Toenail Fungus Infections Are a "Turn-Off" According to Leger Study

LAVAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 7, 2015) - Onychomycosis, otherwise known as an unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable toenail fungus infection, is nothing to tip toe around. Onychomycosis affects 2.4 million Canadians - nearly 7% of the overall population¹.

According to a recent study conducted by Leger 360 Marketing, among those suffering from onychomycosis, almost one third of Canadians have all but given up trying to manage their condition, leaving them to live with the physical and psychological effects of the lingering infection². The research also revealed that nearly two-thirds of Canadians who suffer or have suffered from a toenail fungus infection felt embarrassed about their condition. For half of these individuals, their embarrassment caused them to avoid going barefoot or wear sandals because of how their feet looked.

Dr. Aditya Gupta is a dermatologist who sees hundreds of patients each year who are looking to clear their toenail infections and regain a healthy, normal looking toenail. "Until now, our treatment options included topical prescription medications that are applied to the toenail or drugs that are taken orally," said Dr. Gupta. "In the past, our success with topical treatments has been relatively poor. Systemic medications on the other hand are effective, but they can have drug interactions and side effects, including possible liver toxicity. Patients often decide not to take them and as a physician, not being able to help a patient is frustrating."

According to Dr. Gupta, new topical treatments for onychomychosis are now available. "The introduction of safe, effective treatment options represents a significant improvement in what I can now prescribe for my patients. My advice to anyone suffering from toenail fungus infections is to speak with a doctor, dermatologist or podiatrist as soon as they suspect they have an infection."

Dr. Gupta's advice echoes the Leger research results, which show that a large majority of respondents, 83 per cent, agree that speaking to a doctor is the best way to get help for a toenail infection³.

Onychomycosis is a progressive, recurring and contagious disease that can be transmitted by contact with infected toenails. To imagine how this can happen, think about cuddling with a spouse or partner, teaching a child or grandchild to dance by having them stand on bare feet or walking barefoot at the gym or pool.

When a nail develops a fungal infection, it typically turns white or yellow, all or part of the nail becomes damaged and debris may accumulate under the nail. As the infection gets worse, the nail thickens and may crumble and gradually fall off⁴. According to the Leger research, while 89 per cent of Canadians believe that toenail fungus infections can be treated, most Canadians don't understand what causes the infection or that it is contagious. Only 29 per cent of respondents believe that the infection is transmittable and 28 per cent believe that it is caused by poor hygiene⁵.

In addition to pain and discomfort when wearing shoes, toenail fungus can have a profound impact on people's emotional, social and professional lives⁶. The Leger research sheds light on the stigma associated with onychomycosis with 85 per cent of respondents agreeing that the condition is "a turn off." Canadians' attitudes seem to support that toenail fungus infections, despite covering such a small part of the body and easily hidden by a shoe or sock, can cause such distress. Apparently size does not matter when it comes to transmittable infections. Eighty per cent of Canadians agreed that having nice looking toenails is important to them.

For more information on toenail fungus visit www.nailfungus.ca or call 1-844-484-6245 (NAIL).

About Valeant Canada

Valeant Canada is a subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products, primarily in the areas of dermatology, eye health, cardio-metabolic, neurology, and branded generics. More information about Valeant Canada can be found at www.valeantcanada.com.

¹ Gupta AK, Jain HC, Lynde CW, Macdonald P, Cooper EA, Summerbell RC. Prevalence and epidemiology of onychomycosis in patients visiting physicians' offices: a multicenter canadian survey of 15,000 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Aug;43(2 Pt 1):244-8.

² Leger Marketing. Toenail Fungus Infections OMNI Results. November 17, 2014.

³ Leger Marketing. Toenail Fungus Infections OMNI Results. November 17, 2014.

⁴ Rich P, Elewski B, Scher RK, Pariser D. Diagnosis, clinical implications, and complications of onychomycosis. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013;32(2 Suppl 1):S5-8.

⁵ Leger Marketing. Toenail Fungus Infections OMNI Results. November 17, 2014.

⁶ Elewski BE. Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1998;11(3):415-429. Available at: http://cmr.asm.org/content/11/3/415. Accessed March 20, 2014.