In summer we travel a lot, go to public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers.Sometimes we are even taken on long journeys to the seas, where, willy-nilly, we have to use public beaches or toilets.These are all places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often get 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 exists in white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, fungus appears on the feet and hands.If this is not noticed in time, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper.Over time, the fungus can cause discoloration, thickening and crumbling of the nail plate.This can affect multiple adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.
When the illness is mild and does not bother you, serious treatment may not be necessary.If you experience severe pain caused by toenail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help.Pay attention to your feet, because even with successful treatment, toenail fungus often returns.Another popular name for the fungus is onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis).And the condition in which the fungus affects the areas between the toes and the skin of the feet is called foot fungus (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-infective recipe for prevention purposes so that the process does not reach an advanced stage.So, many recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus likely entered.The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Change in color of the nail plate;
- Delamination and fragility of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the foot.
Effective treatment should begin at the first symptoms of nail fungus;special creams and ointments with an antifungal effect will help.The essence of professional remedies for getting rid of fungal foot infections 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 nails allow fungus to get 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 risk of infection.
A fungal foot infection can start from athlete's foot (athlete's foot) and then spread from one toe to the other.At the same time, you are unlikely to become infected with a fungus from someone;you are more likely to collect it in a public place, in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
Unpleasant factors that can increase the risk of getting a fungal infection are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often leads to problems with blood circulation in the legs and can lead to decreased sensation due to damage to the nerve endings.This 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 toenail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Heavy sweating
- History of the sports foot
- Damage to skin or nails
- Skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis)
- Have any type of diabetes
- Low 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 think your body's immune system is weakening, as the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus as quickly as possible.
Basic treatment methods
Unfortunately, a problem such as fungal infection of nails and skin occurs not only in adults, but also in children.Our grandmothers used the oldest and, it seems, 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 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 another part of the body.The sooner you adopt the most effective ways 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 don't help.Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus that is causing it.It may take months to see results.And even if the condition of your nails improves, reinfections are not uncommon.
Antifungal medications are available for external and oral use.They are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than topical medications.The action of these agents is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and accelerating the detachment of the affected part.Typically, it takes 6 to 12 weeks for the fungus to completely disappear.The final result will be visible when a healthy nail grows.In addition, the older the patient, the poorer the treatment result will be.Adults over age 65 may have a longer recovery time and need additional topical medications.
Oral antifungal medications are not used as often because they can cause various side effects.Therefore, if the disease is not at an advanced stage, doctors try to make do with external remedies.To determine the exact dose of the medication, it is recommended to do blood tests.Doctors may not recommend oral medications to people with liver disease, heart failure, or those taking certain medications.After all, their common side effects are skin rashes and liver damage.
Another remedy to eliminate the disease is antifungal nail polish.You apply it to infected nails and surrounding skin once a day.After seven days, wipe the applied layers with alcohol and then start new applications.You may need to use this polish daily for up to a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which should be rubbed into infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of creams, it is better to lighten your nails first.A thinner layer will help the medicine penetrate the fungus and destroy it.For this procedure, the stratum corneum is diluted 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 are an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softens 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 the vinegar, oil and egg.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 eliminate fungal infections in the gentlest way possible, even in advanced cases.Garlic juice is mixed with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio and diluted with distilled water.This lotion should 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.The essential oils in mint have 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 a compress, fresh leaves of the plant or essential oil are best suited.If it is prepared from fresh leaves, you need to grind the mint with salt and apply it to the sore nail.If the fungus is in a difficult spot on the arm or leg, it would be best to secure it with a bandage.Essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas.
Copper sulfate ointment
Another popular method is to use copper sulfate to combat fungus 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 of sulfur and copper sulfate.The copper sulfate must first be heated in a pan until it turns white or gray.You should coat the painful parts of your legs or arms with this ointment every evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In case of emergency, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help fight 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 in the evening, then socks are put on and in the morning the iodine is absorbed by the nail.The procedure must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Foot fungus prevention
Remember that it is possible to prevent foot fungus with folk remedies, so if you suspect a fungus, use vinegar or iodine.The following habits can help prevent nail fungus or reinfection:
- 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 down any 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 swimming pools, locker rooms and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for every client.
- Avoid varnishes and artificial nails.