If your immune system is weaker, each fungus you come into contact with is harder to fight off, making it more likely you'll get infected.
The big toenails are often affected. In the vast majority of people, the fungus develops at the front or side edge of the nail. It is less common for the infection to start at the base of the nail. This most commonly happens in people with a severely weakened immune system – following a serious illness, for instance.
People with toenail fungus are at a higher risk of developing other fungal infections—including those that affect the heart. Toenail fungus can sneak up on you—especially if you're immunocompromised or have preexisting health conditions.
If you have a weakened immune system, you should be aware that fungal infections can happen. Learning about fungal infections can help you and your doctor recognize them early. This may help prevent serious complications.
In some cases, toenail fungus can even spread to the genitals to cause jock itch. In severe cases, the spread of bacteria from untreated toenail fungus can cause cellulitis. Cellulitis is a condition in which your skin becomes swollen, red, and painful to the touch due to a bacterial infection.
People who have fungal toenail infections often have a fungal skin infection on the foot, especially between the toes (commonly called athlete's foot, ringworm on the foot, or tinea pedis).
Incorporating immune-boosting foods into the diet will help, such as foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, zinc, as well as yogurt with live and active cultures. A registered dietitian and nutritionist can help you build the right diet.
CARD9 deficiency is a genetic immune disorder characterized by susceptibility to fungal infections like candidiasis, which is caused by the yeast fungus Candida. Typically, Candida does not cause severe problems in healthy people, but it can take advantage of those with a weakened immune system.
Aspergillosis is the most significant fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with haematological malignancy and patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Your immune system cannot defeat and eliminate a fungal infection such as onychomycosis without help. Left untreated, toenail fungus can infect the nail bed and enter the bloodstream with, in the most severe cases, life-threatening results.
There are multiple treatments for toenail fungus, though some are faster than others. The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment.
The Nail Fungus and Candida Connection
However, when it overgrows and gets out of control it can lead to a variety of symptoms, from skin issues such as nail fungus, itching, psoriasis, and rashes, to brain fog, chronic fatigue, mood issues, bloating, constipation, seasonal allergies, and even autoimmune conditions.
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes discoloration, pitting and changes in the structure of your nails. It can make you feel self-conscious, though you can buff your nails and apply nail polish to improve their appearance. Nail psoriasis isn't contagious, and treatments can help your symptoms improve.
The root cause of nail fungus are microscopic organisms that cause an overgrowth of fungi. This can occur in, under, or on the nail. Your toenails more often develop fungus because they are usually inside your shoes, where the warm environment allows fungi to thrive.
“Toenail fungal infection can be affected by heredity and some families are more prone to it than others. In these cases, toenail fungus is sometimes seen at an earlier age”. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, men over age 60 are most likely to get toenail fungus.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can cure your skin woes. It has properties that can help to stave off fungal infections by fighting the fungus that causes the infection. It can help reduce redness and soothe the skin affected by the infection.
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.
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.