Fungi are all over. From healthy organisms in the human body to the spores you might find populating dark, damp corners of your home, fungi are a part of life and is often observed without cause for concern. Fungal infections, however, are a different breed. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding fungus and corresponding infections—many of them wildly inaccurate and potentially dangerous.
#1. Fungal Infections Mean You’re Dirty
Fungi are not necessarily a symptom of poor hygiene. Although it can be contracted because of a lack of cleanliness, it can just as easily be picked up in a spotless house or sparkling gym. Fungi are tenacious and can outlive and outlast soaps and cleansers that claim to kill bacteria and other organisms. Because of this, traditional cleansers are not always effective in removing or treating fungus. A clean area or scrubbed-down body is not enough to guarantee a fungus-free zone.
#2. Fungal Infections Can’t Be Treated
A fungal infection is often regarded as a horrible thing to contract—particularly toenail fungus—because so many think it is untreatable. Happily, this is not the case; although fungus is hardy, it can be treated and eliminated with the correct medicine and dosage.
#3. Fungal Infections Come from Eating Sugar
There is a pervasive myth that fungal infections develop as a result of eating too much sugar. High blood sugar and overall sugar levels in your body can provide an ideal climate for fungus, but the infection itself does not come as a result of eating too much sugar. Instead, fungus must contaminate your body in some way, such as through the use of an infected person’s hygiene products, or through fluid contact with a contaminated surface.
#4. Fungus, By Nature, Is Harmless
On the flip side, many people regard a little toenail discoloration as a harmless (if unattractive) symptom of a fungal infection. Because fungi are powerful at adapting and proliferate, a small infection can actually become a systemic one. Although fungal infections do not commonly kill or debilitate, they should not be regarded as innocuous.
#5. Fungus Does Not Require Treatment
A fungal infection should be treated, regardless of how small or seemingly benign it is. Not all treatment requires the help of a physician, as many infections have effective over-the-counter medications. Simply waiting it out, or taking a wait-and-see approach is not a good idea. Rapid growth can quickly turn a small problem into a large one.
References
Procedure Clinic. Accessed 11/27/17.
Skin Care Guide. Accessed 11/27/17.
