In the summer we travel a lot, visit public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers. Sometimes we are even transported on long journeys to the seas, where, like it or not, we have to use public beaches or toilets. All of these are places of greatest accumulation of infections, where it is often possible to get nail fungus. Its treatment is far from easy, but do not 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 both white and yellow. Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs on both the legs and 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. This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.
When the condition is mild and doesn't bother you, you may not need serious treatment. If you have severe pain caused by nail fungus, folk care tips and various medications can help you. Be attentive to 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 foot mycosis (tinea pedis).
Symptoms of the appearance of a fungal infection
Even if you have never encountered nail fungus and have no idea what it is like, you will never miss this unbearable itch. It will not be superfluous to apply some kind of infection recipe for prevention, so that the process does not take the stage of execution. Hence, many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to move. The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus are:
- Itching in the area of infection;
- Changed color of the nail plate;
- Splitting and brittleness of the nail;
- Painful sensations in the foot.
Effective treatment should be started at the very first symptoms of nail fungus; special creams and ointments with antifungal action 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 very source of the infection.
Fungal infection can develop in people of any age but is more common in older people. With age, the nail can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks on the nails allow the fungi to penetrate inside. Other factors, such as decreased circulation in the legs, a weakened immune system, can also play a significant role in increasing the likelihood of infection.
A fungal foot infection can start with athlete's foot (foot fungus) and then spread from one toe to the other. At the same time, someone is unlikely to get infected with a fungus, you are more likely to catch it in a public place, in contact with the environment.
Risk factors and complications
The unpleasant factors that can increase the risk of getting a fungal infection are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often causes circulatory disturbances in the legs and can lead to numbness due to nerve damage. Significantly increases the risk of cellulite, dry feet, cracking and injury. Due to poor 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 suspect you have a fungus.
Factors that can increase the risk of developing nail fungus:
- Circulatory disorders
- Profuse sweating
- A 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, after becoming severe, the fungus can 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 low, as the damage caused by the fungus is quite difficult to correct. Therefore, it is so important to cure the fungus in time as quickly as possible.
The main methods of treatment
Unfortunately, such a problem as fungal infection of the 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 areas of the skin that are irritated or damaged.
Contrary to popular belief, spores can affect not only the skin of the legs, but also easily linger on the arm or other parts of the body. The sooner you adopt the most effective remedies for treating a damaged area of the 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 haven't helped. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus causing it. It can take months to see results. And even if the condition of your nails improves, re-infections are not uncommon.
Antifungal drugs are available for both topical and oral use. 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 the fastest detachment of its affected part. It usually takes 6-12 weeks for the fungus to completely disappear. The final result will be evident when the healthy nail grows back. Also, the older the patient is, the weaker the result of the treatment will be. 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 deal 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. After all, frequent side effects from them are rashes, liver damage.
Another remedy for eradicating the disease is antifungal nail polish. Apply it to infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, clean the applied layers with alcohol, then start new applications. You may need to use this nail polish on a daily basis for almost a year.
Another treatment option is an antifungal cream, which should be rubbed into the infected nails after soaking. To enhance the effect of creams, it is better to thin the nails first. The thinnest layer will help the medicine penetrate and destroy the fungus. For this procedure, the stratum corneum is diluted 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 them, 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 it is necessary to remove the film and mix together the vinegar, oil, egg. The ointment is applied to the steamed legs, cellophane advances and the effect of a bath is created. Then the affected softened area is removed, and the ointment is applied again the next day.
Garlic lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. Helps remove fungal lesions in the gentlest way, even in advanced cases. Garlic juice is mixed with alcohol in a 1: 1 ratio and diluted with distilled water. With this lotion, it is necessary to lubricate all affected areas of the skin and nails overnight until the complete death of the fungus. This lotion is also effective in advanced cases.
Mint pack
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungus. The essential oils of peppermint have been shown to be effective against fungi, lamblia and staphylococci. Traditional medicine believes that treating the fungus with herbs is the same effective method as ointments. Fresh plant leaves or essential oil are best for making a compress. If made with fresh leaves, 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. Essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas.
Copper sulfate ointment
Another popular way is to use copper sulfate to fight 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 greasy base, add a teaspoon of sulfur and copper sulfate there. Copper sulfate must be calcined in a pan 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 evening.
Iodine against toenail fungus
In emergencies, ordinary iodine, which can always be found at home, will help to cope with the fungus. It works great with wounds, but few people know that a single drop of iodine can prevent the development of fungal foot infections. 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, iodine is absorbed into the nail in the morning. The procedure must be repeated for at least two weeks.
Foot fungus prevention
Remember that it is possible to prevent fungus with foot folk remedies, 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 the nails straight, smooth the edges with a file, file the thickened areas. Disinfect the clipper after each use.
- Wear breathable socks or change them during the day.
- Choose shoes made with breathable materials.
- Throw away old shoes or treat them with disinfectants and antifungal powders.
- Wear shoes around the pool, in locker rooms and public areas.
- Choose a beauty salon that uses sterile nail tools for each client.
- Eliminate nail polish and artificial nails.