Nail fungus won’t go away on its own
Once started, a fungal infection will not go away until the fungus is destroyed. Fungi are very tenacious and can survive for months in the fallen off skin scales. What, then, can you expect from a fungus lurking in the nails?
Initially, the cells of the fungus enter the skin, fix, multiply and spread on it and then, under favorable conditions, are introduced into the nail from one side. Over time, the fungus affects all parts of the nail and spreads to other nails or skin.
Nail fungus is a hotbed and source of infection for other parts of the body. Even if all foci of the fungus on the skin of the feet or trunk are cured, re-infection will come from the remaining foci of infection in the nails.
Fungal nail diseases reduce quality of life
Studies conducted by the National Academy of Mycology have shown that the presence of nail fungus or mycosis of the feet significantly reduces the quality of life – a set of indicators characterizing the emotional, mental and social well-being of a person. For this, several thousand patients underwent examination, who answered the questions of a special questionnaire in 2001-2002.
It turned out that the quality of life in case of fungal nail disease decreases on average to 50–55% of the full value typical for a healthy person. At the same time, patients noted not only physical inconveniences associated with thickening or destruction of nails, but also experienced various experiences, fears, and negative emotions.
It was found that the nail fungus severely limits a person’s activity, interfering with his rest, sports, and communication with other people. Moreover, feelings of inconvenience and shame for the condition of their nails sometimes impeded a timely visit to a doctor. The longer the disease lasted, the more severe the nail fungus became, and the worse the quality of life became.
Health issues associated with nail fungus
The first and main health problem that is caused by the presence of mycosis of the nails is the fungus itself – a chronic infectious disease that is steadily destroying nails and threatening to spread to the people around them, especially to the family members of the patient.
However, doctors have identified other problems caused by nail fungus. Untreated onychomycosis and mycosis of the feet are considered as the gateway for other infectious diseases – for example, bacterial – erysipelas.
Fungal nail infection significantly complicates the course of diabetes.
Possible allergy of the human body, having a fungal infection – the formation of hypersensitivity to the fungus as an allergen, ie fungal allergy. Development or worsening of the course of diseases such as bronchial asthma, allergic dermatitis, various skin rashes and reactions is possible.
In very rare, isolated cases, as a rule, against the background of immunodeficiency, untreated nail fungus led to the development of deep mycosis – the germination or penetration of the fungus with blood into the internal organs, which was fatal.
Fortunately, most modern nail fungus patients do not have such outcomes. But even if you completely exclude their possibility, you cannot leave the fungal disease of the nails without treatment. It is impossible not to treat scabies, head lice and other infectious diseases. If you suspect a nail fungus, we advise you to see a doctor as soon as possible.