Yellowing or discoloration of toenails is a problem that most people ignore and consider insignificant enough to not go to a specialist for evaluation. The early stages of fungal infection or even ingrown toenails are not painful and hence, not given much importance by a majority.

A fungal infection of the nails of our toes often seems like a cosmetic problem but if ignored can cause potential complications even in healthy individuals. Ingrown nails have a similar result especially in people with underlying conditions that hinder blood circulation and make them more prone to developing severe infection.

The treatment for fungal infection and laser treatment for ingrown toenail should be taken at the earliest to prevent them from getting severely infected. At Dr. Sima Soltana Podiatry Clinic based in Irvine, they suggest that all people with conditions such as diabetics should undergo regular foot monitoring to address any problem at the earliest. Otherwise, it can quickly develop into more severe problems that can even require amputation.

Complications associated with fungal toenail infections

Fungal infection can be easily picked from places like locker rooms of the gym or public pools and even by sharing footwear or socks from the person who has a toenail infection currently. Older people are prone to developing such infection and injuries, which make them more susceptible to developing toenail infection.

All these environmental factors can be prevented to a large extent. However, even after following preventive measures, if you have developed a fungal infection or an infection in your ingrown toenail, it is better to get it evaluated and treated. Laser ingrown toenail treatment is very successful in curing the problem at its root.

If ignored, the infection can cause the following complications:

• Thickening of the toenail due to infection can make it difficult for you to wear shoes and walk around or even perform regular activities as it gets painful.
• Infection from toenail can spread to the adjacent skin and can become red, itchy, and cracked.
• From the skin, the infection can also cause a jock itch in the genital area, although it is rare.
• In diabetics, a simple toenail fungus can infect the surrounding area to cause widespread cellulitis which needs immediate attention with antibiotics.
• If left untreated, cellulitis has the potential to cause sepsis and even death.
• You may have to lose your toenail if an injured, ingrown, or infected nail is not treated on time.

While the removal of the toenail is temporary, sometimes the bed of the nail is chemically treated to prevent the nail from growing permanently. This is why if signs of fungal infection or an ingrown toenail at the root are suspected, you should see your podiatrist and get it evaluated so that effective treatment can be given at the earliest.

A simple test of the sample of the infected toenail can determine the presence of a fungus which can be treated with ointments and oral medicines in the early stages. In most cases, the fungal infection requires no more treatment unless you have cosmetic concerns.

If your ingrown toenail has developed a fungal infection, the podiatrist will first drain the infection before treating the ingrown nail. Ingrown toenail laser treatment is very successful and is available at most podiatric clinics.