Risk Factors for Finger Nail and Toenail Infections

If you have fingernail or toenail infections, you need to know that there are a number of hazards associated with this fungus that goes well beyond just having unhealthy looking toenails. This page discusses those hazards as well as provides recommendations for fingernail and toenail infection treatment.

Like any other infection, it is a medical condition that involves a live and active fungus. This fungus survives by basically eating your skin and nails. Also similar to any other bodily infection is that toenail infections should be properly treated as soon as possible.
 

Gradual Seperation of Finger Nail from Underlying Bed caused by Nail Infection

Learn how this Nail was saved

Here are some facts you need to think about related to having fingernail or toenail infections:

1. Finger nail and Toenail infections do not go away by themselves. Instead, if you do not use a finger or toenail infection treatment, the fungus will most likely get worse. If you do wait and then try using a topical treatment, the ointment will not be able to sufficiently reach the area where the infection has already burrowed deep into your nail bed. By then, you will have to rely on an oral remedy.



2. Left alone, toenail infections (as well as fingernail infection) can cause pain and disrupt daily activities. Quite possibly, the infection could even spread to other toenails or you could give it to someone else whose bare feet come into contact with the same places yours have been.



3. Without treatment, the nail can become completely deformed or thick and painful. This can lead to increased pressure on the skin below and around the nail. The result can be an ulcer, sore or ingrown toenail or finger nail. If this happens, it may need to be removed by a podiatrist who will then prescribe an anti-fungal medication. This toenail infection treatment has a high degree of pain associated with it.



4. Fingernail and Toe nail infections can lead to bacterial infections that spread to other parts of the body. These might include Athlete's Foot or an infection of the skin in the groin area.



5. In the elderly, fungal nail infections may lead to complications, such as cellulitus, also known as inflammation of the skin.



6. People with diabetes or conditions affecting the blood vessels might experience further limitations with their limbs due to a serious fungal infection left untreated.



7. Other recommendations include:



8. Do not try to cut a thickened toe nail yourself. It can be difficult and result in damage to the skin around the nail, leading to an infection or a slow- or non-healing wound.  



9. Do not cover the nail with nail polish or hide the fingernail or toenail infection with socks or shoes. This can actually encourage the infection to spread by providing it with a warm, moist environment.



10. Besides the health reasons for seeking a treatment, think about these reasons:



11. A finger and toenail infection takes away from the joy of walking, working and other daily activities. Infected fingernails can also make it difficult to write.



12. It makes you feel self-conscious about wearing sandals or doing any activity where people see your feet. In fact, a recent study found that 44% of people with toenail infections admitted that it had a negative impact on their self-image.