Toenail Fungus: What Diabetics Need to Know

I have Type 2 diabetes and have had toenail fungus for quite a number of years. It is not a very fun or pretty topic to talk about, but I have learned that diabetics especially need to know about this infection. After years of trying numerous topical and oral medications to treat the toenail fungus, I had two toenails removed on one foot a couple of weeks ago with two more on the other foot to be done in about six weeks. The podiatrist applied a special solution on the toenail bed afterwards so that the toenails wouldn't grow back and no more toe nail fungus. In this article I will give information that all diabetics should be aware of.

What is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus happens when fungi infect one or more of your toenails. It will begin as a yellow or white spot under the tip of your toenail. Once the toenail fungus spreads deeper into your toenail, it might make your toenail thicken, discolored and produce jagged, crumbling edges which is very ugly and the potential of being very painful.

Toenail fungus mainly happens when toenails are continuously in moist, warm environments, for instance shower floors or sweaty shoes. Even though toenail fungus can exist with athlete's foot, toenail fungus is not identical to athlete's foot that mostly involves the foot's skin.

Toenail fungus infection might be hard to cure and usually comes back. There are medications accessible to assist in treating this fungus, but they may not always work.

Symtoms

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis (on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis), appears if one or more of your toenails are:

• Deformed in shape

• Very thick

• Dark in color, because debris forms under your toenail

• Jagged, flaky or easily broken

• Dense, with no shine or luster

Some toenails, when infected, disconnect from the nail bed. You also may notice a vaguely foul-smelling odor and feel pain in your toes.

Causes

Toenail fungus infections are usually caused by a fungus that is part of a group of fungi called dermatophytes. However, molds and yeasts can also be to blame for toenail fungal infections.

These types of organisms thrive in moist, warm environments such as showers and swimming pools. They enter your skin through very small invisible cuts or through a tiny division between your nail bed and the nail. This can cause trouble if your toenails are continuously in warm and moist areas which are ideal for the spreading and development of this fungus.

Risk Factors

Toenail fungus is more widespread among older adults, men and those with a hereditary background of this infection. Other risk factors include, if you perspire a lot, work in a moist, humid workplace, have a minor nail or skin injury or a damaged toenail or some other type of infection and being diabetic because diabetics have a diminished immune system. Another problem with diabetics having toenail fungus is that they tend to have trouble healing and foot care is very important in diabetics.

Complications

Toenail fungal infections can be very painful and might cause permanent injury to your toenails. It can also lead to other critical infections since it can spread outside your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Your nerve supply and blood circulation to your feet can be afflicted. Consequently, any moderately small injury to your feet, as well as a toenail fungal infection, can lead to a more severe problem, demanding well-timed medical care. If you are diabetic and think you might have toenail fungus, you need to see your physician as soon as possible.

Fungus Prescriptions and Treatments

Toenail fungus can be complicated to take care of and the infection often comes back. Over the counter antifungal ointments and nail creams are obtainable; however, they usually do not work very well. There are also a few oral medications available by a prescription from your doctor.

If the toenail infection gets to be enormously painful, your podiatrist may propose removing the toenail. A new toenail will typically grow back in its place, although it will take as long as a year to grow back totally. The physician is able to put a topical treatment on the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back to alleviate toenail fungus once and for all.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that if you have diabetes and think you might have toenail fungus, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. Since having toenail fungus can spread to other parts of your body, it may be best to have the toenail removed and treated to avoid the toenail from growing back. This way, you will not have to worry about toenail fungus causing other infections to your body.

Resource: Mayo Clinic

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