If you think you have a toenail fungal infection you might be creating a worst-case scenario in your mind. If you’re an extreme worrier you could be thinking that you might lose your toe completely. If you’re a pessimist you might be thinking you’ll just have to live with the infection for the rest of your life. If you’re only mildly concerned you might be annoyed at the fact that you have to look at your infected toenail, but you’ll live with it. Or you might be in complete denial, covering your infected toes up with nail polish or always wearing closed-toe shoes to avoid seeing it altogether.

Wherever you fall along the spectrum there are times when you don’t have to worry at all, as well as times there might be a call for concern. We’ll discuss when you should start to worry about your toenail fungal infection.

If it’s causing you emotional distress

If your toenail fungal infection is causing you to be depressed, anti-social, keeping you from doing the things you enjoy or you’re just plain embarrassed by it, then you should seek out treatment options simply to make yourself feel better. Instead of spending time researching at-home treatments you can do – which can be frustrating because they aren’t usually effective – consider visiting a chiropodist to learn about toenail fungus treatment. It’s the best treatment available to get rid of your toenail fungal infection, which means you will start feeling more positive about your feet sooner.

If you have health issues

People who have Diabetes, poor blood flow to the feet, or nerve damage in their feet are more susceptible to getting a toenail fungal infection. Because they have a weakened immune system caused from their health issues they have more trouble getting rid of bacteria. If you fall into one of these categories it’s best to get treatment for your toenail fungal infection sooner rather than later so that it doesn’t spread to your other nails. Like some of the health issues discussed above, it’s also worth mentioning that toenail fungus is hereditary, so if a member of your family has it, you are more prone to get it too.

If it’s causing you pain

As your toenail fungal infection develops, the affected area turns a white-yellow or yellow-brown colour. It may also cause the nail to thicken and the surrounding area to become red and swollen, creating discomfort. A toenail fungal infection could also cause the nail to become misshapen and develop grooves or ridges. As this happens, the nail could crumble and separate from the nail bed completely which can be extremely painful for someone, especially if it rubs against the inside of your shoes during the process. If you are experiencing the painful symptoms above, or any others, it’s important that you get the infected nails checked out so you don’t have to live with the discomfort.

If you’ve tried treatments and nothing has worked

It’s hard to get rid of a toenail fungal infection completely using conservative methods. Oral medications, topical treatments like oils, paints, and creams, and at-home remedies such as soaking your feet in all-natural ingredients, often just aren’t effective. They might get rid of the infection for a little while, but it usually takes months and could end up coming back. If you want to get rid of your toenail fungal infection, using a safe proven method, consider toenail fungus treatment.

If you’re interested in toenail fungus treatment or find yourself worrying about your toenail fungal infection, don’t hesitate to contact the chiropodists at Beauchamp Foot Care for an initial consultation. Life gives you enough to worry about, and you deserve to have beautiful, healthy feet.