A toe nail fungal infection occurs when fungi grow under one or more toe nails. Symptoms of may include white or yellow spots under the toe nail, dry brittle nails, loose nails and darkened toe nail tissue. These infections thrive in dark, warm and moist environments such as the inside of shoes, which is why toe nail infections occur more frequently than finger nail infections, notes MayoClinic.com. Adults who spend time at public swimming pools, gyms or showers are more likely to get the infection.
Foot Ulcer
A common complication associated with toe nail fungus is a foot ulcer, according to Toe-Nail-Fungus.Info. Foot ulcers are common amongst diabetics and people with autoimmune disorders due to a weakened immune system and/or circulation problems that prevent blood from reaching the foot. Approximately 15 percent of diabetics experience foot infections as a result of a foot injury or infection, according to Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut. Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the bottom of the foot. People who have a toe nail fungus are at risk of a foot ulcer when the infection spreads to the foot. These ulcers are difficult to treat and are often resistant to medication.
Nail Damage
People with toe nail fungus are at risk of total nail damage, according to the website Complements for Health. Total nail damage can occur as the fungus continuously feeds on the toe nail tissue. Fungal infections receive nutrients by feeding on dead body tissues, so the longer the infection goes untreated, the more likely it is to spread and cause damage to the toe nail. Signs of damage may include brittleness, loosening of the nail, a change in color and shape, and/or nail thickening, according to MedlinePlus. In addition, people with total nail damage may experience pain or tenderness at or around the nail bed. In some cases, the toe nail infection may become so severe that the only way to treat the infection is to completely remove the entire toe nail so that a healthier one can grow in its place.
Chronic Nail Infections
People who do not immediately treat the initial fungal infection are at risk for reoccurring nail infections. MedlinePlus states that once the toe nail is infected, the infection can spread to nearby toe nails, the skin around the toe nails and in some cases the actual foot. Treatment generally consists of over-the-counter creams and ointments and/or oral antifungal prescription medications, but when the toe nail fungus is resistant to traditional treatment, complete toe nail removal may be needed to eradicate the infection.
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