Can toenail fungus get into your bloodstream?

Widespread infection. In severe cases of cellulitis, the infection can enter the bloodstream and be deadly. “And it can all start from a simple fungal infection,” Joseph says.

Can toenail fungus lead to other health problems?

A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

Is toe fungus life threatening?

Although fungal nail infections are not life-threatening, they’re an important health problem because of their high prevalence and poor response to therapy.

Can a vitamin deficiency cause toenail fungus?

White nails can be the result of anemia and pink or red nails may suggest malnutrition with several nutrient and vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration.

Can fungal nail infection spread to other parts of the body?

The greatest danger of not treating the foot or toenail fungus is that it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands and groin. If for some reason you can’t treat your toenails or your feet right away, at least use an antifungal topical cream on the surrounding skin, Dr.

Can toenail fungus become cancerous?

Since it’s easy to mistake cancer of the nail for a fungal infection, you should see a doctor immediately to get a definitive diagnosis. See a doctor immediately if you suspect you have toenail fungus or subungual melanoma.

Why won’t my toenail fungus go away?

If your fungus doesn’t clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines. Topical medicines.

Can B12 deficiency cause fungal infection?

According to the Health Science Journal, vitamin B12 is important when it comes to treating brittle nails that may break easily. It adds: “Lack of this vitamin may cause toenail fungus and other similar infections as the nails are prone to these conditions.

Does B12 deficiency affect your toenails?

Both iron and B12 are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in entirely blue nails, bluish-black pigments with wavy longitudinal dark streaks and brownish pigmentation ( 5 , 6 ).

What is toe fungus?

There are two types of toe fungus-the type found on the skin and the type found on the nails. The type that occurs on the skin is commonly known as athlete’s foot. The type that occurs on the nails is medically known as onychomycosis, but is more commonly known as toenail fungus. All toe fungus feeds on keratin.

How do fungal infections affect the heart?

Most of these complications happen when the fungi enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body such as the lungs, brain, and the heart. When they affect the heart, it’s possible to develop a condition called fungal endocarditis.

Can foot fungus be a health problem?

Foot fungus and fungal toenails are a serious annoyance, but they can also become a serious health problem, especially if you have diabetes or a weak immune system.

What happens when a toenail fungus spreads?

Sign Up for Our Healthy Living Newsletter. If a toenail fungus spreads to the skin and causes it to crack, bacteria can get in. This may cause cellulitis, a condition that produces swollen, red, tender skin and must be treated with antibiotics, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.