What to do if the fungus has settled on your nails? In this article we will learn about what is toenail fungus and how to treat it. And of course, let's talk about prevention. Everyone wants to see their nails well-groomed, neat and healthy.
But fungus looks unsightly, it destroys nails, changes color and texture.
What is nail fungus?
First of all, this disease is contagious and spread from person to person. Settling on our nails, the virus destroys them. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.
According to statistics, 10% of the population has this virus, and over the years this percentage has only increased. This is due to the fact that people do not take any action when they find a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are interrelated. They can spread and move to each other. If the disease is not treated for a long time, over time it becomes severe.
The nail plate thickens, or worse, collapses. Nail fungus affects other aspects of our lives.
First of all, people are afraid to take off their shoes or take off their clothes, for example, on the beach, in the swimming pool or in the bathhouse. They fear judgment or ridicule from others, and often receive comments. In addition, the patient constantly experiences psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Cause of fungal infection
- Since the disease is contagious, it can be contracted in places where there is a large concentration of fungi, such as beaches, public baths, saunas, water parks, swimming pools, showers. In general, places where you have to walk barefoot or wear shared shoes, use shared items, for example, washcloths, towels. In general, places with a large concentration of people are the guardians of various viruses.
- Damage to the skin or nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Often the bacteria start multiplying on the skin and then affect the nails.
- Excessive sweat creates an excellent environment for fungal growth. The same effect will occur if you wear uncomfortable and tight shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, as a result, metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the necessary portion of vitamins and essential substances, therefore, in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system becomes weak. And weak immunity is a holiday for any virus. In addition, when consuming a large amount of sweets, the function of the endocrine system is disrupted. And fungi take root more easily.
- Fungi can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. In addition, a weak immune system can be caused by taking antibiotics and the body is susceptible to any infection.
How to treat toenail fungus
You can remove nail fungus at home. There is an effective and old way. But if the case progresses, do not neglect to go to the doctor.
Treatment with vinegar
This is a fairly common medicine to treat our ailments. You need to take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water; if a man has this disease, you can take 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. For men, the solution is thicker because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you need to steam the problem area well. Since fungal infections of the feet are often accompanied by fungus on the skin, it is necessary to cut the affected skin and the affected part of the nail. We wipe all dry areas from water.
We embed the problem areas in the solutions provided. This procedure should be carried out 2 times a day for a week. As you can see, the results look pretty quick.
There is another proven remedy; 70% vinegar is used for it. You need to take 1 tsp. vinegar, 1 tsp. vegetable oil, chicken eggs and dimethyl phthalate. Mix the ingredients and apply on the problem nail area. Next, wrap the area with film and put on socks. This procedure can be done up to 4 times a day. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Treatment with iodine
Apply a 5% alcohol solution of iodine to the affected area 2 times a day. Apply a drop of the suggested solution. After some time, a burning sensation may occur on the nails. In such cases, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply a drop every day, or less often.
golden mustache
I also have a book about this plant at home. It is really amazing and helps fight many diseases. It is enough to pick and mash the leaves to release the juice. Wrap the affected nail after steaming it.
Try applying only to the nails; if it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause burns. Wrap the top with a bag and bandage. Leave it overnight, and in the morning remove the bandage and cut the limp nails.
The area can be coated with tar and bandaged. In a certain period of time, the nail will recover, it will be strong and healthy.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to the golden mustache treatment. You need to put kombucha peroxide on the affected area, and also wrap it with cellophane and a bandage, and cut off the softened part the next day. One procedure will be enough if you start the treatment on time, but if the fungal infection develops, several procedures will be required.
Instead of mushrooms, you can use Kalanchoe leaves, after first removing the lower skin from it so that the juice comes out. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Attach the leaves of the plant to the affected nail with a plaster and change this compress once a day.
Tea tree oil
An excellent home remedy for nail fungus, and fungal infections in general, is tea tree oil. This is a unique tool, it is used in many areas. It will be useful to us now. It is necessary to rub the affected area with oil for a week.
Before using the oil, the skin and nails should be steamed, preferably in water with the addition of potassium permanganate and vinegar. After steaming, remove the part of the nail that has started to peel off. When using oil, massage your nails for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using a 20% propolis infusion purchased at the pharmacy, make a compress on the nail once a day. Cotton wool soaked in propolis can be attached with a band-aid. Soon the diseased nails will be replaced by healthy ones.
Onion juice and honey
Mix the ingredients in equal proportions and apply on the affected nails. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Treating fungus with celandine
You can simply lubricate the fungus on the nails with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Do not forget that this is a poisonous plant, and too large an area should not be covered with juice.
You can also make a kind of infusion to compress. You need 15 g of celandine, 30 g of violet flowers, 45 g of oak bark, 30 g of calendula. Pour the ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution should steep for an hour. Next, apply a compress until the disease disappears.
Prevention of fungal diseases
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not return. It is very likely that you will be infected again, so you need to follow preventive measures.
Do not use other people's things and take care of personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your own slippers and towel. At the pharmacy you can buy a special spray and treat your shoes and feet with it, it will protect you from infection.
Do not wear tight and uncomfortable shoes. It will cause deformation of the feet and nails. This can cause excessive sweating. Therefore, I advise you to buy natural and high-quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money, then I can say that good shoes will last longer and you will save money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take care of your fingernails and toenails properly. Avoid deformation and cuts. Increase your immunity, control your diet and watch out for diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now that you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat it, use it wisely and follow all recommendations. Do not develop fungus on your nails; respond immediately to the first signs of its appearance.