In the summer we travel a lot, visit public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers. Sometimes we are even carried away on long journeys to the seas, where, willy-nilly, we have to use beaches or public toilets. These are all places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often get 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 begins with a small spot under the tip of the nail. It exists in white and yellow. Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs both on the legs and on the hands. If 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. It can affect multiple adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.
When the disease is mild and doesn't bother you, you may not need serious treatment. If you experience severe pain from nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help. Be careful with 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 where the fungus affects the area between the toes and the skin of the feet is called yeast infection of the foot (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of the onset of 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 will not be superfluous to apply some kind of infection recipe for the purpose of prevention, so that the process does not take the stage of racing. So, many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to settle. The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus are:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Color change of the nail plate;
- Crack and brittleness of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the foot.
Effective treatment should be started at the first symptoms of nail fungus; special creams and ointments with antifungal action will help. 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 very source of the infection.
Fungal infection can develop in people of any age, but it is more common in older people. With age, the nail can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks on the nails allow fungi to get inside. Other factors, such as decreased circulation in the legs, weakened immune system, can also play an important role in increasing the risk of infection.
A fungal infection of the feet can start with athlete's foot (foot fungus) and then spread from one toe to the other. At the same time, it is unlikely to be infected with someone's fungus, 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 getting a fungal infection are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often causes circulatory problems in the legs and can lead to numbness due to nerve damage. It greatly 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 think you have a fungus.
Factors that may increase your risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Profuse sweating
- A story of a sports foot
- Damage to skin or nails
- Skin conditions (such as psoriasis)
- Any type of diabetes
- Low immunity
Do not start treatment, because after getting worse, the fungus may 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 weak, as the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to correct. Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus on 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 9% table vinegar. 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 areas of skin.
Contrary to popular belief, the 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 treating a damaged area of the body, the faster you will be able to heal it. Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat. Talk to your doctor if self-care strategies and over-the-counter products haven't helped. 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 drugs are available both topically and orally. They are often the first choice because they clear the infection faster than topical medications. The action of these funds is aimed at accelerating the growth of the nail plate and faster detachment of its affected part. Usually, it takes 6 to 12 weeks for the fungus to go away completely. The end result will be noticeable when the healthy nail grows back. In addition, the older the patient, the poorer the outcome of the treatment. Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may need additional topical medications.
Oral antifungal drugs are not commonly used because they can cause various side effects. Therefore, if the disease is not at an advanced stage, doctors try to appeal to 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, their frequent side effects are rashes, liver damage.
Another remedy to eradicate the disease is antifungal nail polish. You apply it to the infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe off 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 should be rubbed on the infected nails after soaking. To enhance the effect of creams, it is better to lighten your nails first. The thinner layer will help the medicine to 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 it, 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 and egg together. An ointment is applied to the steamed legs, the cellophane advances 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 gentlest way even in advanced cases. Garlic juice is mixed with alcohol in a ratio of 1: 1 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 dies completely. This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
Mint compress
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungus. Peppermint essential oils have been shown to be effective against fungi, lamblia, and staphylococci. Traditional medicine believes that the treatment of 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 it is made from fresh leaves, then you need to grind the mint with salt and apply it to the sore nail. If the fungus is in an uncomfortable 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.
Copper sulfate ointment
Another popular method is to use copper sulfate to fight fungus and infection. It is part of many anti-fungal ointments, but it can also be used as a stand-alone remedy. If you do not have the opportunity to buy an ointment in a pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself. Use tar or goose fat to create a fatty base, add a teaspoon of sulfur and copper sulfate to it. Copper sulfate should be calcined in a skillet before this until it turns white or gray. It is necessary to smear the painful parts of the legs or hands with this ointment every night.
Iodine for nail fungus
In an emergency, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help fight the fungus. It works great with wounds, but not many people know that just one drop of iodine can prevent fungal infections from developing in the foot. It is the best remedy for the first manifestations of nail fungus. It is applied directly to the nail plate at night, then put on socks, in the morning the iodine is absorbed into the nail. The procedure should be repeated for at least two weeks.
Prevention of foot fungus
Remember that it is possible to prevent fungus with folk remedies for the foot, so if you suspect a 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.
- Cut your nails straight, smooth the edges with a file, file the thickened areas. Disinfect your nail clipper 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 each client.
- Throw away nail polish and artificial nails.