The Truth About Fungal Nails: Myths vs. Facts

1. Fungal nail infections are rare!

False: Fungal toenails, or onychomycosis, are very common, especially as people start to age. Medical experts estimate that onychomycosis affects 1 in 10 people overall. That number jumps to 50% for people older than 70.

2. Having fungal nails means you are an “unclean person”.

False: Constant washing alone will not prevent or cause fungal nails. In fact, if you were to wash your feet frequently without drying between your nails and around your nails, this could increase your chance of developing a fungal nail. Fungi LOVE moisture!

3. Nail polish will help your fungal nails look better

False: Covering up infected toenails with regular nail polish might look great, but it can make infections worse. Fungus grows in dark and moist environments. Nail polish gives fungus an environment to thrive in. It is recommended that you avoid non-medicated nail polish on fungal nails.

4. There is more than one type of toenail fungus

True: The most frequent cause of onychomycosis is Trichophyton rubrum, but other dermatophytes, including Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum, can be the cause as well. Also fungal toenails can be caused by Candida albicans which is a type of yeast infection. There are different medications and treatments that are more depending on the type of fungal nail infection. This is why it is important to see your podiatrist to have the nail examined, to determine the best treatment method. Accurately diagnoses your infection to improves your chances!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441853/

5. “Home remedies” (i.e tea tree oil, vinegar, Vicks Vaporub) will cure my fungal nails

False: Although, researchers have shown that tea tree oil does have antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties this is only found in “in-vitro” studies – meaning in studies that have occurred in a laboratory and not in the real world. Also, it can discolour you nails and make them more brittle and fragile, and in 5% of population can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Similar to Tea tree oil, Vicks Vaporub does have some antifungal properties (camphor, eucalyptus oil). However, a small 2011 study showed that Vicks Vaporub had poor efficacy against the dermatophyte Tinea rubrum. Since most toenail fungus is caused by T. rubrum it is unlikely that Vicks Vapo rub would be an effective cure.

Vinegar is an acid and may help with preventing bacterial infection, but does not help resolve fungal ones.

It is best to let your podiatrist provide scientifically-based treatment, that is right for you.

https://www.jabfm.org/content/24/1/69

6. Trauma can cause a fungal nail

True: trauma or injury to the toenails can cause damage to the nails and cracks or separation from the nail bed, which can provide an entry point for a fungi invasion.

7. I can use Athlete’s foot cream to treat my fungal nails

False: Although the organisms that cause Athlete's foot are the same organisms that cause fungal nail infections, the same topical medications cannot be used. This is because the creams and lotions used for Athlete's foot cannot penetrate the nail plate.

8. Fungal nails are contagious.

True: Yes, fungal nail infections spread through fungal spores and can spread to other areas of the body. Generally, if it does spread beyond the feet, it spreads more easily to other toenails and in between toes. It can also be spread from person to person through direct contact and via towels, clippers, socks and shoes.

9. Fungal toenails are dangerous

False: Fungal toenails are unpleasant and difficult to treat, but are not serious health condition for the general population. However, when the nail breaks down as a result of the fungus it can lead to painful ingrown nails and secondary bacterial infections, especially in people who have compromised immunity, diabetes or compromised blood flow.

10. I can get fungal nails from a nail salon

True: Fungi thrive in moist environments and are easily transmitted, making nail salons the perfect environment for fungal nail to run rampant, if the right precautions are not taken. A pedicure presents the potential for minor trauma to your skin and nails, which in combination with poor sterilization measures, and potential transfer though shared nail polish bottles, makes infection a very real risk. Nail Salons are not regulated by AHPRA [the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency] and do not have the same hygiene standards and infection control standards as podiatry clinics.

11. Toe nail fungus is easy to get rid of

False: Toenail fungus can be tough to get rid of because it can get into, and around the nail. It may also sit on top of the nail or grow underneath it. In some cases, fungus can get into the cells that make the nail, called the nail matrix. Also, fungus can cause the nail to thicken and breakdown making it more difficult for the medication to penetrate the nail. This is why it is recommended that you have regular nail and skin treatments with a podiatrist, in a safe and hygenic manner.