What should you do if the fungus has settled on your nails? In this article we will learn what is toenail fungus and how to treat it. And of course, let's talk about prevention. Everyone wants to see their nails groomed, neat and healthy.
But the fungus looks ugly, destroys the nail, changes its color and structure.
What is nail fungus?
First of all, this disease is infectious and is transmitted from person to person. By settling in 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 is only increasing. This is due to the fact that people do not take any action when they discover a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are interconnected. They can be spread and transferred 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 bath. They fear judgment or ridicule from others and often receive comments. In addition, patients constantly experience psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes of fungal infection
- Since the disease is contagious, it can be contracted in places where there is a large 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, towels, towels. In general, places with large concentrations of people are the guardians of various viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Bacteria often start multiplying on the skin and then affect the nails.
- Excessive sweating creates an excellent environment for the growth of fungi. The same effect will occur if you wear uncomfortable and tight shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, as a result, metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the part of vitamins and essential substances it needs, therefore, in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system is also weakened. And weakened immunity is a feast for any virus. In addition, when you consume a large amount of sweets, the functioning of the endocrine system is disrupted. And mushrooms take root more easily.
- Fungi 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.
Treatment with vinegar
This is a very common medicine for treating our disease. You should take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water; if a man suffers from the disease, you can take 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. For men, the solution is more concentrated because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you should 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. We wipe all the dry areas with water.
We immerse the problem areas in the prepared solution. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day for a week. As you can see, the result appears quite quickly.
There is another proven remedy; to use 70% vinegar. You should take 1 tbsp. vinegar, 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, chicken eggs 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. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator.
Treatment with iodine
Apply a 5% alcohol solution of iodine to the affected areas 2 times a day. Apply one drop of the suggested solution. After some time, a burning sensation may appear in the nails. In such a situation, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply one drop per day, or less often.
Golden mustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It is really amazing and helps against many diseases. Just pick and tear the leaf to release the juice. Wrap the affected nail after steaming.
Try to apply it only on the nail; if it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause burns. Wrap the top with a bag and a bandage. Leave it overnight and in the morning remove the bandage and cut the limp nail.
The area can be tarred and bandaged. Over time, the nail will heal, be strong and healthy.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to the treatment of golden whiskers. You should put peroxided kombucha on the affected area and also 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 mushrooms, you can use a Kalanchoe leaf, after first removing the lower skin from it so that the juice comes out. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Stick a leaf of the plant on the affected nail with plaster and change this compress once a day.
Tea tree oil
An excellent 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 for us now. It is necessary to oil the affected areas for a week.
Before applying the oil, the skin and nails should be steamed, 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 oil, massage your nails for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using 20% propolis infusion purchased at a pharmacy, make a compress on the nail once a day. A cotton wool soaked in propolis can be attached with a bandage. Soon the sick 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 fungus with celandine
You can simply paint the fungus on the nails with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Remember that this is a poisonous plant and very large areas of it should not be covered with juice.
You can also make a kind of infusion for compresses. You will need 15 g of celandine, 30 g of lilac flowers, 45 g of oak bark, 30 g of calendula. Pour the ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution should be boiled for an hour. Then, apply compresses until the disease goes away.
Prevention of fungal diseases
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not return. It is much more likely that you will get infected with it again, so you should follow preventive measures.
Do not use other people's things and maintain personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your own clothes and towel. At the pharmacy you can buy a special spray and treat your shoes and feet with it, it will protect you from infection.
Do not wear tight and uncomfortable shoes. It will cause deformation of the feet and nails. This can lead to excessive sweating. Therefore, I advise you to buy natural and quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money then I can say that good shoes will last you longer and even save you money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take proper care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformities and scars. Increase your immunity, control your diet and beware of diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat it, use them wisely and follow all recommendations. Do not develop fungus on your nails; react immediately at the first signs of its appearance.