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How harmful is nail fungus?

Dec 29, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Many patients do not take their discolored nails seriously, believing that such conditions require no treatment and pose no harm to the body. This is a mistaken view, as discolored nails can trigger other diseases. There are many fungi in the affected nails that are invisible to the naked eye, yet they can serve as a source of fungal infection. The infected nail can spread fungi to other parts of the body, causing various types of fungal skin infections (dermatophytosis), and may also transmit the infection to family members.

Onychomycosis (commonly known as "gray nail") is a relatively common hand and foot nail condition, and the number of patients suffering from it has been increasing year by year. Although the harm caused may not seem severe, it brings significant inconvenience to daily life. So, just how serious are the risks associated with onychomycosis?

How Dangerous Is Onychomycosis?

Many patients pay little attention to their gray nails, believing that treatment is unnecessary and that it causes no harm to the body. This is a mistaken belief—onychomycosis can lead to other diseases. Gray nails harbor numerous fungi that are invisible to the naked eye, yet they serve as a source of fungal infection. These fungi can spread from the affected nails to other parts of the body, causing various types of dermatophytosis (fungal skin infections), and can even be transmitted to family members.

Onychomycosis can also cause pain and discomfort for patients. The affected nail area is prone to bacterial infection, which may lead to conditions such as osteomyelitis of the toe or fingernail (nail bed inflammation). In severe cases, this could develop into more serious illnesses. Nails play a protective role for hands and feet. Once damaged by onychomycosis, the loss of protection significantly increases the risk of injury due to impacts or collisions. Moreover, most cases of fungal vaginitis in women are linked to onychomycosis, including vaginal infections caused by Candida albicans. The damage caused by gray nails to human health remains considerable. In some individuals, pathogens may penetrate deep into bodily tissues, leading to persistent internal tissue infections that threaten life safety.

Onychomycosis is highly contagious and can easily spread to others as well as reinfect oneself. Therefore, patients must take preventive measures to avoid transmission. If all the nails are affected, a comprehensive physical examination is recommended, as this might indicate an underlying systemic disease. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and a happy life!


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