14 Apr What Happens If You Leave Toenail Fungus Untreated?
With summer weather right around the corner, you’re probably thinking about pulling out your sandals again. If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, opened-toed shoes probably won’t work. Unfortunately, toenail fungus doesn’t just go away by itself. Our team at Cherrywood Foot Care can address any toenail fungus issues you may be dealing with. We offer personalized treatment for each patient’s needs.
Do I Have Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus can be subtle at times, so you may not even know you have this issue. There are a few noticeable differences that may indicate toenail fungus, including:
- Thick, brittle nails.
- Discoloration.
- Tenderness or pain.
Nails infected with toenail fungus can split or break easily, and as this condition progresses, you may experience itchiness. Our team advises against letting toenail fungus go untreated. While it may not seem like a big deal to you, you have to deal with discomfort and unsightliness if you don’t treat this condition. Several problems can emerge from a nail fungus infection. Beyond appearances, here are some of the complications of leaving this condition untreated:
- Foot Pain – Toenail fungus can cause your nail to become misshapen and thick. This can cause you a lot of pain and even make it difficult to walk when wearing shoes.
- Fungus Spreads – The fungus can potentially spread to the skin on your foot. This can lead to athlete’s foot. The fungus can also spread to other areas of the body.
- Infection – You want to control the spread of toenail fungus, especially if you have a chronic condition that weakens your immune system. If fungus causes your skin to crack, bacteria can enter and cause cellulitis. Cellulitis causes swollen, tender skin that must be treated with antibiotics. If this infection enters the bloodstream, it can potentially be deadly.
- Loss of Nail – Toenail fungus can cause your nails to separate from the nail bed. If this happens, a podiatrist will have to remove the loose portion of the nail. If the fungus doesn’t go away with conventional treatments, it may need to be removed. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed permanently.
Contact Us
If you think that you have toenail fungus, you must seek out the help of our office as soon as possible. Our team at Cherrywood Foot Care offers a treatment plan that is catered to your particular situation. We want to handle this problem early on to live your life pain-free and regain your self-confidence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!