When nail fungus has infected one or more toenails, it causes a hot of physics symptoms and problems. However, there are also psychological problems that are causes by this condition. The psychological effects can be severe enough to interfere with the patient’s enjoyment of life.
One of the most common psychological effects is that they have more trouble with their nail trimming. This can cause frustration and an inability to keep the affected nail looking as neat as the others.
In some patients, this may cause a reluctance to have their nail professionally done. And it can cause them to dread taking care of their own nails.
Having trouble with nail trimming affected 76 percent of those polled in a recent Harvard Medical School study of those affected by toenail fungus.
Almost as widespread was the feeling of embarrassment that patients feel when they have toenail fungus. Embarrassment is the second most common effect, with 74 percent answering that they are embarrassed by the condition. In some patients, this may affect their choice in footwear out of a need to hide the condition. It may also cause embarrassment during outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. Some may even curtail their participation in certain events to hide the look of the nails. The condition can therefore significantly affect a patient’s leisure time and social interactions.
In some patients, the pain involved in their condition affects their mood. Pain was reported by almost half, this may affect the mood of those who must contend with those constant feelings in their affected toenails.
Many of the participants of the study also reported having additional discomfort when they wore shoes.
Pain and discomfort is a double problem: Too embarrassed to bare feet to others, plus having discomfort with shoes on.
The study recommends that the condition should be taken more seriously because of both the physical and psychological effects of toenail fungus.
