No one likes to talk about having toenail fungus. But these types of fungus are more common than most people realize. The stigma surrounding this relatively common medical problem often leaves sufferers attempting vainly to treat it in the privacy of their own homes with a variety of home remedies.
If you find yourself suffering from a fungus, though, you deserve proper treatment by a medical professional. Why? Here are some of the reasons to make an appointment today.
1. Infections Are Not a Reflection on You
The reason that many people try to self-treat a fungus infection in their toenails is that it can be an embarrassing condition. When a person hears about a fungus on the foot, they may automatically feel that it is from a lack of hygiene. For some people, the fungus has a connotation of being dirty. And, certainly, the deteriorating appearance of the nail makes the foot look and feel unclean.
But fungal infections generally have little or nothing to do with hygiene. The fungus involved simply thrives in moist, dark places — which your feet provide a ready environment for. Because most feet are protected in shoes, they are an ideal habitat no matter how good a person’s hygiene routine. Some infections are even hereditary, come from improper shoes, or are linked to a weakened immune system.
2. Fungal Infections Are Challenging
The biggest problem with treating a toenail fungus is the nail itself. Unless the fungus is in an area that can be easily reached — such as on top of the nail — delivering the treatment to the right area is challenging. This problem leaves both home remedies and even some professional ones simply unable to penetrate the nail as needed. To get the treatment in the proper area, you often need experienced help.
3. Infections Can Spread
While you attempt to treat a fungal infection on your own, that infection is thriving and possibly spreading. An infection in one nail can easily spread to surrounding toenails simply due to their proximity — particularly in tight shoes. If left untreated long enough, infections can spread even further, such as into your bloodstream.
4. Many Remedies Won’t Work
Anyone who gets nail fungus will likely hear many ideas about how to get rid of it. From personal anecdotes from their friends and family to suggested remedies on the internet, a wide variety of home treatment ideas exist.
You may be advised by others to try common mixtures including things like Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, garlic, or vinegar. Many such remedies call for repeated treatment for weeks or even months.
However, most of these won’t do the job as well as professional treatment. A serious infection needs serious treatment, often beyond the ability of mild options. And while you chase a cure, you may be wasting money and allowing the infection to grow.
5. Infected Nails Affect Your Self-Image
The longer an infection in a nail is allowed to grow, the more it will deteriorate the nail and discolor the surrounding tissue. This is often a reversible injury to the toe, but it will make the nail look worse and worse. This progression makes many sufferers very self-conscious about their appearance.
If you generally like to wear open-toe shoes — especially during summer — you will probably avoid them after experiencing an infected nail. You may be embarrassed to go for a pedicure, to be barefoot at the gym or pool, or to be casual around your friends. In this manner, the infection actually affects your day-to-day life and ability to enjoy normal activities.
Clearly, treating a toenail infection calls for a strong response. At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists, we can help. Call today to learn more about our professional toenail fungus treatment options.
