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Can Toenail Fungus Spread Internally

How Is Toenail Fungus Treated

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Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat the condition for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.

A dermatologist or podiatrist can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your provider may recommend no treatment.

Toenail fungus treatment options include:

  • Oral antifungal medication: You take prescribed medication, such terbinafine , itraconazole and fluconazole , to treat the fungi. You will need to take this medication every day for several months . Your provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect the liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals are not for everyone.
  • Topical medication: You regularly apply a medication right on the nail. The medication treats the fungi over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.
  • Laser treatments: Your provider directs a high-tech laser beam and special lights at the toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are FDA approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus but is not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations so they are not typically used as first line treatments for nail fungus.
  • Surgery:

Foot Pain And Discomfort

Generally, nail fungus is painless which can lead it to being ignored and left untreated. Nail fungal infections make the nails thickened and deformed. Initially, they might not seem worrying, but ignoring a nail fungus can become painful overtime. The pain begins when the thickening of the nail causes a hindrance when wearing certain footwear. There might be difficulty in walking, and change in footwear may be deemed necessary.

What To Think About

Some people are not sure whether they want to use antifungal pills because of the side effects.

If you have a condition such as diabetes that might complicate a minor foot injury or infection, your doctor may suggest treating a fungal nail infection, even if it doesn’t bother you.

Combining nail removal with antifungal creams or pills is likely to be more effective than using one of these treatments alone.

If you have a mild fungal infection or are concerned about the risks of oral antifungal medicine, consider using a topical treatment, such as Lamisil or Penlac.

Even after treatment, your nails may still look irregular in shape and appearance. It can take a year or longer before they return to normal.

Fungal nail infections often come back.

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Easy Treatment Of Toenail Fungus With Urgent Fungus Destroyer

Urgent Fungus Destroyer is a type of supplement that has no side effects. Anyone can use it. These supplements are the ideal treatment for weak people who do not want to eat healthy or cannot afford a balanced diet.

You can either include the urgent fungus destroyer in your diet for regular use, if you do not want to have the toenail fungus infection, or start having it post infection. It has cats claw, marshmallow root, and mushroom complex, these are very effective in killing the toenail fungus.

Urgent fungus destroyer works improves the working of your immune system, and it will then eventually cure the toenail fungus infection. It will take almost three to four months to kill the toenail fungus completely.

How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection

Can Toenail Fungus Spread Internally

Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.

To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:

Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:

  • Amorolfine

  • Efinaconazole

  • Tavaborole

Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.

The FDA has approved the following systemic medicines to treat nail fungus:

  • Fluconazole

  • Itraconazole

  • Terbinafine

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Can Toenail Fungus Spread Internally This Post Will Give You The Answer In 2021

John KeatsToenail fungus is a common disease on our feet, and can toenail fungus spread internally? We will give you the answer in this post! Lets click it on!

Have you ever felt shy to wear a pair of slippers with your toenail having fungus? We know this feeling. Although toenail fungus is not a fatal or dangerous disease, it can lead to terrible consequences. This condition makes you feel embarrassed and lack confidence if you dont wear shoes to cover your infected toenails.

A common question about this condition is Can Toenail Fungus Spread Internally?. Lets find the answer in this article.

Contents

What Causes Fungal Nails And What Are Some Of The Risk Factors

In normal, healthy people, fungal infections of the nails are most commonly caused by fungus that is caught from moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those at a gym or swimming pools, are common sources. Going to nail salons that use inadequate sanitization of instruments in addition to living with family members who have fungal nails are also risk factors. Athletes have been proven to be more susceptible to nail fungus. This is presumed to be due to the wearing of tight-fitting, sweaty shoes associated with repetitive trauma to the toenails. Having athlete’s foot makes it more likely that the fungus will infect your toenails. Repetitive trauma also weakens the nail, which makes the nail more susceptible to fungal infection.

Elderly people and people with certain underlying disease states are also at higher risk. Anything that impairs your immune system can make you prone to getting infected with the fungus. These include conditions such as AIDS, diabetes, cancer, psoriasis, or taking any immunosuppressive medications like steroids.

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Can Fungal Nail Infection Spread

Toenail fungus is far more common than you may think. In fact, medical experts estimate that onychomycosis affects 1 in 10 people overall. This number increases to 1 and 2 for those within an age demographic over 70. That said, a frequent question becomes Can a fungal nail infection spread? In this article, we dive into this question by covering the types of fungal nail infections, risk factors, and fungus prevention.

Types of fungal nail infections

There are four main types of fungal nail infections that patients suffer from. The different kinds include:

Risk Factors

There are a variety of factors that can put you more at riskto develop afungal nail infection:

  • Being of older age: This is a risk factor because there is reduced blood flow to the nail so growth is slowed and being older means you have been exposed to more fungi throughout the years.
  • Excessive sweating from conditions like Hyperhidrosis
  • Having contracted athletes foot before
  • Walking barefoot in damp public areas like swimming pools, public showers, and gyms: this is because nail fungi prefer warm, moist dark environments. We recommend wearing flip-flops in these situations.
  • Having a minor skin or nail condition like psoriasis
  • Having diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system

Can Fungal Nail Infections Spread?

  • The skin between your toes
  • Groin area
  • Scalp

Prevention

Can You Leave Toenail Fungus There

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Since toenail fungus doesnt immediately cause any negative health concerns, many people tend to neglect it. You might need to pay a high price for your ignorance in the future, as every medical issue will result in harmful consequences if you underestimate them. There are some dangerous consequences if you underestimate toenail fungus:

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Can A Fungal Infection Cause Toenails To Fall Off

Fungal toenail infections can be hard to treat, depending on how severe the infection is. In mild cases, the infection will usually clear up on its own. If you have diabetes, its important to tell your doctor about any type of infection in your feet because reduced circulation can make the problem worse.

Top 5 Signs Your Toenail Fungus May Have Escalated To An Infection

A little case of toenail fungus is practically a rite of passage you quickly learn not to go barefoot in a locker room or shared shower area again and to always pack clean socks. But what happens when your toenail problem goes beyond a suspect smell and yellowed appearance?

At Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center, with locations in Wheat Ridge, Granby, Evergreen, and Arvada, Colorado, our team of podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons provide care for fungal toenail infections and much more. They believe in educating patients about skin and nail care so you can help avoid common problems and keep your feet healthy and strong.

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Is Toenail Fungus Really Such A Problem

If youre thinking you can just live with it, we dont advise letting toenail fungus go untreated. Its an insidious problem, and without treatment, you have to deal with the discomfort of the nail as well as feeling self-conscious about its unsightliness.

If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge. The infected nail can become misshapen and increasingly separated from your nail bed. Itching and pain are unpleasant side effects if theyre too severe, you can have trouble wearing shoes or walking.

You need to be especially attentive to treating toenail fungus if your immune system is compromised. If youre living with diabetes, its critical not to ignore the fungus. Even a mild infection like this can snowball into something more serious, like cellulitis, a severe bacterial skin infection.

Another problem is that untreated fungus eventually can spread to either neighboring toenails or to the skin of your foot, causing athletes foot. Possibly the worst outcome of untreated nail fungus is needing to have your nail surgically removed.

During Manicure And Pedicure

Can Toenail Fungus spread internally?

Believe it or not, but the fungal spores can also survive on the metal surface for almost 48 hours or more. Therefore, whenever someone goes for a pedicure or manicure they should ensure that all the metal tools used for it are clean, and sterilized.

Imagine, someone with toenail fungus infection came for the manicure, and then the next hour you visited that saloon.

Now the fungal spore might reside in your toes, and grow within a few days. Those suffering with toenail fungus need to take care, if the saloon service is aware of you suffering with the toenail fungus. You should tell them very clearly, so that no one else can get the toenail fungus infection.

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What Is Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection which can affect the toenails and/or fingernails and which occurs in about 10 percent of adults in the United States.Onychomycosis more commonly affects toenails rather than fingernails.

There are several different types of fungal nail infection, depending on the kind of fungus causing the infection. Onychomycosis or infected nails are most often caused by a type of parasitic fungi called dermatophyte fungi.

Most types of onychomycosis have the same signs of infection: the infected nail usually becomes thick and discoloured. This process generally starts at the tip of the nail and progresses downwards towards the root.

As the infection progresses, the affected nail can become itchy and/or slightly painful. Infected nails may become crumbly, and it is not uncommon for part or all of the infected nail to break off. Treatment usually involves keeping the nail clean and taking a course of topical antifungal medication.

When To See A Doctor

Toenail fungus is not a significant problem for most people.

Those most at risk for complications are people with diabetes and those with weakened immune systems. People in either of these groups should seek medical treatment for their toenail fungus and avoid home remedies altogether.

Any person who does not see improvements or has complications as a result of home remedies should talk to their doctor and stop using the home remedy as soon as possible. Always speak to a doctor before trying any treatment for toenail fungus.

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What Is A Fungal Nail Infection

A fungal nail infection is a common condition that can leave you with brittle, discolored nails, usually on your toes.

Its formal name is onychomycosis, and itâs a lot like athleteâs foot. But instead of affecting the skin on the bottom of your feet or between your toes, it invades your nails.

Fungi are tiny organisms you can only see through a microscope. Many different types can cause a nail infection. Sometimes they live on your skin and donât make any trouble. But if you have a lot in one area, you might get infected.

Donât be embarrassed if you have toenail or fingernail fungus. Itâs way more common than you think.

Nail Fungus May Spread To The Skin And Other Nails

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Nail fungal infections are highly contagious, and it is possible that they may spread to other healthy nails surrounding it. Fungus does not only infect nails. It may also result to the contamination of the foots skin. This condition is more commonly known as athletes foot and it makes the skin on your feet red, itchy, and cracked. People who wear heavy footwear and sweaty socks all day are more susceptible to the spread of nail fungal infections to the other areas of the feet.

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There Is A Wide Range Of Options With Varying Success Rates

Other than keeping your toenails trimmed and perhaps painted, you may not pay much attention to them unless a problem develops. Healthy toenails are pink, shiny and smooth, but a fungal infection can cause them to become discolored, thick, brittle and even painful.

Toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is a common but challenging condition toenail fungus treatments include a wide range of options with varying success rates.

Causes of toenail fungus

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when your bare feet contact damp surfaces such as showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. If you have athletes foot, the infection can spread to the nails.

Wearing closed shoes such as athletic shoes for extended periods also can contribute to infection if your shoes and/or socks are damp from perspiration or heat. Moreover, if your shoes fit snugly enough to put pressure on your toes, they can damage the nail bed, making it more susceptible to infection.

People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, also may be more prone to toenail infections.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus symptoms can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first. Symptoms can include:

Toenail fungus treatments

  • Tolnaftate
  • Terbinafine

When to see a doctor for toenail fungus

Preventing toenail fungus

Toenail Fungus Can Spread All Over The Body

Toenail fungus can spread to other parts of the body if it comes into contact with those areas. For example, the fungus can spread to the groin, causing jock itch. This infection is most common in men, particularly older ones. Women can also contract jock itch if they have sex with an infected male partner. Common symptoms of jock itch are:

  • Red or pink rashes in the groin
  • Pain and odor
  • Itchiness

If not treated, jock itch can spread to the inner thighs, genitals and anal region.

Also, toenail fungus can affect other skin areas of the body, such as the scalp, feet and hands.

Toenail fungus can spread all over the body

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Can You Die From Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to cure and rarely goes away on its own . Standard treatments are only moderately effective and, even when they work, the fungus may return. Which treatment you choose depends on the severity of the condition, the cost and other medical conditions you may have.

Can Toenail Fungus Spread To Other Areas Of The Body

Can Toenail Fungus Spread Internally? This Post Will Give ...

Toenail fungus can spread to other areas of the body, find out more about what nail fungus is and how it can be managed.

One of the questions that is often asked is whether toenail fungus can spread to other parts of the body. The short answer to this question is that toenail fungus can often spread if it is not treated. This is one of the main reasons for treating toenail fungus as soon as you notice that you have it. Generally, it is possible for a fungal nail infection to spread to other nails, and it can also spread to the skin and cause dermatological issues, skin infections, athletes foot or even ringworm .

More importantly, it is also possible for toenail fungus to spread to the blood too, but it is not very common for toenail fungus to migrate to become a fungal blood infection in this way except in severe cases. Generally speaking, this is a risk factor for individuals with a compromised immune system or existing health conditions. Since this risk can be a serious concern, these people should treat all forms of fungal nail infection immediately and skip the home remedies such as tea tree oil.

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