Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis If you want a natural and proven solution for onychomycosis, you should not look beyond Overcoming Onychomycosis. It is easy to follow and safe as well. You will not have to take drugs and chemicals. Yes, you will have to choose healthy foods to treat your nail fungus. You can notice the difference within a few days. Gradually, your nails will look and feel different. Also, you will not experience the same condition again!
What are the complications of untreated onychomycosis?
Untreated onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) can lead to several complications, some of which can significantly affect quality of life, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions. While onychomycosis may start as a cosmetic issue, it can progressively cause discomfort, pain, and even systemic problems if not addressed.
Here are the common complications of untreated onychomycosis:
1. Permanent Nail Damage
- What Happens: Over time, the fungal infection can cause severe damage to the nail and the surrounding tissue. The nail may become permanently thickened, deformed, or even lost.
- Effects:
- Nail dystrophy: The nail can become misshapen, brittle, and prone to crumbling.
- Onycholysis: The nail may detach from the nail bed, leaving a gap where bacteria and debris can accumulate.
- In some cases, the nail may not grow back normally, leading to permanent deformities or complete loss of the nail.
2. Pain and Discomfort
- What Happens: As the infection progresses, the thickened, misshapen nail can cause discomfort, especially in the toenails.
- Effects:
- Walking, wearing shoes, or standing for long periods can become painful due to pressure on the affected nail.
- In severe cases, the nail may grow inward (causing ingrown toenails), leading to significant pain and increased risk of further infections.
3. Secondary Bacterial Infections
- What Happens: Fungal infections weaken the integrity of the nail and the surrounding skin, creating openings where bacteria can enter.
- Effects:
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can occur if bacteria enter through cracks in the nail or skin. Cellulitis can cause redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes fever. It may require antibiotics for treatment.
- Paronychia: An infection around the nail fold (skin surrounding the nail) that can become swollen, red, and painful, sometimes forming pus.
- In severe cases, untreated cellulitis or paronychia can spread deeper into the body, leading to more serious infections.
4. Spread to Other Nails or Skin
- What Happens: The fungus that causes onychomycosis can spread to other nails or areas of the skin if not treated.
- Effects:
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): The fungus can spread from the toenails to the skin between the toes or the soles of the feet, causing itching, peeling, and cracks in the skin.
- The infection may also spread to other nails, worsening the condition.
- In rare cases, the infection can affect the hands (tinea manuum) if nails or skin are touched frequently.
5. Fungal Spread to Other Body Parts
- What Happens: Fungi can spread to different parts of the body, particularly if the immune system is compromised.
- Effects:
- Fungal infections in other areas: The infection can spread to the groin (tinea cruris) or other moist areas of the skin, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort.
- The spread of the infection can become more difficult to treat, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive or prone to moisture buildup.
6. Increased Risk in Diabetic Patients
- What Happens: People with diabetes are particularly at risk for complications from untreated onychomycosis. They may have poor circulation and reduced nerve sensitivity (neuropathy) in their feet, which can worsen the effects of a fungal infection.
- Effects:
- Foot ulcers: Diabetics are at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers from nail infections due to poor circulation and wound healing. If unnoticed, minor cuts or sores caused by thickened, misshapen nails can develop into open wounds.
- Amputation: In severe cases, untreated foot ulcers can lead to serious infections that may require amputation.
- Increased risk of gangrene: Poor blood flow combined with an untreated infection can lead to tissue death (gangrene), which can become life-threatening.
7. Impaired Mobility
- What Happens: As the infection progresses, the thickened, deformed nails can impair a person’s ability to walk or move comfortably.
- Effects:
- Difficulty walking: Thick, painful nails can make wearing shoes uncomfortable or painful, which may discourage physical activity.
- Increased fall risk: Pain and discomfort from onychomycosis can limit mobility, particularly in older adults, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
8. Psychological and Social Impact
- What Happens: Onychomycosis can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and social life, especially as the infection becomes visible and causes nail deformities.
- Effects:
- Self-consciousness: People with visible nail infections may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable showing their feet or hands in public.
- Anxiety or stress: Chronic onychomycosis, especially if resistant to treatment, can cause ongoing anxiety and stress related to the appearance and health of the nails.
- Social withdrawal: Some individuals may avoid social situations (such as swimming or wearing open-toed shoes) due to the appearance of their nails.
9. Resistance to Treatment
- What Happens: As the infection progresses without treatment, it becomes more resistant to antifungal therapies, making it harder to eradicate.
- Effects:
- Chronic infection: The fungus can become entrenched within the nail, making it more difficult to treat with topical antifungals alone.
- Longer treatment duration: The longer the infection goes untreated, the longer it will take to resolve, often requiring oral antifungal medications or more invasive treatments like nail removal or laser therapy.
Summary of Complications:
- Permanent nail damage: Thickening, deformation, and potential loss of the nail.
- Pain and discomfort: Difficulty walking or wearing shoes due to thick, deformed nails.
- Secondary bacterial infections: Increased risk of cellulitis, paronychia, and systemic infections.
- Fungal spread: Infection can spread to other nails, skin, or body parts.
- Increased risk for diabetics: Higher chances of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.
- Impaired mobility: Difficulty walking or increased fall risk due to pain.
- Psychological impact: Social embarrassment and stress over nail appearance.
- Treatment resistance: Longer and more difficult treatment, requiring systemic medications.
Conclusion:
Untreated onychomycosis can lead to significant complications, ranging from discomfort and nail damage to serious infections, especially in vulnerable individuals like those with diabetes. Early detection and treatment can prevent progression and help avoid these complications. If left untreated, onychomycosis may require more aggressive and prolonged interventions to manage.
Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis If you want a natural and proven solution for onychomycosis, you should not look beyond Overcoming Onychomycosis. It is easy to follow and safe as well. You will not have to take drugs and chemicals. Yes, you will have to choose healthy foods to treat your nail fungus. You can notice the difference within a few days. Gradually, your nails will look and feel different. Also, you will not experience the same condition again!