What to do if the fungus has settled on your nails? In this article, we will learn 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, neat and healthy.
But the fungus looks unsightly, destroys the nail, changes its color and texture.
What is nail fungus?
First of all, this disease is contagious and is transmitted 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 has this virus, and over the years this percentage only grows. This is due to the fact that people do not do anything when they discover a yeast infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are interconnected. They can spread and transmit to each other. If the disease is not treated for a long time, it becomes severe over time.
The nail plate thickens, or 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, in the pool or in the bathroom. They fear judgment or ridicule from others and often receive comments. In addition, patients constantly experience psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes of yeast infection
- Since the disease is contagious, it can be contracted in places where there is a high concentration of fungi, such as beaches, public baths, saunas, water parks, swimming pools, showers. In general, places where you have to walk barefoot or in shared shoes, use shared items, for example, washcloths, towels. In general, places with a high concentration of people are the guardians of various viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Often, bacteria start multiplying 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 uncomfortable, tight shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, as a consequence, metabolic disorders. The body does not get part of the vitamins and essential substances it needs, so, in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system weakens. And weakened immunity is a holiday for any virus. In addition, when a large amount of sweets is consumed, the work of the endocrine system is disrupted. And the mushroom takes root more easily.
- The fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. In addition, a weakened immune system can be caused by taking antibiotics 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 ways. But if the case is advanced, do not neglect going to the doctor.
Vinegar treatment
This is a fairly common remedy for treating our disease. It is necessary to take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water; if a man is suffering from a 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 steam the problem areas well. Since fungal infections on 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. Wipe all areas dry with water.
We immerse problem areas in the prepared solution. The procedure should be performed 2 times a day for one week. As you can see, the result appears quite quickly.
There is another proven remedy, for which 70% vinegar is used. It is necessary to take 1 tsp. vinegar, 1 teaspoon. 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 performed 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 a drop daily, or less often.
Golden moustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It is really amazing and helps against many diseases. It is enough to pick the leaf and crush it to release the juice. Wrap the affected nail after steaming it.
Try to apply only on the nail; if it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause burns. Wrap the upper part with a bag and a bandage. Leave it overnight, and in the morning remove the bandage and cut off the limp nail.
The area can be tarred 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. It is necessary to put peroxided kombucha on the affected area, wrap it with cellophane and a bandage, and cut off the softened part the next morning. One procedure will be enough if you started the treatment in time, but if the fungal infection is advanced, several procedures will be needed.
Instead of a mushroom, you can use a kalanchoe leaf, after first removing the lower skin so that the juice comes out. You can use Kalanchoe to make poultices. Attach the leaf of the plant with a plaster to the affected nail and change this dressing once a day.
Tea tree oil
A great home remedy for nail fungus and fungal infections in general is tea tree oil. This is a unique tool, used in many areas. It 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 scalded, preferably in water with the addition of potassium permanganate and vinegar. After steaming, remove the part of the nail that has started to peel. When applying the oil, massage the nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using a 20% propolis infusion bought at the pharmacy, make a poultice on the nail once a day. Cotton wool soaked in propolis can be stuck with a patch. Soon the diseased nail will be replaced by a healthy one.
Onion juice and honey
Mix the ingredients in equal proportions and apply to the affected nail. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Treatment of fungi with celandine
You can simply lubricate the nail fungus with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Do not forget that this is a poisonous plant, and too large areas should not be covered with juice.
You can also make some kind of infusion for poultices. You will need 15 g of celandine, 30 g of lilac flowers, 45 g of oak bark, 30 g of calendula. Pour over the ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution should stand for an hour. Then apply compresses until the disease is gone.
Prevention of fungal diseases
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not return. You are much more likely to get infected with it again, so you must follow preventive measures.
Do not use other people's things and maintain personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your flip flops and a towel. You can buy a special spray at the pharmacy and use it to treat your shoes and feet, it will protect you from infection.
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, then I can say that good shoes will last you longer and you will even save money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformations and wounds. Boost 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 it wisely and follow all recommendations. Do not develop nail fungus, immediately react to the first signs of their appearance.