In the summer we travel a lot, we go to public beaches, we go to swimming pools and showers.Sometimes we are even taken on long trips to the seas, where, whether we like it or not, we have to use public beaches or bathrooms.These are all places where infections accumulate the most, where you can often get nail fungus.Its treatment is far from a simple process, but don't 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.It comes in white and yellow.Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs on the feet and hands.If not noticed in time, the fungal infection starts to spread deeper.Over time, the fungus can cause the nail plate to become discolored, thickened, and disintegrated.This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one was 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 medications can help you.Pay attention to your feet, as 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 where the fungus affects the areas between the toes and the skin of the feet is called foot ringworm (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of a fungal infection
Even if you've never encountered nail fungus and have no idea what it's like, you'll never miss that unbearable itch.It would not be superfluous to use some type of anti-infective prevention recipe so that the process does not reach an advanced stage.Therefore, many recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus has likely entered.The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Change in color of the nail plate;
- Delamination and fragility of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the foot.
Effective treatment should begin at the first symptoms of nail fungus;Special creams and ointments with an antifungal effect 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 source of the infection itself.
Yeast infections can occur in people of any age, but they are more common in the elderly.As you age, your nails can become brittle and dry.The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to penetrate inside.Other factors, such as decreased blood circulation in the legs and a weakened immune system, can also play a significant 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 the other.At the same time, you are unlikely to get infected by a fungus from someone else;you are more likely to catch it in a public place, in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
Unpleasant factors that can increase your risk of getting a fungal infection are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often causes blood circulation problems in the legs and can lead to decreased sensation due to damage to nerve endings.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 feet, including a fungal nail infection, can lead to more serious complications.Contact your doctor if you have diabetes and think you have fungus.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Intense sweat
- History of the sports foot
- Damage to skin or nails
- Skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis)
- Have any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment, as, when it worsens, the fungus can be painful and cause 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 very difficult to reverse.Therefore, it is very important to cure the fungus as quickly as possible.
Basic treatment methods
Unfortunately, a problem such 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, fastest way to get rid of the infection - vinegar.For a basin of water you need a glass of 9% vinegar.These 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, the spores can affect not only the skin on the feet, but can also easily remain on the arm or other part of the body.The sooner you adopt the most effective means of caring for the damaged area of your 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 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, reinfections are not uncommon.
Antifungal medications are available for external and oral use.They are often the first choice because they clear up the infection more quickly 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 to 12 weeks for the fungus to completely disappear.The final result will be noticeable when a healthy nail grows.Furthermore, the older the patient is, the weaker the treatment result will be.Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may require additional topical medications.
Oral antifungals are not used as often because they can cause several side effects.Therefore, if the disease is not at an advanced stage, doctors try to be content with external remedies.To determine the exact dose of the medication, it is recommended to take blood tests.Doctors may not recommend oral medications for people with liver disease, heart failure, or who take certain medications.After all, their frequent side effects are skin rashes and liver damage.
Another remedy to eliminate the disease is antifungal nail polish.You apply it to your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day.After seven days, clean the applied layers with alcohol and start new applications.You may have to use this polish daily for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which should be applied to infected nails after soaking.To improve the effect of creams, it is best to thin your nails first.A thinner layer will help the medicine 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 that will help get rid of the fungus is vinegar and an egg.They are an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softens the affected area of the nail.A raw chicken egg is placed in a glass of vinegar and 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.The ointment is applied to the steamed legs, cellophane is applied and a bath effect is created.Then the softened affected area is removed and the ointment is applied again the next day.
Garlic lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.It helps eliminate fungal infections in the gentlest way, even in advanced cases.Garlic juice is mixed with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio and diluted with distilled water.This lotion must be lubricated on all affected areas of the skin and nails 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 staphylococci.Traditional medicine believes that treating fungus with herbs is as effective as using ointments.To prepare a compress, fresh plant leaves or essential oil are best suited.If prepared with fresh leaves, it is necessary to grind the mint with salt and apply it to the sore nail.If the fungus is in an awkward spot on your arm or leg, it's best to secure it with a bandage.Essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas.
Ointment with copper sulfate
Another popular method is to use copper sulfate to combat fungus and infections.It is part of many antifungal ointments, but can also be used as a stand-alone remedy.If you do not have the opportunity to buy ointment at the pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself.Use tar or goose fat to create a fatty base, add a teaspoon of sulfur and copper sulfate.Copper sulfate must first be heated in a frying pan until it turns white or gray.You need to grease the painful parts of your legs or arms with this ointment every night.
Iodine against nail fungus
In emergency cases, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help fight the fungus.It works great on wounds, but few people know that just a drop of iodine can prevent the development of fungal infections on 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 in the morning the iodine is absorbed into the nail.The procedure must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Preventing foot fungus
Remember that it is possible to prevent foot fungus with folk remedies;therefore, if you suspect fungus, use vinegar or iodine.The following habits can help prevent nail fungus or reinfection:
- Wash your hands and feet regularly.Wash your hands after touching an infected nail.Moisturize your nails after washing.
- Trim your nails evenly, smooth the edges with a file, and file any thick areas.Disinfect your 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 in pool areas, locker rooms and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterilized nail tools for each client.
- Avoid nail polish and artificial nails.