Everyday Solutions are created by Everyday Health on behalf of our partners. More Information
`
`The Dangers of Ignoring Toenail Fungal Infections
`ByJennifer Acosta Scott
`Reviewed by NiyaJones, MD, MPH
`
`Even a minor discoloration can be a sign of toenail fungus and worthy ofa doctor visit. Find out why and how to
`get help for symptoms of toenail fungus.
`
`
`
`With all the serious health dangers out there, like cancer and diabetes, having a yellowed nail from toenail fungus can seem pretty
`insignificant. Since toenail fungus (onychomycosis) usually isn't painful, many people put off seeking treatment, says PeterJoseph,
`DPM, a podiatrist with Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh. While many people are othenNise healthy and mayjust think of it as a
`cosmetic problem, ignoring a toenail infected with fungus could have health consequences beyond appearances. Potential
`complications of a toenail fungal infection:
`
`Foot pain. Over time, a nail infected with fungus can become thick and misshapen, causing pain, Dr.Joseph says. It can even make it
`difficult to walk when wearing shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
`
`Spread of the fungus. Sometimes untreated toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot. This may result in
`athlete’s foot, a condition marked by itchy, red, cracked skin. "If you wear shoes and socks all day and one of your toenails is infected,
`it can spread quite easily because fungus thrives in a warm, dark, moist environment,"Joseph says. The fungus can also spread to
`the genitals, where it becomesjock itch, a condition that can affect both men and women, according to the American Osteopathic
`College of Dermatology.
`
`Widespread infection. This complication of toenail fungal infection is of particular concern for people with diabetes and other
`chronic conditions that weaken the immune system. Ifa toenail fungus spreads to the skin and causes it to crack, bacteria can get in.
`This may cause cellulitis, a condition that produces swollen, red, tender skin and must be treated with antibiotics, according to the
`US. National Library of Medicine. In severe cases of cellulitis, the infection can enter the bloodstream and be deadly. "And it can all
`start from a simple fungal infection,"Joseph says.
`
`Loss of nails. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains that toenails infected with fungus can separate from the
`nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. Ifthis happens, the loose portion ofthe nail will need to be removed. Even ifan infected
`toenail doesn't become loose, it may still need to be removed if the fungus doesn’t go away with traditional treatments. In this case,
`a procedure called an avulsion is used to remove the entire nail. Sometimes the nail is removed permanently through a procedure
`called a matrixectomy. “This destroys the growing center at the base of the nail, either surgically or chemically, so it won’t grow back,”
`Joseph says.
`
`Treating Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
`
`Ifyou suspect you have a toenail fungal infection, see a doctor,Joseph says. Your doctor may take a small sample from your toenail
`and have it analyzed to confirm the presence of a fungus. If the test comes back positive, an oral or topical antifungal medication
`may be prescribed to help treat the fungus. Most medications are well tolerated with few side effects, Joseph says.
`
`If the affected area of your toenail is small and doesn't hurt, your doctor may take a wait-and-see approach and just observe the
`infected nail over time. While the fungus is unlikely to go away on its own, it may not get any worse. "If you can live with a spot on
`your nail, then it might be fine with no treatment,"Joseph says. "But if you have cosmetic concerns, then a small dose of medication
`will probably take care of it.”
`
`Last Updated: 9/8/2014
`
`Page 1 of2
`
`Kaken Exhibit 2081
`
`Acrux V. Kaken
`
`IPR2017-00190
`
`

`

`Copyright © 2017 Everyday Health Media, LLC
`
`Our Sponsors
`Newsletters
`
`About Everyday Health
`Careers
`
`Feedback
`
`Contact Us
`
`Terms of Use
`
`Privacy Policy
`
`AdChoices
`
`fV‘PCvJ‘u
`
`This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
`
`Page 2 of 2
`
`