What happens if a toenail fungus goes untreated for years?

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 they’re too severe, you can have trouble wearing shoes or walking.

How long can you live with nail fungus?

Spores persist on clothing and shoes, bedding, rugs, and furniture wherever dead skin cells are present. Toenail fungus, called onychomycosis, lurks in shoes and boots where moisture is easily trapped, and fungal spores can remain alive and active from 12 to 20 months.

What happens if nail fungus is left untreated?

If left untreated, fungal nail infections can cause difficulties with walking, exercising or manual tasks such as typing. The main symptoms of onychomycosis include the nail becoming: Brittle. Broken.

Is it possible to have a fungal nail infection?

ANSWER: What you’re likely experiencing is a fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infections are common, especially among older adults. As nail growth slows with age, it’s easier for fungus to establish in the nail bed. Treatments are available, although they may take some vigilance and are not always necessary.

How long does it take for fungal nail infection to clear up?

However, it doesn’t usually cause any side effects. Like antifungal tablets, antifungal nail paint also normally needs to be used for several months to ensure that the infection has cleared up. Results of treatment. Antifungal treatments are thought to be effective in treating about 60-80% of fungal nail infections.

What causes fungus on the tip of the toenail?

Toenail fungus usually is caused by a microscopic organism called dermatophyte fungus. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. But as the infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge.

How often should I take nail fungus medication?

I struggled with nail fungus for 30 years, trying all the topical products and laser on the nail beds. Two years ago my dermatologist said they had a new way of giving oral medication that had been very successful in their practice. I was given the medication for 1 week each month for 3 months.

Why is it difficult to get rid of toenail fungus?

In some cases, fungus can get into the cells that make the nail, called the “nail matrix.” That can make the fungus difficult to eliminate because the cells manufacturing the rest of the toenail are infected. The older you are, the more likely you are to get toenail fungus. That’s because as you age, your immune system changes.

Can a fungus get into the nail matrix?

In some cases, fungus can get into the cells that make the nail, called the “nail matrix.” That can make the fungus difficult to eliminate because the cells manufacturing the rest of the toenail are infected. The older you are, the more likely you are to get toenail fungus.

How to tell if you have fungus on your nails?

You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are: 1 Thickened 2 Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration 3 Brittle, crumbly or ragged 4 Distorted in shape 5 A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail 6 Smelling slightly foul

What do you call nail fungus that comes back?

If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis).