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, if we want, we have to use public beaches or toilets.All these are places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often catch nail fungus.Treating it is far from a simple process, but don't lose hope - 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.It comes in both white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, fungi appear both on the feet and on the hands.If not noticed in time, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper.Over time, the fungus can cause the nail plate to discolor, thicken and crumble.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 experience severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help.Be attentive to the feet, because even with successful treatment, nail fungus often returns.Another popular name for 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 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-infection 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 may have entered.The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Changed color of the nail plate;
- Delamination and brittleness of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the legs.
Effective treatment should begin at the first symptoms of nail fungus;special creams and ointments with antifungal effect will help you.The essence of professional remedies to get rid of fungal infections on the feet is that they not only eliminate 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 older people.As you age, your nails can become brittle and dry.The resulting cracks in the nail allow the fungus to penetrate.Other factors such as decreased blood circulation in the legs and a weakened immune system can also play an important 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 another.At the same time, it is unlikely that you will get infected with a fungus from someone;you are more likely to get it 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 decreased sensitivity 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 a 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:
- Blood circulation disorders
- Profuse sweating
- The history of sports legs
- Damage to the skin or nails
- Skin diseases (eg psoriasis)
- Having 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, because the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus in time as soon as possible.
Basic treatment methods
Unfortunately, such a problem as fungal nail and skin infection occurs not only in adults, but also in children.Our grandmothers used the most ancient 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 stay on the arm or other part of the body.The sooner you use the most effective means to 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 external 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 detachment of its affected part.Typically, it takes 6-12 weeks for the fungus to go away completely.The final result will be visible when a healthy nail grows.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 drugs 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 make do with external remedies.To determine the correct dose of the drug, it is recommended to do 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 for eliminating the disease is antifungal nail polish.You apply it to the infected nail and surrounding skin once a day.After seven days, wipe off the applied layers with alcohol and 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, which should be rubbed into the infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of the 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 medicine that will help to get rid of fungus is vinegar and an egg.They make an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softening of 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 vinegar, oil and egg together.Ointment is applied to the steamed legs, cellophane is applied and the bath effect is created.The softened affected area is then removed and the ointment is reapplied the next day.
Garlic lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.It helps remove fungal infections 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.This lotion should be lubricated on all affected areas of the skin and nails at night until the fungus is completely destroyed.This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
Compress with mint
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungus.The essential oils contained in peppermint have been shown to be effective against fungi, Giardia and staphylococcus.Traditional medicine believes that treating fungus with herbs is as effective as using ointments.To prepare a compress, fresh leaves of the plant or essential oil are most suitable.If it is prepared from fresh leaves, you should grind the mint with salt and apply it to the sore nail.If the fungus is in a difficult place on the arm or leg, it would be better to fix 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 cannot buy ointment at the pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself.Use pitch or goose fat to create a greasy base, add a teaspoon of sulfur and copper sulfate.Copper sulfate should first be heated in a pan until it turns white or gray.You should apply this ointment every evening to the injured parts of the legs or arms.
Iodine against nail fungus
In emergency cases, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help cope with the fungus.It works hard on wounds, but few people know that just one drop of iodine can prevent the development of fungal infections of the feet.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 should 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 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 fill in thick areas.Disinfect 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 powders.
- Wear shoes in pool areas, locker rooms and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for every client.
- Avoid nail polish and artificial nails.