careful. If your hands touch infected feet, the possibility is there for the nail fungus to travel to your hands.