It's easy to shun a yellowed nail caused by toenail fungus, especially with the seemingly more serious health conditions out there. However, ignoring such could be very dangerous, according to Peter Joseph, DPM, a podiatrist working with the Allegeheny Health Network, Pittsburgh. Dr. Joseph adds that toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, does not feel so painful, and people simply put off seeking treatment for it.
Toenail fungal infections have health consequences that go beyond mere appearance, possibly leading to complications like the following:
Foot Pain
Having toenail fungus could thicken the nail and make it misshapen, and this can cause great pain in the long run. The pain could be too much to handle that it could make it difficult for a patient to walk with shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Fungal Spread
On occasions when a toenail fungus is left untreated, it could spread and affect the surrounding skin. Dr. Joseph notes that this could lead to athlete's foot, a condition that gives itchy, red, cracked skin. He adds that wearing socks and shoes all day with an infected toenail could aggravate the spread of the fungus even more, since fungus likes warm, moist, and dark environments. Fungus can also reach the genitals and become jock itch for both men and women.
Nail Loss
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the fungus in the toenail can separate itself from the nail bed, removing loose nail portions. Even without loosening itself, the toenail may still require to be removed if the fungus does not clear up despite the usual treatments. This can be solved through a process known as avulsion, which removes the entire nail. There are instances when the nail is removed permanently through a method known as matrixectomy. "This destroys the growing center at the base of the nail, either surgically or chemically, so it won't grow back," Dr. Joseph explains.
