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Myth #1: Many people believe that poor hygiene is the cause of nail fungus, which is just not true. Soap will get rid of the bacteria on your skin but no matter how hard you scrub with soap, you will not get rid of the fungus. This myth may have started because many times nail and skin problems start from a bacterial infection in which there is a wound or opening in the nail or skin.
Myth #2: Toenail fungus infections are rare. False. Studies have shown that about 60% of all of us will contract a fungus infection sometime in our life. 60% is not by any means rare, so next time your friends gawk at something you didn’t ask for, remember that there’s a good chance they’ll get it someday too.
Myth #3: You can cure a toenail infection with a topical solution. Not true. What is true is that the cure rate of topical agent is less than 5-10%, probably for some superficial infection because the fungal infection you’re fighting usually lives under the nail and a topical solution must penetrate the nail to be effective. Topical solutions do not have the capability to penetrate that deep into the nail bed –doing so it time consuming and almost impossible.
Myth #4: Toenail fungus can’t be cured. Not true. Your infection most definitely can be cured, but it depends on the methods you choose to employ. It takes only 10 minutes for the laser treatment over a period of 2-3 treatments to cure the nail fungus. If you choose to take oral medication, it will take a commitment for at least 3 months plus liver function tests.
Myth #5: In order to cure a toenail infection, the nail must be removed. Not true. Most patients with nail fungus can be treated medically without any surgery, either with laser treatments or oral medications. A few patients may need to have nails removed if they develop severe nail thickness and deformity or have significant pain due to the ingrown toenail.
