What are the risks of untreated onychomycosis?

June 12, 2025

Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis If you want a natural and proven solution for onychomycosis, you should not look beyond Overcoming Onychomycosis. It is easy to follow and safe as well. You will not have to take drugs and chemicals. Yes, you will have to choose healthy foods to treat your nail fungus. You can notice the difference within a few days. Gradually, your nails will look and feel different. Also, you will not experience the same condition again!


What are the risks of untreated onychomycosis?

Untreated onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) can lead to several risks and complications, especially if the infection worsens or spreads. Here are the main concerns:

1. Progression and Nail Damage
The infection can worsen over time, causing thickening, discoloration, and deformity of the nail.

Nails may become brittle, crumbly, or even separate from the nail bed (onycholysis).

2. Pain and Discomfort
Thickened or deformed nails can cause pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes or walking.

In severe cases, the nail changes may impair normal hand or foot function.

3. Secondary Bacterial Infections
Damaged nails can create entry points for bacteria, leading to secondary infections such as cellulitis, especially in people with compromised immunity or diabetes.

Bacterial infections may cause redness, swelling, and further pain.

4. Spread of Infection
Fungal infection can spread to other nails, skin (athlete’s foot), or other parts of the body.

It may also transmit to other people through shared surfaces or close contact.

5. Impact on Quality of Life
Visible nail changes can cause embarrassment or self-consciousness, affecting social interactions and mental well-being.

Chronic infections may affect activities like sports or manual work.

6. Complications in High-Risk Individuals
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious complications, including infections that may lead to ulcers or, in extreme cases, amputation.

Summary
Untreated onychomycosis can lead to worsening nail damage, pain, secondary bacterial infections, spread of fungus, and quality-of-life issues. Early treatment helps prevent these risks, especially in vulnerable populations.

Would you like guidance on how to recognize when to seek medical treatment or effective treatment options?

The duration of treatment is a critical factor that significantly affects the outcome of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) management. Here’s why:

1. Nail Growth is Slow
Fingernails take about 6 months and toenails 12-18 months to fully grow out.

Because the fungus infects the nail plate, treatment must continue long enough for the infected nail portion to be replaced by healthy nail.

2. Longer Treatment Improves Cure Rates
Inadequate or short treatment durations often lead to incomplete eradication of the fungus.

Prolonged treatment (several months) increases the chance of fully clearing the infection.

3. Prevents Recurrence
Stopping treatment too early can result in fungal regrowth and relapse.

Maintaining therapy through the full course helps ensure persistent fungal elimination.

4. Depends on Treatment Type
Oral antifungals (e.g., terbinafine, itraconazole) typically require 6-12 weeks for fingernails and up to 12 weeks or more for toenails.

Topical treatments often need longer durations (6-12 months) because of limited nail penetration.

5. Severity and Extent of Infection Matter
More severe or thickened infections may require longer treatment for visible and microbiological cure.

Summary:
The success of onychomycosis treatment strongly depends on adhering to an adequate duration that allows the infected nail to be replaced by healthy growth and ensures complete fungal clearance, reducing the risk of relapse.

Would you like advice on treatment timelines for specific antifungal medications or tips to improve adherence?

Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis If you want a natural and proven solution for onychomycosis, you should not look beyond Overcoming Onychomycosis. It is easy to follow and safe as well. You will not have to take drugs and chemicals. Yes, you will have to choose healthy foods to treat your nail fungus. You can notice the difference within a few days. Gradually, your nails will look and feel different. Also, you will not experience