How serious is nail fungus?

It's not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat. The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted. Toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails. The medical name for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis.

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What happens if nail fungus is left untreated?

If toenail fungus is left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot, causing another condition known as athlete's foot. An athlete's foot is a condition resulting in itchy, red, and cracked skin, which can become very uncomfortable.

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When should I be concerned about nail fungus?

When to see a doctor. You may want to see a health care provider if self-care steps haven't helped and the nail becomes increasingly discolored, thickened or misshapen. Also talk with your health care provider if you have: Diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus.

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Can nail fungus cause other health issues?

In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health.

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Is it OK to live with toenail fungus?

Nail fungus is not a health risk to most people. But anyone with a compromised immune system, such as a diabetic who contracts nail fungus, is at risk of developing serious complications like foot ulcers.

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Fungal Nail Infection, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

23 related questions found

What kills toenail fungus permanently?

Oral antifungal drugs.

These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.

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Can you ever completely get rid of toenail fungus?

Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.

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How do you know if toenail fungus is severe?

If your nail gets brittle and breaks easily, it's a sign the fungal infection is changing the composition of the nail. If it becomes soft and chalky and starts to crumble away, the infection is starting to become severe.

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Should I cut off my fungus toenail?

Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.

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What are 3 signs of a fungal nail infection?

Signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection
  • discolouration of the nail – it may turn white, black, yellow or green.
  • thickening and distortion of the nail – it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim.
  • pain or discomfort – particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger.

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Why does Vicks Vaporub work on nail fungus?

Vicks Vaporub softens and lightens toenails. This makes it look like the fungus is being treated. Vicks may have some antifungal qualities, but it is unable to penetrate the toenail well enough to cure the infection. Many topical antifungal medications have this issue.

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What is the main cause of toenail fungus?

What causes nail fungus? Tiny, microscopic organisms called fungi (the plural of fungus) cause a fungal nail infection. Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands.

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How long can nail fungus live?

As fungal spores can stay dormant but viable for up to three months in their favoured environments, your family may still remain vulnerable long after you've started covering up your feet or taking other protective measures.

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How long can you have nail fungus?

Typically, with the right treatment, clearing up toenail fungus takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months – and potentially longer. Toenails usually grow less than 2mm per month and the infection has to grow out completely before you can consider a fungal toenail “cured.”

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Do you have to wait for nail fungus to grow out?

Be patient. Your nails may not look "normal" after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.

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What not to do with nail fungus?

Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.

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How long does Vicks take to cure toenail fungus?

“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”

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Why you shouldn't ignore toenail fungus?

Without treatment, toenail fungus almost always worsens, and can lead to permanent nail damage. In severe cases, toenail fungus can progress and cause widespread infection of the foot. A serious infection of these unwanted microorganisms can even cause nerve damage in the affected area.

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What is the late stage of toenail fungus?

Later Stage Toenail Fungus

In the final stage, the infected nail (or nails) will turn very thick and brittle and may begin to detach from the nail bed. In severe cases, the fungal infection can spread to the surrounding skin and nails.

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What kills foot fungus naturally?

Here are six of the best natural remedies:
  1. White Vinegar. White vinegar other wise known as Acetic Acid can help eliminate fungus when diluted in lukewarm water. ...
  2. Listerine and White Vinegar. ...
  3. Tea Tree Oil. ...
  4. Urea Paste. ...
  5. Pau D'arco Tea. ...
  6. Vicks VapoRub. ...
  7. Time.

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Can you put vinegar directly on toenail fungus?

The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source. To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won't burn your skin.

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Will my fungus toenail grow back if I pull it off?

The wound should heal within a few weeks. Fingernails may take 6 months to grow back. Toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back.

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Why have I had toenail fungus for years?

There are several risk factors for developing nail fungus: tight shoes; damaged nails; walking barefoot in moist areas like swimming pools, saunas, and public showers; poor blood circulation in your legs; a weakened immune system; and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

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Why am I prone to fungal infections?

Fungal infections are more common in places on your body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. You're at higher risk for infection, especially severe ones, if you have poor circulation or diabetes, or if you have a weakened immune system from: HIV/AIDS. Cancer or cancer treatments.

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What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time.

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