Onychomycosis, more commonly referred to simply as nail fungus, is a common condition that affects a large percentage of the adult population and occasionally affects children as well. In fact, it is the most common disease affecting the nails. It does not discriminate, and anyone can develop a fungal infection. There are some people, though, who are more at risk than others. Onychomycosis is most common in men, and it frequently occurs among the elderly. People with a family history of the disease are also more likely to experience it. If you are dealing with a fungal infection, you may be wondering, “Can nail fungus hurt me?”
Can Nail Fungus Hurt Me, Yes It Can
Nail fungus is commonly thought of as merely an aesthetic problem. It usually starts off as a small white or yellow spot under the surface of the nail that eventually spreads and causes the entire nail to discolor, thicken and become brittle. Fungal infections are very unsightly and can lead to embarrassment, but they can also lead to more serious complications.
When a fungal infection of the toenails becomes severe, the nail can sometimes become so thick that wearing a shoe is painful. A severe infection can even make it extremely painful just to walk. In individuals with weakened immune systems due to diabetes, leukemia or other conditions, an infection of the toenails can spread to other parts of the body. Nail fungus can also lead to dangerous bacterial infections known as cellulitis in individuals with poor circulation.
How Else Can Nail Fungus Hurt Me?
In addition to the potential physical complications of nail fungus, infections can also lead to psychological and interpersonal problems. Fungal infections can cause a great deal of embarrassment, especially when they occur on the fingernails where they cannot be easily hidden. Some people feel ashamed to go out where people will see their hands. Nail fungus on the fingernails can also lead to problems in the workplace. People with active infections may struggle to find jobs because potential employers fear the infection being spread to customers or other employees. Infections on either the fingernails or toenails can make dating difficult. All these difficulties can lead to cases of depression or anxiety for people with fungal nail infections.
These answers to “Can nail fungus hurt me?” may be surprising. Though it is often regarded as merely a cosmetic problem, it can hurt sufferers in numerous ways. Getting rid of it using traditional methods like topical ointments can be difficult, and taking prescription medications can be dangerous. The safest and most effective way of getting rid of nail fungus and eliminating your chances of experiencing complications is with laser nail fungus removal. During this quick and painless procedure, an intense beam of light is used to target and destroy the fungus beneath the nail. Treatment often takes just one session, and patients who undergo laser nail fungus removal are less likely to experience a recurrence than people who try other methods. Getting rid of nail fungus right away is an important step in avoiding a lot of potential problems.
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