What happens if onychomycosis is left untreated?

Oct 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, if left untreated, onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) can have various adverse effects on the nail itself, surrounding skin, and overall health, and may also impact daily life. Therefore, prompt treatment is recommended once onychomycosis is detected, to prevent worsening of the condition or transmission to others. During treatment, it is important to follow medical advice regarding medication, maintain good personal hygiene, and avoid sharing personal items with others to enhance treatment effectiveness.

In general, if left untreated, onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) can have various negative effects on the nail itself, surrounding skin, and overall health, and may also impact daily life. The specific implications are as follows:

Onychomycosis is caused by a fungal infection. The fungi continuously damage the nail plate, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nail. In severe cases, the nail plate may separate from the nail bed or even fall off, impairing the nail's normal protective function. Once the nail structure is compromised, dirt and debris can easily accumulate underneath, increasing the risk of bacterial infections and leading to complications such as paronychia or cellulitis, which manifest as redness, swelling, pain, and pus formation.

Fungi are contagious. Items that have come into contact with an infected person’s nails—such as towels, slippers, and nail clippers—may retain fungal spores and can transmit the infection to family members or others, potentially causing onychomycosis or other fungal infections like athlete’s foot or hand fungus. Additionally, when onychomycosis affects the feet, damaged nails may alter walking posture. Over time, this may lead to foot joint pain or deformities, causing inconvenience in daily activities.

Therefore, once onychomycosis is detected, prompt treatment is essential to prevent worsening of the condition and transmission to others. During treatment, patients should follow medical advice regarding medication, maintain good personal hygiene, and avoid sharing personal items to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

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What causes an empty fingernail?

In general cases, nail plate separation occurs. Nail separation may be caused by trauma, excessive manicuring, onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), paronychia, lichen planus, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment. In daily life, it is important to keep the nails clean and dry, avoiding prolonged immersion in water; maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition; and avoid bad habits such as biting nails or picking at hangnails.

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Is Betadine effective in treating gray nails?

In general, povidone-iodine has some effect in treating onychomycosis (gray nail), but it cannot completely cure the condition. If used, it should be done under a doctor's guidance. Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, povidone-iodine can kill various microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Therefore, for onychomycosis caused by fungal infection, povidone-iodine can, to some extent, inhibit fungal growth and reproduction, helping to alleviate symptoms of gray nail.

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What to do if the fingernail is flipped or detached

A lifted fingernail may be caused by excessively long nails, frequent exposure to water, external trauma, nail fungus (onychomycosis), or paronychia. Generally, it can be managed by trimming the nail, reducing contact with water, applying pressure to stop bleeding, cleaning the wound, and using medications. When the fingernail experiences sudden impact or compression from an external object, the connecting part between the nail and the nail bed becomes damaged, leading to loosening or lifting of the fingernail.

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What should I do if half of my toenail has lifted off?

In general, a partially detached toenail may be caused by factors such as trauma, malnutrition, paronychia, onychomycosis, or lichen planus. Depending on the specific situation, general treatment or oral medications may be used for treatment or relief. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Maintaining a balanced and varied diet in daily life can help promote wound healing.