This post was written by Ashley M. Bojrab, DPM, FACFAS, ABPM, CWS, PPG – Podiatry.
In my office, I often hear patients express concerns about the appearance of their toenails. Even, "I read on the internet that nail fungus can be bad for my health and even cause death." The fear comes from rare cases where fungal nails can indirectly contribute to bigger issues. But those almost always involve people with serious underlying health conditions.
Common nail fungus does not enter the bloodstream or organs. With severe neglect of toenails, issues can arise such as wounds, pressure sores or even bacterial infection. People with weakened immune systems would be at higher risk than the general population.
While they may not look pretty, fungal toenails are rarely a serious threat to your overall health. Here’s why they’re not as scary as you might think:
They are very common – Unfortunately, fungal toenails are more common than what most people think. The condition saw a big surge during the World War II era because soldiers wore boots and their feet would become damp, leading to athletes' feet. This fungal infection, if left untreated, can involve the toenails.
It's mostly a cosmetic issue – Appearance is concerning to many people. They grow concerned when the toenails thicken and become discolored and crumbly. This can be embarrassing and frustrating but doesn't necessarily bring harm to the body. It doesn't mean your hygiene is poor or that you’re unhealthy. Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments (like shoes, gyms or locker rooms), and anyone can pick it up.
Can it cause other issues? – Toenail fungus doesn't always cause pain. But when it does, it is more than likely due to the thickness or the change in shape to the toenail. If nails aren't cared for properly, this could bring risk of the nail getting caught on something and loosening or lifting, which can cause pain and sores. This lifting would be concerning to groups of patient such as those with diabetes, circulation issues or weakened a immune system, as it could lead to more serious issues. Contacting a physician or a podiatrist would be warranted if problems arise.
Overall, nail fungus can be annoying, a nuisance and unattractive, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to poor overall health. By practicing good foot hygiene, wearing clean shoes and socks, and avoiding contact (like public areas), you can keep your feet happy and avoid this unsightly diagnosis.
