In the summer we travel a lot, visit public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers. Sometimes we are even carried on long voyages to the seas, where, willy-nilly, we have to use public beaches or toilets. All these are places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often catch nail fungus. Its treatment is far from an easy process, but do not despair - you can still get rid of the fungus on the nails!
Nail fungus is a common condition that usually starts with a small spot under the tip of the nail. It comes in both white and yellow. Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs both on the legs and on the hands. If it is not noticed in time, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper. Over time, the fungus can lead to 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, you may not need serious treatment. If you have severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help you. Be attentive to 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 area between the toes and the skin of the feet is called mycosis of the foot (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of the appearance of a fungal infection
Even if you have never encountered nail fungus and have no idea what it looks like, then you will never miss this unbearable itch. It will not be superfluous to apply some kind of recipe for infection for prevention, so that the process does not take the stage of running. So, many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to get. The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus are:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Changed color of the nail plate;
- Splitting and fragility of the nail;
- Painful sensations on the foot.
Effective treatment should be started at the very first symptoms of nail fungus; special creams and ointments with antifungal action will help you. The essence of professional remedies for getting rid of fungal infections on the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the very source of infection.
A fungal infection can develop in people of any age, but is more common in older people. With age, the nail can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks on the nails allow fungi to penetrate inside. Other factors, such as decreased circulation in the legs, a weakened immune system, can also play a significant role in increasing the likelihood of infection.
A fungal infection on the feet can start from the athlete's foot (foot fungus) and then spread from one toe to the other. At the same time, it is 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 catching a fungal infection are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often causes circulatory disturbances in the legs and can lead to numbness due to nerve damage. It significantly increases the risk of cellulite, dry feet, cracks and injuries. Due to the poor condition of the skin, blood vessels and nerve fibers, any relatively minor foot injury, including a fungal nail infection, can lead to more serious complications. See your doctor if you have diabetes and suspect you have a fungus.
Factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Heavy sweating
- A history of a sports foot
- Damage to skin or nails
- Skin conditions (such as psoriasis)
- Any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment, because, after becoming severe, the fungus can be painful and lead to irreversible damage to the skin and nail plate. Be especially careful if you suspect that the body's immune strength is low, because the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to correct. Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus in time as quickly as possible.
The main methods of treatment
Unfortunately, such a problem as fungal infection of nails and skin 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 bowl of water, you need a glass of table vinegar 9%. Such baths are able to kill fungal spores, preventing their spread. Keep in mind that this procedure can be very painful for irritated or damaged skin areas.
Contrary to popular belief, spores can affect not only the skin of the legs, but also easily linger on the arm or other part of the body. The sooner you adopt the most effective remedies for caring for a damaged area of the body, the sooner 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 have not helped. 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 drugs are available both topically and for oral use. They are often the first choice because they clear the infection faster than topical drugs. The action of these funds is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and more rapid detachment of its affected part. Usually, it takes 6-12 weeks for the fungus to completely go away. The end result will be noticeable when the healthy nail grows back. In addition, the higher the patient's age, the weaker the treatment result will be. Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may need additional topical medications.
Oral antifungal medications are not commonly used because they can cause various side effects. Therefore, if the disease is not in an advanced stage, then doctors try to do with external agents. Blood tests are recommended to determine the exact dose of medication. 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, liver damage.
Another remedy to eradicate disease is antifungal nail polish. You apply it to infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the applied layers with alcohol, then start new applications. You may need to use this nail polish daily for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which must be rubbed into infected nails after soaking. To improve the effect of creams, it is best to thin your nails first. The thinner layer will help the medicine penetrate and destroy the fungus. 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 that will help get rid of the fungus is vinegar and an egg. An excellent ointment is obtained from them, which promotes tissue healing and softening of the affected area of the nail. A raw chicken egg is placed in a glass with 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, egg together. Ointment is applied to the steamed legs, cellophane is advancing and the effect of a bath is created. Then 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 remove fungal lesions 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. With this lotion, it is necessary to lubricate all affected areas of the skin and nail at night until the fungus is completely killed. This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
Mint compress
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungus. The essential oils in peppermint have been shown to be effective against fungi, lamblia and staphylococci. Traditional medicine believes that treating the fungus with herbs is the same effective method as with ointments. Fresh plant leaves or essential oil are best for making a compress. If made from fresh leaves, you need to grind the mint with salt and apply to the sore nail. If the fungus is in an uncomfortable place on the arm or leg, then it would be better to secure it with a bandage. The essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas.
Copper sulfate ointment
Another popular way is to use copper sulfate to fight fungi and infections. It is part of many antifungal ointments, but it can also be used as a stand-alone remedy. If you do not have the opportunity to buy an ointment at a pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself. Use tar or goose fat to create a greasy base, add a teaspoon of sulfur and copper sulfate there. Copper sulfate must be calcined in a frying pan before this until it turns white or gray. It is necessary to smear the sore parts of the legs or hands with this ointment every evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In emergency cases, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help to cope with the fungus. It works great with wounds, but few know that just one drop of iodine can prevent the development of fungal infections of the foot. This is the best remedy for the first manifestations of the fungus on the nails. It is applied directly to the nail plate at night, then put on socks, by the morning iodine is absorbed into the nail. The procedure must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Prevention of foot fungus
Remember that preventing fungus with folk remedies for the foot 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. Moisturize your nails after washing.
- Trim your nails straight, smooth the edges with a file, file off the thickened areas. Disinfect the 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 powders.
- Wear shoes around the pool, changing rooms, and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for every customer.
- Discard nail polish and artificial nails.