Today, it seems that the more we hear about toenail fungal infections, the more inaccurate the information becomes.
Some perpetuate the notion that urinating on the fungal infection can help cure it. Or the idea that this condition is extremely rare or only limited to people who are unhygienic.
Being able to differentiate between fact and fiction can help ensure your feet and nails remain healthy.
Common Myths & Facts Regarding Toenail Infections
Reliable information is an important part of managing toenail fungus. Unfortunately, there are many myths, leading to a greater misunderstanding of this health condition. Some common myths that still persist include the following:
• Toenail fungal infections are not very common
• People who get toenail infections are unhygienic
• Toenail fungus is easy to cure
• If you get toenail fungus, the entire nail must be removed
• Toenail fungus will eventually go away on its own
The Facts Regarding Toenail Fungus
• Toenail fungal infections are one of the most common foot problems and is certainly not unusual or rare. It is primarily found in adults; however, even children can suffer from toenail fungus.
• While it is important to keep your feet dry and clean, many people who are extremely clean and hygienic develop nail fungus. The fungus that leads to a nail infection thrives in warm, moist environments. This means that walking barefoot in a public gym, pool deck, shower or other area increases the risk of developing a nail fungus.
• Finding an effective cure for toenail fungus can be a frustrating and time-consuming endeavor. This is especially true when, many times, people try a number of home remedies before finally seeking expert help. However, even the medications prescribed by your doctor can take time to resolve the issue.
• Many people put off seeing their doctor because they believe that their entire nail will need to be removed. Fortunately, this is not always the case.
• Many people try to ignore the signs of a toenail infection, in the hopes that it will go away. The truth is, a toenail fungus infection is going to need treatment. Putting off treatment just prolongs the discomfort. It can allow the infection to become more severe, making treatment even more difficult.
Treatment Myths & Facts for Toenail Fungal Infections
There are many home remedies that people claim can help cure a toenail fungus infection. However, many of these home remedies are simply not effective. Additionally, even treatment options will generally take months of diligent and consistent application.
Fortunately, there are anti-fungal medications, in pill and cream form, that can help get rid of a fungal infection quickly and efficiently.
Laser treatment has shown to be one of the easiest and quickest ways to eliminate toenail fungus infections.
What You Need to Know About Toenail Fungus and It’s Treatment Options
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a toenail fungus infection is the quickest way to identify a potential problem. This is important because the sooner you identify the infection, the sooner you can begin treating it.
Making sure you begin some type of treatment as soon as possible is the best way to avoid allowing the infection to spread.
The longer toenail infections remain, the more it spreads, causing other nails to become infected. This makes treatment more difficult and time-consuming.