Do you suffer from toenail fungus? You’re not alone! Toenail fungus is shockingly common. However, despite its prevalence, there are still a lot of myths and misunderstandings about what causes it and how to prevent or treat it. In this blog post, we’ll breakdown the misconceptions surrounding toenail fungus in order to provide you with the accurate information you need to make informed decisions when it comes to your foot health.
1- Nail polish causes toenail fungus
False. Toenail fungus is caused by a variety of fungi, not nail polish or other cosmetics products.
2- Only older adults get toenail fungus
False. While the risk of developing toenail fungus increases with age, anyone can get it. In fact, even young adults and children are susceptible to the condition due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, and poor hygiene.
3- Toenail fungus is contagious
True. Toenail fungus is highly contagious and can be transferred through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces like locker room floors or showers. Tight fitting shoes can also increase your chances of getting a fungal infection since they create a warm environment that is ideal for fungi to thrive.
4- You can’t treat toenail fungus
False. There are different options to treat toenail fungus: topical medications, oral medications, house hall medications, hot laser and the most effective today Low Level Laser. However, it’s important to note that treating the infection may take several months or longer depending on the severity of the condition.
5- Only people with poor hygiene develop toenail fungus
False. While keeping your feet clean and dry is an important part of preventing toenail fungus, it isn’t the only factor at play here. Genetics, lifestyle factors (such as going barefoot in public places), and underlying medical conditions can all increase your risk for developing fungal infections.
6- Toenail fungus is always painful
False. While some people may experience pain or discomfort when walking due to the thickening of their nails, not all people with toenail fungus will experience any symptoms at all. In fact, if the infection is mild enough it may go unnoticed until it spreads and becomes more severe.
7- Once you have toenail fungus, you’ll have it forever
False. With proper toenail fungus treatment and care, most people are able to get rid of their toenail fungus within several months or longer depending on the severity of the infection. However, even after treating the infection it’s important to take preventive measures in order to prevent reinfection such as wearing protective footwear, keeping your feet clean and dry, and avoiding going barefoot in public places.
By understanding the facts about toenail fungus, you can better protect yourself from developing or re-developing the infection. If you think you may have a fungal infection, it’s best to consult with your doctor so they can properly diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Doing this will help ensure that you get rid of the infection as quickly and effectively as possible!
At Ohr Medical, we understand the importance of foot health and are here to help you get the care you need for toenail fungus. Contact us today for more information about our services or to schedule an appointment!
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