What to do if fungus has settled on your nails? In this article, we will find out 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, clean 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 contagious and spreads from person to person. By settling on our nails, the virus destroys them. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.
According to statistics, 10% of the population is affected by this virus and, over the years, this percentage only increases. This is because 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 condition is left untreated for a long time, it gets worse over time.
The nail plate thickens or, even 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, at the swimming pool or in the public baths. They fear judgment or ridicule from others and often receive comments. Additionally, patients constantly experience psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes 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, in places where you have to walk barefoot or with shared shoes, use shared items, e. g. washcloths, towels. In general, places with a high concentration of people are guardians 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 occur if you wear tight, uncomfortable shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, as a result, 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 more easily.
- The fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. Additionally, taking antibiotics can lead to weakening of the immune system and the body can easily become infected with any infection.
How to treat toenail fungus
You can eliminate nail fungus at home. There are effective and old methods. But if the case is advanced, do not neglect to go to the doctor.
Vinegar treatment
It is a fairly common remedy to treat 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 to 1 part of vinegar. For men, the solution is more concentrated because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you need to spray the problem areas well. Since fungal infections of 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 with 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 this. 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. Then wrap the area with film and put on socks. The procedure can be done up to 4 times a day. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Iodine treatment
Apply a 5% alcohol solution of iodine to the affected areas 2 times a day. Apply a drop of the suggested solution. After a while, a burning sensation may appear in the nails. In such a situation, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply one drop per day, or less often.
Golden mustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It’s truly amazing and helps with many ailments. Simply pick and crush the leaf so that it releases the juice. Wrap the affected nail after steaming it.
Try to apply it only to the nail, because if it comes into contact with the skin it could cause a burn. Wrap the top with a bag and bandage. Leave it on overnight and in the morning remove the bandage and cut the soft nail.
The area can be covered with tar and bandaged. Over 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 peroxide kombucha on the affected area, 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 required.
Instead of a mushroom, you can use a Kalanchoe leaf, having previously removed the lower skin from it so that the juice comes out. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Secure a leaf of the plant to the affected nail with a bandage and change this compress once a day.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent home remedy for nail fungus and fungal infections in general. It is a unique tool, it is used in many fields. This 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 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 applying oil, massage your nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using a 20% propolis infusion purchased in a pharmacy, make a compress on the nail once a day. A cotton pad soaked in propolis can be fixed using a bandage. Soon the diseased nail will be replaced by a healthy nail.
Onion juice and honey
Mix the ingredients in equal proportions and apply to the affected nail. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Treating mushrooms with celandine
You can simply lubricate the fungus on the nail with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Remember that this is a poisonous plant and too large areas should not be covered with juice.
You can also make a sort 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 should infuse for an hour. Then apply compresses until the disease disappears.
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 should follow preventive measures.
Do not use other people's belongings and maintain your personal hygiene. Never go 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 infections.
Do not wear tight, uncomfortable shoes. This will cause deformation of the feet and nails. This can lead to excessive sweating. Therefore, I advise you to buy natural and high-quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money, I can say that good shoes will last you longer and you will even save money.
In addition to your personal hygiene, take good care of your toenails and fingernails. Avoid deformation and injury. Strengthen 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 at the first signs of its appearance.