A lot of people tend to ignore it if their toenails change shape and color, they only react if their toenails become painful, or they begin to bleed or ooze pus. However, if you notice any changes with your toenails it could mean that you have toenail fungus and a nail fungus infection will only get worse with the passage of time.
Stages of Fungal Infection
During the early stages of the toenail fungus infection there may be no pain, hence you may not be aware that you have an infection. If your toenails become painful then you will realize that there is something wrong with your nails.
This is why early detection of a toenail fungus infection should be treated without delay. If the infection is not treated early enough then your toenails may go dull and yellow. As the infection gets worse the toenails will lose shape and begin to grow thicker. At this point the nails may start to grow away from the bed of the nail.
Signs of Infection
You will notice that the skin underneath the nail will look dark and this is due to debris gathering under the nail. If the infected toenail is not treated the condition will become severe and your toenails may start to fall off. As the nails separate from the nail bed they will begin to emit an unpleasant odor.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of toenail fungus infections can mean that the condition can be treated quickly; hence you will not have to endure the pain and discomfort associated with fungal infections. Early detection of a toenail fungus infection will mean that you can get treatment and find a remedy for the unpleasant infection.
Those who leave nail infections untreated must be aware that this may cause lasting damage to your toenails. In certain circumstances the fungal infection could affect other areas of your body and you could end up with a skin infection such as paronychia.
