10 Common Myths About Nail Fungus, Debunked

If you’re suffering from Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, chances are you’ve heard a lot of conflicting information about what it is, how to treat it, and what causes it. With so much misinformation out there, it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s false. In this article, we’re going to debunk ten common myths about nail fungus so that you can get the facts straight.

Myth #1: Nail Fungus Only Affects Old People

While it’s true that nail fungus is more common in older adults, anyone can get it. In fact, it’s estimated that around 10% of the population suffers from nail fungus at some point in their lives.

Myth #2: Nail Fungus Is Caused By Poor Hygiene

Contrary to popular belief, nail fungus isn’t caused by poor hygiene. It’s actually caused by a fungal infection that can be picked up in a number of ways, including walking barefoot in public places, sharing nail clippers or other grooming tools, or having a minor skin or nail injury.

Myth #3: Nail Fungus Is Harmless

While nail fungus may not be life-threatening, it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent nail damage, secondary bacterial infections, and cellulitis.

Myth #4: Over-The-Counter Treatments Are Just As Effective As Prescription Medications

While there are many over-the-counter treatments available for nail fungus, they’re often not as effective as prescription medications. Prescription antifungal medications are more potent and are designed to target the specific type of fungus causing your infection.

Myth #5: You Only Need To Treat The Affected Nail

While it may seem logical to only treat the affected nail, the truth is that nail fungus can spread to nearby nails and even other parts of your body. That’s why it’s important to treat all affected nails and follow a comprehensive treatment plan.

Myth #6: Nail Fungus Can Be Cured Overnight

Unfortunately, there’s no overnight cure for nail fungus. Treatment can take several months to be effective, and even then, it’s not a guarantee that the fungus won’t come back.

Myth #7: You Can’t Wear Nail Polish If You Have Nail Fungus

Wearing nail polish won’t make your nail fungus worse, but it can make it harder to spot. If you do choose to wear nail polish, make sure to apply it without touching the infected area and remove it frequently to check for any changes in the appearance of your nail.

Myth #8: Natural Remedies Are Just As Effective As Medications

While there are many natural remedies that claim to treat nail fungus, there’s no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. If you’re looking for an effective treatment, it’s best to stick to prescription medications.

Myth #9: The Use Of Essential Oils Can Cure Nail Fungus

Essential oils can be helpful as a supplement to traditional medication, but they shouldn’t be used as a replacement. While some oils, such as tea tree oil, have antifungal properties, they’re not potent enough to treat the infection on their own.

Myth #10: Once You’ve Had Nail Fungus, You’ll Always Have It

While it’s true that nail fungus can be difficult to get rid of, it’s not necessarily a lifelong condition. With proper treatment and prevention measures, you can get rid of the infection and prevent it from coming back.

Conclusion

Nail fungus can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition to deal with, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction to get the proper treatment. While there’s no overnight cure for nail fungus, by following a comprehensive treatment plan and taking preventative measures, you can effectively get rid of the infection and prevent it from coming back.