In the summer, we travel a lot, go to public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers.Sometimes they even take us on long sea voyages where we willy-nilly have to use public beaches or toilets.All these are places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often catch nail fungus.Its treatment is by no means a simple process, but don't despair - you can still get rid of nail fungus!
Onychomycosis is a common condition that usually starts as a small spot under the tip of the nail.Available in white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs on both feet and hands.If not noticed in time, the fungal infection starts to spread deeper.Over time, the fungus can cause discoloration, thickening and crumbling of the nail plate.This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.
If the condition is mild and doesn't bother you, you may not need serious treatment.If you are experiencing severe nail fungus pain, popular care tips and various medications can help.Pay attention to your feet, because toenail fungus often returns even after successful treatment.Another popular name for the fungus is onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis).And the condition in which the fungus affects the areas between the toes and the skin of the feet is called mycosis of the feet (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of a fungal infection
Even if you have never encountered nail fungus and have no idea what it looks like, you will never miss this unbearable itch.It would not be superfluous to use some anti-infection prescription for prevention, so that the process does not reach an advanced stage.So many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to have entered.The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- The color of the nail plate has changed;
- Detachment and fragility of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the legs.
Effective treatment should be started at the first symptoms of nail fungus;special antifungal creams and ointments help.The essence of professional remedies for getting rid of fungal infections of the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the source of the infection itself.
Fungal infections can develop at any age, but are more common in older people.As you age, your nails can become brittle and dry.Cracks in the nails allow fungi to enter.Other factors, such as reduced blood circulation in the legs and a weakened immune system, can also play a significant role in increasing the likelihood of infection.
A fungal infection of the foot can start from the athlete's foot and then spread from one toe to the other.At the same time, it is unlikely that you will get infected with a fungus from someone;more likely to pick it up in a public place, in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
Unpleasant factors that increase the risk of fungal infection are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes often causes circulation problems in the feet and can lead to a loss of sensation due to damage to the nerve endings.It significantly increases the risk of cellulite, dry feet, cracks and injuries.Due to the poor condition of the skin, blood vessels and nerve fibers, any relatively minor injury to the foot, including a fungal infection of the nail, can lead to more serious complications.See your doctor if you have diabetes and think you have a fungus.
Factors that can increase the risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulation disorders
- Profuse sweating
- The history of sports foot
- Skin or nail damage
- Skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis)
- You have any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment because if it becomes severe, the fungus can be painful and lead to irreversible damage to the skin and nail plate.Be especially careful if you suspect that your body's immune system is weakened, as the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is very important to cure the fungus as quickly as possible.
Basic treatment methods
Unfortunately, such a problem as a fungal infection of the nails and skin occurs not only in adults, but also in children.Our grandmothers use vinegar as the oldest and, in their opinion, the fastest way to get rid of an infection.A glass of 9% vinegar is required for one pool.Such baths can destroy fungal spores, preventing their spread.Remember that this procedure can be very painful on irritated or damaged skin areas.
Contrary to popular belief, spores can not only affect the skin of the feet, but can also easily remain on the arm or other parts of the body.The sooner you apply the most effective means to care for the injured body part, the sooner you can recover.Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat.Talk to your doctor if self-care strategies and over-the-counter products don't help.Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus causing it.It may take months to see results.And even if your nails improve, re-infection is not uncommon.
Antifungals are available for both topical and oral use.They are often the first choice because they clear the infection faster than topical medications.The effect of these agents is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and faster shedding of the affected part.It usually takes 6-12 weeks for the fungus to completely disappear.The end result will be noticeable when a healthy nail grows.Also, the older the patient, the poorer the treatment results.Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may need additional topical medications.
Oral antifungals are not used as often because they can cause various side effects.Therefore, if the disease is not in an advanced stage, doctors try to treat it with external remedies.To determine the exact dose of the drug, it is recommended to perform a blood test.Doctors should not recommend oral medications to people with liver disease, heart failure, or people taking certain medications.After all, common side effects are skin rashes and liver damage.
Another remedy to eliminate the disease is antifungal nail polish.Apply once daily to infected nails and surrounding skin.After seven days, wipe the applied layers with alcohol and then start new applications.You may need to use this nail polish daily for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which should be rubbed into the infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of creams, it is better to thin your nails first.A thinner layer helps the drug penetrate the fungus and kill it.For this procedure, the stratum corneum is diluted with urea and then removed with a file or other device.
The most effective folk remedy
Homemade vinegar ointment
The most powerful remedy to help get rid of fungus is vinegar and eggs.They make an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softens the affected area of the nail.Place the raw chicken egg in a glass of vinegar, then place it in a dark cupboard until the essence dissolves the shell.Then remove the film and mix the vinegar, oil and egg.Ointment, cellophane and a bath effect are applied to the steamed legs.Then the affected softened area is removed and the ointment is applied again the next day.
Garlic lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.It also helps in the most gentle removal of fungal infections in advanced cases.Garlic juice is mixed with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio and diluted with distilled water.This cream should be applied to all affected areas of the skin and nails overnight until the fungus is completely destroyed.This cream is effective even in advanced cases.
Mint poultice
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungi.The essential oils in peppermint have been shown to be effective against fungi, Giardia, and staphylococci.Traditional medicine believes that the treatment of fungi with herbs is as effective as the use of ointments.The fresh leaves of the plant or essential oil are the most suitable for making poultices.If made from fresh leaves, mint must be ground with salt and applied to the painful nail.If the fungus is in an uncomfortable place on the arm or leg, it is better to fix it with a bandage.The essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas.
Ointment with copper sulfate
Another popular method is the use of copper sulfate in the fight against fungi and infections.It is part of many antifungal ointments, but can also be used as an independent remedy.If you don't have the opportunity to buy ointment at the pharmacy, you can make it yourself.Use tar or goose fat to create a greasy base, add one teaspoon each of sulfur and copper sulfate.Copper sulfate must first be heated in a pan until it turns white or gray.You should apply this ointment every night to the painful parts of your legs or arms.
Iodine against nail fungus
In urgent cases, ordinary iodine, which is always found at home, will help to cope with the fungus.It has a great effect on wounds, but few people know that even a single drop of iodine can prevent the development of athlete's foot.This is the best remedy for the first manifestations of the fungus on the nails.Apply directly to the nail plate at night, then put on socks, and by morning the iodine will be absorbed into the nail.The procedure must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Prevention of athlete's foot
Remember that the prevention of athlete's foot is possible with folk remedies, so if you suspect a fungus, use vinegar or iodine.The following habits can help prevent nail fungus or re-infection:
- Wash your hands and feet regularly.Wash your hands after touching the infected nail.Moisturizes your nails after washing.
- Cut the nail evenly, smooth the edges with a file and file the thick areas.Disinfect the nail clipper after each use.
- Wear sweat-wicking socks or change them throughout the day.
- Choose shoes made of breathable materials.
- Discard old shoes or treat them with disinfectants and antifungal powders.
- Wear shoes in the pool area, changing rooms and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for all customers.
- Avoid varnish and artificial nails.