What to do if fungus has settled on your nails? In this article, we will learn what toenail fungus is and how to treat it. And of course we talk about prevention. Everyone wants to have neat, well-groomed and healthy nails.
But the fungus looks unsightly, it destroys the nail, changes color and texture.
What is nail fungus?
Firstly, this disease is contagious and is transmitted from person to person. The virus sits on our nails and destroys them. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.
According to statistics, 10% of the population is infected with this virus, and over the years this percentage continues to increase. This is because people do nothing when they discover a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are related. They can spread and transmit to each other. If the disease is not treated for a long period of time, it will become serious over time.
The nail plate becomes thicker or, worse, collapses. Nail fungus affects other aspects of our lives.
First, people are afraid of taking off their shoes or undressing, such as at the beach, swimming pool, or bathhouse. They are afraid of being judged or ridiculed by others and often receive comments. In addition, patients constantly suffer from psychological stress and physical complaints.
Causes of a fungal infection
- Because the disease is contagious, it can be transmitted in places where there is a large concentration of fungi, such as beaches, public baths, saunas, water parks, swimming pools and showers. In general, in places where you have to walk barefoot or in shared shoes, use shared items, for example washcloths, towels. In general, places with a large gathering of people are the guardians of various viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Bacteria often begin to multiply on the skin and then attack the nail.
- Excessive sweating creates an excellent environment for fungi to grow. The same effect occurs when you wear uncomfortable, tight shoes.
- Malnutrition and, as a result, metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the amount of vitamins and essential substances it needs, so in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system is also weakened. And weakened immunity is a holiday for any virus. In addition, when eating a large amount of sweets, the functioning of the endocrine system is disrupted. And the fungus can take root more easily.
- The fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. In addition, taking antibiotics can cause a weakened immune system 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 methods. But if the case has progressed, you should not miss going to the doctor.
Vinegar treatment
This is a fairly common means of treating our disease. You need to take 1 part 9% vinegar and 8 parts water; if a man suffers from the disease, you can take 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. For men, the solution is more concentrated because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you need to cushion the problem areas well. Since fungal infections on the feet are often accompanied by fungal infection of the skin, it is necessary to cut off the affected skin and the affected part of the nail. We wipe all areas dry with water.
We immerse problem areas in the prepared solution. The procedure should be carried out twice a day for a week. As you can see, the result appears quite quickly.
There is another proven remedy; 70 percent 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. Next, wrap the area with foil and put on socks. The procedure can be carried out up to 4 times a day. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Treatment with iodine
Apply a 5% alcoholic iodine solution to the affected areas twice daily. Apply a drop of the proposed solution. After some time, a burning sensation in the nails may occur. In such a situation, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply a drop daily or less often.
Golden mustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It is truly amazing and helps with many ailments. It is enough to pick and crush the leaf so that the juice is released. Wrap the affected nail after steaming it.
Try applying it only to the nail. Contact with skin may cause burns. Wrap the top with a bag and bandage. Leave it overnight, remove the bandage in the morning and cut off the limp nail.
The area can be smeared with tar and bandaged. Over time, the nail recovers, becomes strong and healthy.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to the golden mustache treatment. You need to apply peroxidized kombucha to the affected area, also bandage it with cellophane and a bandage, and cut off the softened part the next morning. If you started treatment on time, one procedure is enough. However, if the fungal infection is advanced, multiple procedures are required.
Instead of a mushroom, you can use a Kalanchoe leaf, having previously removed the lower skin from it so that the juice can come 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 that is used in many areas. It will be useful to us now. It is necessary to lubricate the affected areas with oil for a week.
Before applying the oil, the skin and nails must be steamed, preferably in water with the addition of potassium permanganate and vinegar. After steaming, remove the part of the nail that begins to peel off. While applying the oil, massage your nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Make a compress on the nail once a day using a 20% propolis infusion purchased at the pharmacy. A cotton ball soaked in propolis can be attached with a plaster. Soon the diseased nail will be replaced by a healthy one.
Onion juice and honey
Mix the ingredients in equal parts and apply to the affected nail. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Fungal treatment with celandine
You can simply lubricate the fungus on the nail with celandine juice three times a day for 3 months. Do not forget that this is a poisonous plant and areas that are too large should not be covered with sap.
You can also make some 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 marigold. Pour the ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution must steep for one hour. Next, apply compresses until the disease disappears.
Prevention of fungal diseases
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not return. You are much more likely to become infected with it again, so you need to take preventive measures.
Don't use other people's things and pay attention to personal hygiene. Never go barefoot in public; use your own flip-flops and towel. You can buy a special spray at the pharmacy and treat your shoes and feet with it, it will protect you from infections.
Do not wear tight, uncomfortable shoes. Deformation of the feet and nails occurs. 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, then I can say that good shoes will last you longer and even save you money.
In addition to personal hygiene, pay attention to the proper care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformations and wounds. Strengthen your immunity, control your diet and pay attention to diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat it, use it wisely and follow all the recommendations. Don't develop fungus on your nails; react immediately to the first signs of its appearance.