In the summer, we travel a lot, go to public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers.Sometimes they even take us on long trips to the sea, 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 an easy process, but do not 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.Comes in white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, fungus occurs on both the legs and the hands.If not detected in time, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper.Over time, fungus can cause discoloration, thickening, and disintegration of the nail plate.It can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one is initially infected.
When the condition is mild and not bothersome, serious treatment may not be necessary.If you experience 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 mycosis of the feet (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of a yeast 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 prescription for prevention so that the process does not progress.Therefore, many recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to have entered.The main symptoms of nail and toenail fungus:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Changed color of the nail plate;
- Delamination and brittleness of nails;
- Painful sensations in the foot.
Effective treatment should be started at the first symptoms of nail fungus;special creams and ointments with antifungal action will help you.The essence of professional remedies for the removal of fungal infections on the feet is that they not only remove the symptoms, but also destroy the source of the infection itself.
Yeast infections can develop in people of any age, but are more common in the elderly.As you age, your nails can become brittle and dry.The resulting cracks on 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 infection on the feet can start in athlete's foot (athlete's foot) and then spread from one toe to another.At the same time, it is unlikely that you will catch the 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 fungal infection are diabetes type 1 and type 2. Diabetes often causes problems with blood circulation in the legs and can lead to a decrease in 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 foot, including fungal nail infection, can lead to more serious complications.Contact your doctor if you have diabetes and think you have yeast infection.
Factors that can increase the risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulation disorders
- Profuse sweating
- History of sports foot
- Skin or nail damage
- Skin diseases (eg psoriasis)
- Have any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment because, once it becomes strong, 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 fungi is quite difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus in time as soon as possible.
Basic methods of treatment
Unfortunately, such a problem as fungal nail and skin infection occurs not only in adults, but also in children.Our grandmothers used the oldest and, it is believed, the fastest way to get rid of the 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 the 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 stick to the hand or other part of the body.The sooner you adopt the most effective means of care for the damaged part of the body, the sooner you will be able to heal it.Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat.Talk to your doctor if self-help 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.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 agents 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 visible when a healthy nail grows.In addition, the older the patient, the weaker the treatment result.Adults over the age of 65 may have a longer recovery time and may require additional topical medications.
Oral antifungal drugs are not used as often because they can cause various side effects.Therefore, if the disease is not in an advanced stage, doctors try to be satisfied with external medicines.In order to determine the correct 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 remedy to eliminate the disease is antifungal nail polish.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 nail polish daily for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an anti-fungal cream, which must be rubbed into the infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of creams, it is better to thin the 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 ointment
The most powerful remedy to help get rid of fungus is vinegar and egg.They make an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softening of the affected area of the nail.A raw hen's egg is placed in a glass of vinegar, then placed in a dark cabinet until the essence dissolves the shell.Then you have to remove the foil and mix the vinegar, oil and egg.Ointment is applied to the steamed legs, cellophane is applied, and a bathing effect is created.Then the affected softened area is removed and the ointment is reapplied 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 ratio of 1:1 and diluted with distilled water.All affected skin and nail areas should be smeared with this lotion 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 mint have been shown to be effective against fungi, giardia and staph.Traditional medicine believes that treating fungus with herbs is just as effective as using ointments.Fresh leaves of the plant or essential oil are most suitable for preparing the poultice.If it is prepared from fresh leaves, mint should be ground with salt and applied to the painful nail.If the fungus is in an inconvenient place on the arm or leg, it would be 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 don't have the opportunity to buy ointment at the pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself.Use tar or goose fat to make a greasy 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.You must apply this salve to the painful parts of your legs or arms every evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In emergency cases, 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 foot infections.This is the best remedy for the first manifestations 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 must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Prevention of foot fungus
Remember that prevention of foot fungus with folk remedies is possible, so if you suspect a 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.Wet your nails after washing.
- Trim the nails evenly, smooth the edges with a file and file the thick parts.Disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
- Wear sweat-wicking socks or change them throughout the day.
- Choose shoes made of breathable materials.
- Throw away old shoes or treat them with disinfectants and antifungal powder.
- Wear shoes in swimming pools, changing rooms and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for every customer.
- Avoid varnish and artificial nails.