does toenail fungus have to be treated? what happens if left untreated

Question

What happens if foot fungus is left untreated?

Answer 1

Not necessarily: Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is usually caused by a fungal infection similar to athlete's foot. This is usually not a harmful condition, but is often unsightly and may make the nail thick, brittle and hard to cut. This condition can on occasion cause pain in shoes from pressure on the nail bed. Treatment may include: oral antifugals, topical meds, laser treatment, permanent nail removal.

Answer 2

A cosmetic problem: Toenail fungus is a fairly common condition, more so as a person ages. It rarely leads to any significant medical complications. For that reason insurance companies do not cover the cost of treatment. There are 2 medications that work about 50% of the time. Laser treatments have had similar success. If left untreated the nail thickens and discolors.

Answer 3

Several ways: Ranging from debridement, topical medication, oral medication, laser or removal of nail. Consult with podiatrist.

Answer 4

Few ways : Topical antifugals are less tan 10 % effective, oral medication is most effective, lasers are expensive and work about 70% of the time. You can do combinations of the above. If limited o 1-2 nails you can have the nail removed and then apply topical, or take oral and that would improve efficacy.

Answer 5

Oral Lamasil: I have found that the laser to be the most effective treatment.

Answer 6

Oral meds: Topical meds, lasers. Oral gives best treatment.

Answer 7

Onychomycosis: Treatment includes pulse therapy of An oral anti fungal eg sporonox for 3months , with nail lacquer eg trosyd or clearnail .

Answer 8

A lump : Is not normal, nor is pain so it's a good reason to visit the foot doctor. You may have a ganglionic cyst which is a benign cyst filled with jelly like fluid but without seeing it you can have something else....Go to the doc for a check up.

Answer 9

See Podiatrist: Could be a number of things from a cyst or a spur or other problem. Have it checked out.

Answer 10

Ganglion : Get checked out. The lump needs to be evaluated. Ganglion's are common on the top of the foot..

Answer 11

Never normal: Unless you recall trauma, lumps are not to be ignored. See a podiatrist for evaluation.

Answer 12

Could be cyst: This could be a cyst as in ganglion or it could be a malformation of one of the bones in your foot resulting in an exostocis.

Answer 13

They were put : There to correct a problem such as a fracture.

Answer 14

Stabilize fracture: And hold together to allow appropriate healing.

Answer 15

Yes: Certain materials may not absorb sweat and may give off a bad odor. Also if the shoe doesn't "breathe".

Answer 16

Not usually: It could be a reaction to the material that the shoe is made of. Some materials do not breath as well as others and cause increased heat, perspiration and odor.

Answer 17

Highly dependent: On what surgery you are having.

Answer 18

Depends: What the condition was that surgically treated. Hopefully you will have less pain and better function then you had before.

Answer 19

Good Question: Depending on the type of foot surgery. You may have swelling, pain [controlled with medication]. Immobilization. Dressing changes. Physical therapy. I suggest you discuss post op care with the surgeon.

does toenail fungus have to be treated? what happens if left untreated

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