Myths and facts about fungal infections of the feet and nails

Fungal foot and nail infections are widespread. In Germany, almost one in three people are affected. These infections are not only unpleasant, they can also be stubborn if they are not treated properly. At the same time, there are numerous myths surrounding these illnesses, which can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect treatment approaches. In this article, we want to debunk the most common myths and give you the true facts. We also provide practical tips on preventing and treating fungal infections of the feet and nails.

Why are there so many myths about fungal infections of the feet and nails?

Many people are affected by fungal infections of the feet and nails, but knowledge about them is often incomplete. Uncertainties and half-knowledge contribute to the spread of misinformation. This article is intended to help clarify the situation and separate common myths from the facts.

Common myths about foot and nail fungus

Myth 1: Only people with poor foot hygiene get foot and nail fungus

Fact: Even people with excellent hygiene can be affected by fungal infections. Fungi love warm and moist environments, such as those found in shoes or swimming pools, and can therefore also affect people who shower regularly and take care of their feet. Infections can occur wherever the skin comes into direct contact with infected skin flakes or fungal spores, regardless of your own foot hygiene.

Myth 2: Fungus on feet and nails disappears by itself

Fact: Fungal infections do not usually disappear without treatment. They can even worsen and spread further. Targeted treatment is therefore essential to effectively combat the fungus. Skin care products to accompany the therapy, such as Allpresan Foot Special No. 7, can also be used to bring about long-term improvement.

Myth 3: Only older people get nail fungus

Fact: Although older people have a higher risk of nail fungus, nail fungus can affect people of any age. Factors such as a weakened immune system, diabetes or wearing tight, closed shoes can increase the risk.

Myth 4: Foot fungus and nail fungus always come together

Fact: Fungus of the foot (tinea pedis) and nail fungus (onychomycosis) are two different infections that can occur independently of each other.

The difference between foot fungus and nail fungus: Foot fungus affects the skin, especially the spaces between the toes and the soles of the feet, and manifests itself through symptoms such as itching, redness and scaling. Nail fungus, on the other hand, affects the nails and leads to discoloration, thickening and brittleness of the nails. It is possible for a person to have only foot fungus or only nail fungus, although both infections can occur at the same time. However, a fungal nail infection often occurs as a result of an untreated or late-treated athlete's foot infection. The fungus then spreads from the skin of the foot to the neighboring nails. Consistent fungal foot treatment is therefore extremely important when it comes to reducing the risk of fungal nail infections.

Myth 5: Fungus only occurs in summer

Fact: Fungal foot infections can occur at any time of year. In summer there is an increased risk of infection for various reasons. These include frequent barefoot walking in public areas and increased sweating. In winter, closed shoes in combination with warm socks increase the risk of infection, as fungi feel particularly at home in a warm, damp environment.

Common facts about fungal infections of the feet and nails

Fact 1: Fungus on the feet and nails is contagious

Fungal infections can be transmitted through direct contact or via contaminated surfaces such as floors in public areas like showers or changing rooms. The same naturally also applies at home. The risk of infection is particularly high here because this is where people most often walk barefoot.

>> Learn more about the infection routes of fungal infections of the feet and nails

Fact 2: Humid environments promote fungal growth

Fungi love warm and humid conditions. Sweaty shoes and socks or poorly ventilated and therefore damp shoes provide ideal living conditions for fungi and increase the risk of infection. It is therefore important to keep your feet dry and wear shoes that are as breathable as possible. Airing out and drying worn shoes completely also helps to reduce the risk of infection.

Fact 3: Treatment requires patience and consistency

The treatment of fungal infections of the feet and nails can take several weeks to months. It is crucial to carry out the treatment consistently and not to stop it prematurely in order to avoid a relapse.

Fact 4: If I have foot fungus, the risk of getting nail fungus is higher

Foot fungus can increase the risk of developing nail fungus, as the fungal spores can pass from the skin to the nails. An existing skin infection can spread to the nails in particular if the foot fungal infection is not treated in time.

Praktische Tipps zur Vermeidung von Fuß- und Nagelpilz

Good skin care: Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. This will prevent the skin from softening and the skin barrier from losing its protective function.
Change shoes and socks: Wear breathable shoes and change your socks every day. Ideally, shoes should be allowed to air out for a day before you put them on again.
Protection in public areas: Use bathing shoes in public showers and changing rooms.
Use products such as Allpresan skincare no. 7 : These products strengthen the natural protective function of the skin of the feet and nails and thus protect against microbial damage. In this way, they keep the skin and nails in a healthy condition.

Conclusion: Knowledge about foot or nail fungus is the key to prevention

Awareness of athlete's foot and nail fungus is essential to disprove athlete's foot or nail fungus myths and promote preventative measures. It is important to know the actual causes, risks and treatment options. This is the only way to reduce the risk of infection and take the right measures if an infection does occur.

Products such as Allpresan skincare no. 7 are important in this context. They not only help with treatment-related care, but also strengthen the natural protective function of the skin and nails, thus helping to prevent fungal infections.

Through conscious care, you can maintain your foot health in the long term and effectively reduce the risk of fungal infections. We generally recommend consulting a foot professional if you have a fungal infection on your foot or nail.