Does having a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) cause pain?
Disease description:
I am a 40-year-old woman. Recently, I noticed something unusual with my toenails—they have darkened in color and become thickened, as if I might have onychomycosis (fungal nail infection). Sometimes I feel some discomfort in my toes, and I would like to ask whether onychomycosis can cause pain.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Onychomycosis, or gray nail, can sometimes cause pain. It is a nail disease caused by a fungal infection that leads to thickening, discoloration, and even deformation of the nail. During this process, if the fungus spreads to the soft tissues surrounding the nail, or if the thickened nail compresses nearby nerves, pain may occur.
The severity of pain varies from person to person; some individuals may only experience mild discomfort, while others may feel significant pain. In addition to pain, onychomycosis may also be accompanied by symptoms such as itching and scaling. If left untreated, it may lead to other complications, such as paronychia.
Therefore, if you suspect you have onychomycosis, you should seek medical attention promptly. A doctor will determine an appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the condition, which may include antifungal medications. Additionally, you should maintain good foot hygiene, avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes to reduce the chance of fungal growth, follow the prescribed medication regimen, and attend follow-up appointments regularly to allow for timely adjustments to the treatment plan, helping you overcome onychomycosis as soon as possible.
