Why You Should Never Let Toenail Fungus Go Untreated

Have you retired those adorable strappy sandals, even though they’re the perfect complement to your summery outfits? They definitely won’t work with what’s going on with your toenails — so you’ve had to opt for a closed-toe option. Toenail fungus is definitely not a good look.

There are plenty of home remedies, but they don’t seem to work. And nail fungus doesn’t just go away on its own. Fortunately, the team at Easton Dermatology Associates can address any nail fungus issue you may have with a diverse menu of treatment options. We customize our approach to your particular infection’s history and severity.

How can I tell if I have toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus usually starts subtly, so you might not notice anything different with your nail immediately. After a while, though, you see some noticeable differences that indicate a fungal condition. Nails become:

Thicker
Brittle
Discolored
Tender

Because a nail infected with a fungus is compromised, it can also break or split easily. As the condition progresses, itchiness and pain can occur, and the nail becomes separated from the nail bed.

Is toenail fungus really such a problem?

If you’re thinking you can just live with it, we don’t advise letting toenail fungus go untreated. It’s 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 they’re 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 you’re living with diabetes, it’s 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 athlete’s foot. Possibly the worst outcome of untreated nail fungus is needing to have your nail surgically removed.

What are the most effective treatments for toenail fungus?

The experts at Easton Dermatology Associates offer treatment customized to your exact situation, whether you’ve just noticed an irregularity with your toenail or you’ve been battling fungus for a while. Treatment options include:

Prescription oral antifungal medications
Topical nail cream
Special antifungal nail polish that allows your nails to breathe

No matter what treatment you adopt, patience is key. It can take several months to clear up toenail fungus because even nails that grow at an average rate don’t grow rapidly. We treat your fungus until it’s a thing of the past, and we also advise you on how to prevent a recurrence.

It’s much easier to solve the problem when you’re in the early stages of infection, before it becomes too advanced.

Do call us at either of our locations in Easton or Salisbury, Maryland, so we can start helping you eliminate embarrassing and persistent nail fungus problems ASAP. When next summer rolls around, you can be back in those oh-so-chic sandals!