What to do if the fungus settles on the nails? In this article we will learn about what nail fungus is and how to treat it. And of course, let's talk about prevention. Everyone wants to see their nails well-groomed, well-groomed and healthy.
But the fungus becomes ugly, destroys the nail, changes color and texture.
What is nail fungus
Firstly, this disease is infectious and transmitted from person to person. 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 only increases. This is because people do not take any action when they discover a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are interconnected. They can spread and transfer to each other. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, it will worsen over time.
The nail plate thickens or, worse, collapses. Nail fungus affects other aspects of our lives.
Firstly, people are afraid to take off their shoes or undress, for example, on the beach, in the pool or in the bathhouse. 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
- Because it is infectious, the disease 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 it is necessary to walk barefoot or with shared shoes use shared items, for example, face cloths, towels. In general, places with a large concentration of people are guardians of different viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nails themselves leads to the development of a fungal infection. Often, bacteria begin to multiply on the skin and then affect the nails.
- Excessive sweating creates an excellent environment for fungal growth. The same effect will happen if you wear tight, uncomfortable shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, as a consequence, metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the portion of vitamins and essential substances it needs, therefore, in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system weakens. And weakened immunity is a holiday for any virus. Furthermore, when consuming large quantities of sweets, the functioning of the endocrine system is impaired. And the fungus takes root more easily.
- The fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. Furthermore, a weakened immune system can be caused by taking antibiotics and the body can easily become infected with any infection.
How to treat nail fungus
You can remove nail fungus at home. There are old and effective ways. But if the case is advanced, be sure to see a doctor.
Vinegar treatment
This is a very common remedy to treat our disease. It is necessary to take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water, if a man suffers from the disease you can take 4 parts of water to 1 part of vinegar. For men, the solution is more concentrated because the nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you need to steam 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 clean all areas with water.
We dip the problem areas into the prepared solution. The procedure must be carried out twice a day for a week. As you can see, the result appears quickly.
There is another proven remedy: 70% vinegar is used for this. You need to take 1 teaspoon. vinegar, 1 tsp. 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 twice a day. Apply a drop of the suggested solution. After some time, a burning sensation may occur in the nails. In this situation, it is necessary to interrupt the procedure or apply one eye drop per day, or less frequently.
Golden mustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It's really amazing and helps against many diseases. Just scoop and crush the leaf to release the juice. Wrap the affected nail after steaming it.
Try to apply it only to the nail, if it comes into contact with the skin it could cause a burn. Wrap the top with a bag and bandage. Leave it overnight and in the morning remove the bandage and cut the soft nail.
The area may be tarred and bandaged. Over time, the nail will recover, becoming strong and healthy.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to the golden mustache treatment. It is necessary to put peroxide kombucha on the affected area, and also bandage it with cellophane and a bandage, and cut off the softened part the next morning. One procedure will be enough if you started treatment on time, but if the fungal infection is advanced, multiple procedures will be necessary.
Instead of a mushroom, you can use a Kalanchoe leaf, after removing the skin so that the juice comes out. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Fix a plant leaf to the affected nail with a 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 to us now. It is necessary to grease the affected areas with oil for a week.
Before applying the oil, the skin and nails need to 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 the oil, massage the nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using 20% propolis infusion purchased at a pharmacy, apply a compress to the nail once a day. A cotton pad soaked in propolis can be fixed with a bandage. 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.
Fungus treatment 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 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 needs to infuse for one hour. Then apply compresses until the disease disappears.
Prevention of fungal diseases
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not return. You are much more likely to become infected again, so it is necessary to follow preventive measures.
Do not use other people's things and maintain personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your own slippers and towel. At the pharmacy you can buy a special spray and treat your shoes and feet with it, it will protect you from infections.
Don't wear tight, 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 high-quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money, I can say that good shoes will last longer and you will save money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take good care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformations and injuries. Increase your immunity, control your diet and be aware of diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now that you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat it, use it wisely and follow all recommendations. Do not develop nail fungus; react immediately to the first signs of its appearance.