In the summer we travel a lot, go to public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers.Sometimes we are even taken on long sea voyages where, willy-nilly, we have to use public beaches or toilets.All of these are places with an increased frequency of infections where you can often catch nail fungus.Treatment is far from easy, but don't despair - you can still get rid of nail fungus!
Nail fungus is a common disease that usually begins as a small spot under the tip of the nail.It is available in both white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, fungi appear on both the 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 crumbled.This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.
If the condition is mild and does not bother you, serious treatment may not be necessary.If you experience severe pain from nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help you.Pay attention to your feet, because even with successful treatment, nail fungus often comes back.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 mycosis (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of a fungal infection
Even if you've never had nail fungus and have no idea what it looks like, you'll never miss that unbearable itch.It would not be superfluous to use an anti-infection prescription for prevention so that the process does not reach an advanced stage.Therefore, many recommend disinfecting the area where the fungus has probably invaded with vinegar.The main symptoms of nail and athlete's foot:
- itching in the area of infection;
- Changed color of the nail plate;
- delamination and brittleness of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the foot.
Effective treatment should begin at the first symptoms of nail fungus;Special creams and ointments with antifungal effects will help you with this.The essence of professional remedies for eliminating fungal infections on the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the source of the infection itself.
Fungal infections can occur in people of all ages, but are more common in older people.As you age, your nails may become brittle and dry.The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to penetrate inside.Other factors such as reduced blood circulation in the legs and a weakened immune system can also play a significant role in increasing the risk of infection.
A fungal infection of the feet can originate 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 pick it up in a public place in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
Unpleasant factors that can increase the risk of a fungal infection include type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes often causes poor circulation in the legs and can lead to reduced sensation due to damage to 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 suspect you have a fungus.
Factors that may increase your risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Profuse sweating
- History of sports foot
- Damage to skin or nails
- Skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis)
- Have any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment, as in the worst case scenario the fungus can be painful and cause irreversible damage to the skin and nail plate.Be especially careful if you suspect your body's immune system is weakened, as the damage caused by the fungus is difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus on time and 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 probably fastest way to get rid of infections - vinegar.For a bowl of water you will need a glass of 9% vinegar.Such baths can kill fungal spores and thus prevent them from spreading.Keep in mind that this procedure can be very painful if areas of skin are irritated or damaged.
Contrary to popular belief, spores can not only affect the skin of the feet, but can also easily attach to the arm or other parts of the body.The sooner you use the most effective means to care for the damaged area of the body, the faster 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 causing it.It can take months to see results.And even if the condition of your nails improves, re-infections are not uncommon.
Antifungal medications are available for both external and oral use.They are often the first choice because they cure the infection more quickly than topical medications.The action of these funds is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and faster detachment of the affected part.It usually takes 6-12 weeks for the fungus to completely disappear.The end result will be noticeable when a healthy nail grows.In addition, the older the patient, the weaker the treatment result.Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may require additional topical medications.
Oral antifungals are not used as often because they can cause various side effects.If the disease is not yet in an advanced stage, doctors try to get by 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.Common side effects include skin rashes and liver damage.
Another means of eliminating the disease is antifungal nail polish.You apply it to infected nails and surrounding skin once a day.After seven days, wipe off the applied layers with alcohol and then start new applications.You may need to use this nail polish daily for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream that needs to be rubbed into the infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of creams, it is better to first thin the nails.A thinner layer helps the medicine penetrate and destroy the fungus.In this procedure, the callus layer is thinned with urea and then removed with a file or other instrument.
The most effective folk remedies
Homemade vinegar ointment
The most effective remedy for fungi is vinegar and an egg.They make an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softens the affected area of the nail.A raw chicken egg is placed in a jar with vinegar and then placed in a dark cupboard until the essence dissolves the shell.Then you need to remove the foil and mix vinegar, oil and egg.Ointment is applied to the steamed legs, cellophane is applied and a bathhouse effect is created.The affected softened area is then removed and the ointment is applied again the next day.
Garlic lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.It helps to eliminate fungal infections in the most gentle 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 applied to all affected skin and nail areas overnight until the fungus is completely killed.This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
Mint compress
Peppermint is an excellent anti-fungal remedy.The essential oils contained in mint have been proven to be effective against fungi, giardia and staphylococci.Traditional medicine believes that treating fungus with herbs is as effective as using ointments.Fresh leaves of the plant or essential oil are best suited to making a compress.If you prepare it from fresh leaves, you need to grind the mint with salt and apply to the sore nail.If the fungus is in an inconvenient place on the arm or leg, it is better to fix 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 a component of many antifungal ointments, but can also be used as a standalone remedy.If you do not have the opportunity to buy the ointment at the pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself.Use tar or goose fat to create a fatty base and 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 rub the sore spots on your legs or arms with this ointment every evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In emergencies, 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 a drop of iodine can prevent the development of athlete's foot infections.This is the best remedy for the first signs of nail fungus.At night it is applied directly to the nail plate, then socks are put on and in the morning the iodine is absorbed into the nail.The process must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Prevention of athlete's foot
Remember that prevention of athlete's foot is possible with folk remedies.So if you suspect 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 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 agents.
- Wear shoes in pool areas, locker rooms and common areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for each client.
- Avoid polish and artificial nails.