A fungal toe nail infection occurs when a fungus grows under one or more of the toe nails. MayoClinic.com reports that the first symptoms of a fungal nail infection may include the appearance of white or yellow spots under the tip of the nail. As the infection worsens, symptoms may include dull, brittle nails, a dark color under the nails caused by debris accumulation, and crumbling or detaching of the nail from the the nail bed. Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults who frequent public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms. as fungi grow best in warm, dark places.
Permanent Nail Damage
Fungal nail infections can lead to permanent nail damage. Medline Plus reports that permanent nail damage may include brittleness, change of nail shape, discoloration, and thickening of the nail. Patients may experience pain or tenderness at or around the nail bed.
Recurrent Fungal Nail Infections
If not treated properly and swiftly, fungal nail infections can lead to recurrent infections in the same nail. Medline Plus reports that the infection may also spread to other toe nails, skin around the nails, or the foot itself. Fungal nail infections may be resistant to treatment and often reoccur, despite following a medical treatment plan. In cases of persistent recurrence, the infected nail or nails may need to be removed by a doctor. A new nail may take up to a year to grow in.
Skin Infections and Other Complications
Fungal toe nail infections can spread to other parts of the body like the skin, blood and liver. MayoClinic.com reports that patients with diabetes may develop serious skin infections called cellulitis from nail fungus infections. Patients with comprised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, leukemia or organ transplant recipients are also at a greater risk of developing a secondary infection from a fungal toe nail infection.
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