In the summer we travel a lot, go to public beaches, visit pools and showers.Sometimes they even take us on long trips to the seas, where, we will not hesitate, we have to use public beaches or toilets.All these are places with increased accumulation of infections, where you can often catch nail fungus.Treating it is far from an easy process, but don't despair - you can still get rid of nail fungus!
Nail fungus is a common condition that usually starts as a small spot under the tip of the nail.Available in both white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, fungus appears on both feet and hands.If 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 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 necessary.If you are experiencing severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various remedies can help.Be careful with 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 athlete's foot (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of a fungal infection
Even if you've never encountered nail fungus and have no idea what it looks like, you'll never miss that unbearable itch.It would not be superfluous to use some anti-infective prescription for prevention, so that the process does not reach an advanced stage.So many recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to have entered.The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Changed color of the nail plate;
- Exfoliation and brittleness of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the leg.
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 means to eliminate fungal infections of the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the source of infection itself.
Yeast 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 the fungus 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 likelihood of infection.
A fungal foot infection can start in 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 get 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 feet and can lead to reduced sensation due to damage to nerve endings.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 fungal nail infection, can lead to more serious complications.Contact your doctor if you have diabetes and think you have a yeast infection.
Factors that can increase the risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulation disorders
- Profuse sweating
- History of the sports foot
- Skin or nail damage
- Skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis)
- You have 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 that your body's immune system is weakening, as the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to repair.That is why it is so important to cure the fungus on time and as quickly as possible.
Basic methods of treatment
Unfortunately, such a problem as a fungal infection of the nails and skin occurs not only in adults, but also in children.Our grandmothers used the most ancient and, as it is believed, the fastest way to get rid of the infection - vinegar.For a basin of water you need a cup of 9% vinegar.Such baths can kill fungal spores, preventing their spread.Note 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 also easily stick to the hand or other part of the body.The sooner you adopt the most effective means of 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 may 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 topical and oral use.They are often the first choice because they clear the infection faster than topical medications.The action of these means is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and faster separation of its 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 higher the age of the patient, the weaker the result of the treatment will be.Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may require 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, then doctors try to be satisfied with external means.To determine the exact dose of the drug, 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 means of eliminating the disease is antifungal nail polish.You apply it to the infected nails and surrounding skin once a day.After seven days, wipe the applied layers with alcohol, then start new applications.You may need to use this nail polish every day for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream that should be rubbed into the infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of the creams, it is better to thin your nails first.A thinner layer will help the drug 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 salve
The most powerful remedy that will help you get rid of the fungus 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 glass of 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 steamed legs, cellophane is applied and a bath effect is created.After that, the affected softened area is removed and the next day the ointment is applied again.
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 ratio of 1:1 and diluted with distilled water.This lotion should be smeared 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 contained in peppermint 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.For making a compress, fresh leaves of the plant or essential oil are most suitable.If it is prepared from fresh leaves, you should rub the mint with salt and apply it to the sick nail.If the sponge is in an inconvenient place on the arm or leg, it is better to secure it with a bandage.The essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas.
Ointment with copper sulfate
Another popular method is to use copper sulfate to fight fungus and infections.It is part of many antifungal ointments, but it can also be used as an independent medicine.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 an oily base, add one teaspoon each of sulfur and copper sulfate.Copper sulfate must first be heated in a pan until it turns white or gray.Every evening, you should apply this ointment to the affected parts of the legs or hands.
Iodine against nail fungus
In an emergency, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help to deal with the fungus.It works great on wounds, but few people know that just one drop of iodine can prevent the development of fungal infections on the feet.This is the best remedy for the first signs of nail fungus.It is applied directly to the nail plate at night, then socks are put on and by morning the iodine is absorbed into the nail.The procedure should be repeated at least two weeks.
Prevention of foot fungus
Remember that the prevention of 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.
- Cut your nails evenly, smooth the edges with a file and file the thick areas.Disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
- Wear sweat-wicking socks or change them throughout the day.
- Choose shoes made of breathable materials.
- Discard old shoes or treat them with disinfectants and antifungal powders.
- Wear shoes in pools, changing rooms and public places.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for every client.
- Avoid varnish and artificial nails.