We field a lot of questions about toenail fungus in diabetics.
Many studies illustrate the frequency of toenail fungus in diabetics. People who have diabetes are much more likely to develop toenail fungus than people who don’t have diabetes. Diabetics need to understand that toenail fungus is much more than a cosmetic problem.
A person who has diabetes is much more likely to suffer serious complications caused by the fungus. It’s rare, but some diabetics have had a limb amputated because of onychomycosis. In America, over 30 million individuals have diabetes, and every year, this number continues to grow.
Onychomycosis is a unique type of fungal infection. It’s the condition that is responsible for over half of all nail problems. Onychomycosis is also responsible for over 30 percent of all cutaneous types of fungal infections. The numbers are really quite staggering.
About one out of every three individuals who have diabetes has also developed toenail fungus. A handful of studies make it clear that people with diabetes are especially vulnerable.
There are actually three different types of organisms that are known to cause onychomycosis. People who have diabetes are much more vulnerable to all of these organisms than people who don’t have diabetes.
Onychomycosis Is More Than Cosmetic
Toenail fungus increases the chance that a diabetic will develop other types of foot disorders. This can lead to the need for amputation.
It’s extremely important that diabetics who have a toenail infection get the condition treated. It’s even more important for diabetics to get the condition treated than it is for people who aren’t diabetic.
Fortunately, many insurance companies will cover treatment. For example, a lot of insurance companies will pay for laser fungus treatment, which uses a laser to instantly kill the fungus.
The Problems Caused By Toenail Fungus
Diabetics are especially vulnerable to the painful side effects caused by nail fungus. The fungus causes nails to become dystrophic and thickened. At some point, it can start to become hard for a diabetic to walk.
The fungal infection can also cause damage to adjacent skin. This can lead to infections, which could become deadly. Both bacterial and fungal infections can get into the body through skin that has been injured by onychomycosis.
Toenail fungus can cause toenails to thicken, and they can erode the nail bed. The erosion and blisters caused by toenail fungus can lead to osteomyelitis or cellulitis. If the fungal infection spreads to adjacent skin, it can cause fissures in plantar skin, which can also pave the way for bacteria.
The Increased Risk
Diabetics who have onychomycosis are at a much greater risk for morbidity. Studies show that many diabetics have decreased sensations in their feet. They’re more likely to suffer serious trauma to their feet, and severe trauma can cause significant damage.
These are just some of the major risks that diabetics face if they have onychomycosis. All diabetics who have onychomycosis are also at a much greater risk for developing infections in their legs.
One of the best ways for diabetics to handle this problem is to seek laser treatment. If their health insurance will not pay for the treatment, other arrangements can be worked out. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is much more affordable than people think.
