In the summer we travel a lot, visit public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers. Sometimes we even take long trips to the sea, where, on purpose, we have to use public beaches or toilets. All of these are places of increased accumulation of infection, where you are often exposed to nail fungus. The treatment is far from an easy process, but don’t despair - you can still get rid of the fungus on the nails!
Nail fungus is a common condition that usually starts with a small spot under the tip of the nail. It is available in white and yellow. Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs on the feet and hands. If not observed in a timely manner, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper. Over time, the fungus can cause discoloration, thickening and collapse of the nail plate. This can affect several nearby nails, even if only one is initially infected.
When the condition is mild and does not bother you, you may not need serious treatment. If you are experiencing severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help you. Keep an eye on 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 when the fungus affects the area between the toes and the skin of the feet is called foot mycosis (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of the appearance of a fungal infection
Even if you’ve never had nail fungus and don’t know what it looks like, then you won’t escape this unbearable itchiness. There is no need to use infection recipes for prevention, so the process does not go smoothly. Therefore, many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect areas that may be infected with the fungus. The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus are:
- Itching in the infected area;
- Changed the color of the nail plate;
- Fracture and fragility of nails;
- Painful sensation in the legs.
Effective treatment should be started at the first symptoms of nail fungus; special creams and ointments with antifungal action will help you. The essence of professional treatments 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.
Fungal infections can occur in people of all ages, but are more common in the elderly. With age, nails can become brittle and dry. Cracks on the resulting nail allow the fungus to penetrate inside. Other factors, such as decreased circulation in the legs, a weakened immune system, can also play an important role in increasing the chances of infection.
Fungal infections on the feet can start from an athlete’s foot (foot fungus) and then spread from one toe to another. At the same time, it is unlikely to be infected with the fungus from someone, you are more likely to pick it up in public, in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
Unpleasant factors that can increase the risk of fungal infections are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often causes circulatory disorders in the legs and can cause numbness due to nerve damage. It increases the risk of cellulite, dry feet, cracks and injuries. Because of poor skin conditions, 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 suspect you have the fungus.
Factors that can increase the risk of nail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Heavy sweating
- The history of sports feet
- Damage to the skin or nails
- Skin conditions (such as psoriasis)
- Any type of diabetes
- Weak immunity
Do not start treatment, because, once it becomes severe, the fungus can be painful and cause irreversible damage to the skin and nail plate. Be careful if you suspect that the body’s immune strength is low, as damage caused by fungi is quite difficult to repair. Therefore, it is very important to cure the fungus as soon as possible.
The main treatment methods
Unfortunately, problems such as fungal infections on the nails and skin occur not only in adults, but also in children. Our grandmothers used the oldest method and, believed to be, the fastest way to get rid of infections - vinegar. For a bowl of water, you need a glass of 9%table vinegar. Such a bath is 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, spores can affect not only the skin of the feet, but also easily linger on the arms or other parts of the body. The sooner you use the most effective medication to treat a damaged area of the body, the sooner you can heal it. Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat. Talk to your doctor if self -treatment strategies and independent products don’t help. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus that is causing it. It may take months to see results. Even if your nail condition improves, re -infection is not uncommon.
Antifungal medications are available topically and for oral use. They are often the first choice because they clear the infection faster than topical medications. The action of this fund aims to accelerate the growth of the nail plate and release more quickly the affected part. Usually, it takes 6-12 weeks until the fungus is completely gone. The end result will be visible when healthy nails grow back. In addition, the older the patient, the weaker the treatment outcome. Adults over 65 may have a longer recovery time and may need additional topical medications.
Oral antifungal medications are not commonly used as they can cause a variety of side effects. Therefore, if the disease is not at an advanced stage, then the doctor tries to do with external agents. Blood tests are recommended to determine the exact dose of the drug. Doctors may not recommend oral medications for people with liver disease, heart failure, or those taking certain medications. However, the most common side effects are skin rashes, liver damage.
Another remedy to eradicate the disease is antifungal nail polish. You apply it on infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you remove the applied layer with alcohol, then start a new application. You may need to use this nail polish every day for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which must be applied to the infected nail after soaking. To enhance the effect of the cream, it is better to reduce the nails first. A thinner layer will help the drug penetrate and destroy the fungus. For this procedure, the stratum corneum is thinned with urea and then removed with a file or other tool.
The most effective folk remedies
Homemade vinegar ointment
The most powerful remedies that will help get rid of the fungus are vinegar and eggs. Excellent ointments are obtained from them, which promote tissue healing and soften the affected nail area. Raw chicken eggs are put in a glass with vinegar, then put in a dark cabinet until the core dissolves the shell. Then you need to remove the film and mix the vinegar, oil, eggs together. Ointment is applied on the steamed feet, cellophane is advanced and a bathing effect is created. Then the affected softened area is removed and the next day the ointment is re -applied.
Garlic Lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. It helps get rid of fungal wounds in the most gentle 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 the affected areas of skin and nails at night until the fungus is completely dead. This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
Compress the mint
Mint is an excellent fungicide. The essential oil in mint has been shown to be effective against fungi, lamblia and staphylococci. Traditional medicine believes that treating fungus with an ingredient is the same effective method as an ointment. Fresh plant leaves or essential oils are best for making compresses. If made from fresh leaves, you need to grind mint with salt and apply on sore nails. If the fungus is in an uncomfortable place on the arms or legs, then it is better to secure it with a bandage. Essential oils are ideal for lubricating damaged areas.
Copper sulfate ointment
Another popular method is to use copper sulfate to fight fungi and infections. This is part of many antifungal ointments, but it can also be used as a stand -alone remedy. If you do not have the opportunity to buy the ointment at the pharmacy, you can prepare it yourself. Use tar or goose fat to make an oily base, add a teaspoon of sulfur and copper sulfate there. Copper sulfate must be calcined in a pan beforehand until it turns white or gray. You need to rub the sore part of the foot or hand with this ointment every evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In case of an emergency, common iodine, which is often found in the home, will help combat the fungus. It works well with wounds, but few know that just one 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 put on socks, in the morning the iodine is absorbed into the nail. The procedure must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Prevention of foot fungus
Remember that preventing fungus with folk remedies for the feet 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 infected nails. Moisturize nails after washing.
- Cut your nails straight, flatten the edges with a file, let go of thick areas. Discard your nail clippers after each use.
- Wear sweat socks or change throughout the day.
- Choose shoes made of breathable material.
- Discard old shoes or treat with disinfectant and antifungal powder.
- Wear shoes around pools, changing rooms, and public areas.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterile nail tools for each client.
- Get rid of nail polish and artificial nails.