What to do if fungus has settled on your nails? In this article we will learn about what toenail fungus is 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 the fungus looks unsightly, it destroys the nail, changes color and texture.
What is nail fungus
First of all, this disease is infectious and is transmitted 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 is only growing. This is due to the fact that people do not take any action when they discover a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are interrelated. They can spread and transfer 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 undress, for example, on the beach, in the pool or in the bathhouse. They fear judgment or ridicule from others, and often receive comments. In addition, patients constantly experience psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes of fungal infection
- Since the disease is infectious, 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 in shared shoes, use shared items, for example, washcloths, towels. In general, places with large concentrations of people are the custodians of various viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Often bacteria begin to multiply on the skin and then affect the nail.
- Excessive sweating creates an excellent environment for fungal growth. The same effect will happen if you wear uncomfortable, tight shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, as a consequence, metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the portion of vitamins and essential substances it needs, therefore, in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system weakens. And weakened immunity is a holiday for any virus. In addition, when consuming a large amount of sweets, the functioning of the endocrine system is disrupted. And the fungus takes root easier.
- The fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. In addition, a weakened immune system can be caused by taking antibiotics and the body can easily become infected with any infection.
How to treat toenail fungus
You can remove nail fungus at home. There are effective and old ways. But if the case is advanced, do not neglect going to the doctor.
Treatment with vinegar
This is a fairly common remedy for treating our illness. You need to take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water; if a man suffers from the disease, you can take 4 parts of water for 1 part of vinegar. For men, the solution is more concentrated because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you need to steam the problem areas well. Since fungal infections on the feet are often accompanied by fungus on the skin, it is necessary to cut off the steamed skin and the affected part of the nail. We wipe all areas dry from water.
We immerse problem areas in the prepared solution. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day for a week. As you can see, the result appears quite quickly.
There is another proven remedy; 70% vinegar is used for it. You need to take 1 tsp. vinegar, 1 tsp. vegetable oil, chicken egg and dimethyl phthalate. Mix the ingredients and apply to the problem area of the nail. Next, wrap the area with film and put on socks. The procedure can be performed 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 areas 2 times a day. Apply a drop of the suggested solution. After some time, a burning sensation may occur in the nails. In such a situation, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply a drop per day, or less often.
Golden mustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It is truly amazing and helps against many ailments. It is enough to pick and mash the leaf so that it releases the juice. Wrap the affected nail after steaming it.
Try to apply only to the nail; if it comes into contact with the skin, it may cause a burn. Wrap the top with a bag and a bandage. Leave it overnight, and in the morning remove the bandage and cut off the limp nail.
The area can be coated with tar and bandaged. Over the course of some 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 place peroxided kombucha on the affected area, and also bandage it with cellophane and a bandage, and cut off the softened part the next morning. One procedure will be enough if you started treatment on time, but if the fungal infection is advanced, several procedures will be needed.
Instead of a mushroom, you can use a Kalanchoe leaf, after first removing the lower skin from it so that the juice comes out. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Attach a leaf 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 smear the affected areas with oil for a week.
Before applying the oil, the skin and nails need to be steamed, preferably in water with the addition of potassium permanganate and vinegar. After steaming, remove the part of the nail that has begun to peel off. When applying oil, massage your nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using 20% propolis infusion purchased at a pharmacy, make a compress on the nail once a day. A cotton wool soaked in propolis can be attached with a band-aid. Soon the diseased nail will be replaced by a healthy one.
Onion juice and honey
Mix the ingredients in equal proportions and apply to the affected nail. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Treating fungus with celandine
You can simply lubricate the fungus on the nail with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Do not forget that this is a poisonous plant, and too large areas of it should not be covered with juice.
You can also make a kind of infusion for compresses. You will need 15 g of celandine, 30 g of lilac flowers, 45 g of oak bark, 30 g of calendula. Pour the ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution needs to steep for an hour. Next, apply compresses until the disease goes away.
Prevention of fungal diseases
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not return. It is much more likely that you will become infected with it again, so you need to follow preventive measures.
Do not use other people's things and maintain personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your own flip-flops 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, uncomfortable shoes. It will cause deformation of the feet and nails. This may lead to 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 you longer and you will even save money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take proper care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformation and wounds. Boost your immunity, control your diet and watch out for diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat it, use them wisely and follow all recommendations. Do not develop fungus on your nails; react immediately to the first signs of its appearance.