In the summer we travel a lot, go to public beaches, visit swimming pools and bathe.Sometimes we are also taken to sail far out to sea, where whether we like it or not we have to use the beach or public toilets.All these are places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often catch nail fungus.Treatment is far from an easy process, but don't despair - you can still get rid of nail fungus!
Nail fungus is a common condition that usually starts as a small spot under the tip of the nail.It comes in white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, fungus occurs on both feet and hands.If it is not noticed in time, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper.Over time, the fungus can cause the nail plate to become discolored, thicken and collapse.This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one is initially infected.
When the condition is mild and does not bother you, serious treatment may not be necessary.If you suffer from severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various remedies can help you.Be careful with your feet, because even with successful treatment, nail fungus often returns.Another popular name for fungus is onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis).And the condition when the fungus affects the area between the toes and the skin of the feet is called foot mycosis (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of fungal infection
Even if you've never had nail fungus and don't know what it looks like, you won't miss this unbearable itch.It will not be superfluous to use some kind of anti-infection recipe for prevention so that the process does not reach an advanced stage.So, many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect areas where fungus may enter.The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus:
- Itching in the infected area;
- Change the color of the nail plate;
- Delamination and fragility of nails;
- Painful sensation in the legs.
Effective treatment should begin at the first symptoms of nail fungus;special creams and ointments with antifungal effects will help you.The essence of professional remedies to get rid of fungal infections on the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the source of the infection itself.
Fungal infections can develop in people of any age, but are more common in older people.As you age, your nails can become brittle and dry.The resulting cracks in the nail allow the fungus to penetrate inside.Other factors such as decreased blood circulation in the legs and a weakened immune system can also play an important role in increasing the likelihood of infection.
Fungal infections of the feet can start from athlete's foot (athlete's foot) and then spread from one toe to the other.At the same time, it is unlikely that you will contract the fungus from someone;you are more likely to take it in public places, in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
An unpleasant factor that can increase the risk of fungal infection is type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often causes problems with blood circulation in the legs and can cause a decrease in sensation due to damage to the nerve endings.It significantly increases the risk of cellulite, dry feet, cracks and injuries.Due to the weak condition of the skin, blood vessels and nerve fibers, any relatively minor injury to the feet, including fungal nail infections, can lead to more serious complications.Call your doctor if you have diabetes and think you have yeast infection.
Factors that can increase your risk of getting nail fungus:
- Blood circulation disorders
- Sweating profusely
- History of sports foot
- Damage to the skin or nails
- Skin diseases (eg psoriasis)
- Have any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment, because, when 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 your body's immune system is weakening, as the damage caused by fungi is quite difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is very important to cure the fungus in time as soon as possible.
Basic treatment methods
Unfortunately, problems such as fungal infections of the nails and skin occur not only in adults, but also in children.Our grandmothers used the most ancient and, it is believed, the fastest way to get rid of infection - vinegar.For a basin of water you need a glass of 9% vinegar.Such a bath can kill fungal spores, preventing their spread.Keep in mind that for irritated or damaged skin, this procedure can be very painful.
Contrary to popular belief, spores can affect not only the skin of the feet, but can also easily spread to the arms or other parts of the body.The sooner you use the most effective way to take care of the damaged body part, the faster you can heal it.Fungal nail infections can be 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 the condition of your nails improves, reinfection is not uncommon.
Antifungal medications are available for external and oral use.They are often the first choice because they clear the infection faster than topical medications.The action of this agent is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and faster detachment of the affected part.Usually, it takes 6-12 weeks for the fungus to completely disappear.The end result will be noticeable when healthy nails grow.In addition, the older the patient, the weaker the treatment results.Adults over the age of 65 may have a longer recovery time and may need additional topical medications.
Oral antifungal drugs are not used as often because they can cause various side effects.Therefore, if the disease is not at an advanced stage, then the doctor tries to make a connection with external medicine.To determine the correct dose of the drug, it is recommended to take a blood test.Doctors may not recommend oral medications for people with liver disease, heart failure, or those taking certain medications.After all, their frequent side effects are skin rashes and liver damage.
Another remedy to eliminate this disease is antifungal nail polish.You apply it to the infected nail and surrounding skin once a day.After seven days, you wipe off the applied layer with alcohol, then start a new application.You may need to use this nail polish every day for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which must be rubbed into the infected nail after soaking.To increase the effect of the cream, it is better to thin your nails first.A thinner layer will help the medicine penetrate the fungus and destroy it.For this procedure, the stratum corneum is thinned with urea and then removed with a file or other instrument.
The most effective folk remedies
Homemade vinegar ointment
The most effective remedies that will help get rid of fungus are vinegar and eggs.They make an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softens the affected nail area.Raw chicken eggs are placed in a glass with vinegar, then placed in a dark cabinet until the core dissolves the shell.Then you need to remove the film and mix the vinegar, oil, and egg together.Ointment is applied to steamed feet, cellophane is used and the effect of a bathhouse is created.Then the affected soft area is removed and the ointment is reapplied the next day.
Garlic lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.It helps get rid of fungal infections in the most gentle way, even in advanced cases.Garlic juice is mixed with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio and diluted with distilled water.This lotion must be applied to all affected areas of the skin and nails overnight until the fungus is completely destroyed.This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
Compress mint
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungus.The essential oil contained in mint has been shown to be effective against fungi, Giardia and staphylococci.Traditional medicine believes that treating fungus with herbs is just as effective as using ointments.To prepare the compress, fresh plant leaves or essential oils are most suitable.If prepared from fresh leaves, you need to grind mint with salt and apply it to the sick nail.If the fungus is in an awkward place on the arm or leg, it is better to secure it with a bandage.Essential oils are ideal for lubricating damaged areas.
Ointment with copper sulfate
Another popular method is to use copper sulfate to fight fungus and infection.It is part of many antifungal ointments, but can also be used as an independent medicine.If you do not have the opportunity to buy ointment at the pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself.Use tar or goose fat to create an oily base, adding 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 to the painful part of your leg or arm every evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In case of emergency, ordinary iodine, which is always available at home, will help to cope with the fungus.It works great on wounds, but few people know that just one drop of iodine can prevent the development of a foot fungus infection.This is the best remedy for the first manifestation of nail fungus.It is applied directly to the nail plate at night, then socks are worn, and in the morning the iodine is absorbed into the nail.This procedure must be repeated at least two weeks.
Prevention of foot fungus
Remember that preventing foot fungus with folk remedies is possible, so if you suspect fungus, use vinegar or iodine.The following habits can help prevent nail fungus or re-infection:
- Wash your hands and feet frequently.Wash your hands after touching infected nails.Moisturize your nails after washing.
- Cut your nails evenly, smooth the edges with a file, and file thick areas.Disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
- Wear sweat-absorbing socks or change them throughout the day.
- Choose shoes made of breathable materials.
- Dispose of old shoes or treat them with disinfectant and antifungal powder.
- Wear shoes in the pool area, changing rooms and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for each client.
- Avoid polish and artificial nails.