In the summer we travel a lot, go to public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers.Sometimes we are even taken on long voyages to the seas, where, willy-nilly, we 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 far from a simple process, but do not despair - you can still get rid of nail fungus!
Nail fungus is a common condition that usually begins as a small spot under the tip of the nail.It comes in both 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, thickened, and crumble.This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.
When the condition is mild and does not bother you, serious treatment may not be needed.If you experience severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help you.Be attentive to your feet, because even with successful treatment, nail fungus often returns.Another popular name for the fungus is onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis).And the condition when the fungus affects the areas between the toes and the skin of the feet is called mycosis of the foot (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 kind of anti-infection recipe for prevention so that the process does not reach an advanced stage.So, many recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus has probably entered.The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Changed color of the nail plate;
- Delamination and brittleness of the nail;
- Painful sensations on the foot.
Effective treatment should begin at the first symptoms of nail fungus; special creams and ointments with an antifungal effect will help you.The essence of professional remedies for getting rid of fungal infections on the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the source of 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 nails allow fungi to penetrate inside.Other factors such as decreased 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 on 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 become infected with a fungus from someone; you are more likely to pick it up in a public place, in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
Unpleasant factors that can increase the risk of contracting a fungal infection are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes often causes problems with blood circulation in the legs and can lead to decreased sensation due to damage to the nerve endings.It significantly increases the risk of cellulite, dry legs, cracks and injuries.Due to the poor condition of the skin, blood vessels and nerve fibers, any relatively minor injury to the feet, including a fungal nail infection, can lead to more serious complications.Contact your doctor if you have diabetes and think you have fungus.
Factors that may increase your risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Heavy sweating
- History of sports foot
- Damage to skin or nails
- Skin diseases (eg psoriasis)
- Having any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment, because, once 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, because the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus in time as quickly as possible.
Basic treatment methods
Unfortunately, such a problem as fungal infection of nails and skin occurs 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 baths can kill fungal spores, preventing their spread.Keep in mind that for irritated or damaged areas of the 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 linger on the arm or other part of the body.The sooner you adopt the most effective means to care for the damaged area of the body, the sooner 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 do not 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, re-infections are not uncommon.
Antifungal drugs are available for both external and oral use.They are often the first choice because they clear up the infection faster than topical medications.The action of these agents is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and faster detachment of its affected part.Typically, it takes 6-12 weeks for the fungus to completely go away.The end result will be noticeable when a healthy nail grows.In addition, the higher the patient’s age, the weaker the treatment result will be.Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may require additional topical medications.
Oral antifungal drugs are not used as often because they can cause various side effects.Therefore, if the disease is not in an advanced stage, then doctors try to make do with external remedies.To determine the exact dose of medication, it is recommended to take blood tests.Doctors may not recommend oral medications for people with liver disease, heart failure, or those taking certain medications.After all, frequent side effects from them are skin rashes and liver damage.
Another remedy for eliminating the disease is antifungal nail polish.You apply it to infected nails and surrounding skin once a day.After seven days, you wipe the applied layers with alcohol, then begin new applications.You may have to use this nail polish daily for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which must be rubbed into the infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of creams, it is better to first thin your nails.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 powerful remedy that will help get rid of fungus is vinegar and an egg.They make an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softening the affected area of the nail.A raw chicken egg is placed in a glass with vinegar, then placed in a dark cabinet until the essence dissolves the shell.Then you need to remove the film and mix vinegar, oil, and egg together.Ointment is applied to the steamed legs, cellophane is applied and a bathhouse effect is created.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 helps remove fungal infections in the gentlest 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 lubricated on all affected areas of the skin and nails overnight until the fungus is completely destroyed.This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
Mint compress
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungus.Essential oils contained in mint have 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 a compress, fresh leaves of the plant or essential oil are best suited.If prepared from fresh leaves, you need to grind the mint with salt and apply it to the sore nail.If the fungus is in an awkward place on the arm or leg, it would be better to secure it with a bandage.Essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas.
Ointment with copper sulfate
Another popular method is to use copper sulfate to fight fungi and infections.It is part of many antifungal ointments, but can also be used as an independent remedy.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 a greasy base, add a teaspoon each of sulfur and copper sulfate.Copper sulfate must first be heated in a frying pan until it turns white or gray.You need to smear the sore parts of your legs or arms with this ointment every evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In emergency cases, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help cope with the fungus.It works great on wounds, but few people know that just one drop of iodine can prevent the development of fungal foot infections.This is the best remedy for the first manifestations of fungus on the nails.It is applied directly to the nail plate at night, then socks are put on, and by the morning the iodine is absorbed into the nail.The procedure must be repeated for 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 regularly.Wash your hands after touching an infected nail.Moisturize your nails after washing.
- Trim your nails evenly, smooth the edges with a file, and file thick areas.Disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
- Wear sweat-wicking socks or change them throughout the day.
- Choose shoes made from breathable materials.
- Throw away old shoes or treat them with disinfectants and antifungal powders.
- Wear shoes in pool areas, locker rooms, and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for every customer.
- Avoid polish and artificial nails.