World statistics regarding toe nail fungal infections are disappointing.One in five people have damaged nails and one in 10 people are yeast carriers.Colloquially, nail lesions are simply called "fungus"; the scientific term for this condition is onychomycosis or dermatophytosis.Treatment takes place at home and does not require hospitalization.The infection is resistant to external influences, does not disappear for a long time, appears secondary, and produces inflammatory lesions.
symptom
All fungal diseases have different symptoms and signs of damage.Therefore, superficial onychomycosis will appear immediately after infection:
- The nail plate thickens.
- The plate becomes torn and brittle from edge to cuticle.
- The structure is distorted and the surface structure changes - becoming scaly.
- In the initial stages, the nail plate loses its natural shine and elasticity.
- Sometimes the nails turn black and cut into the skin.
- In advanced cases, intestinal damage—dysbiosis—occurs.General weakness, decreased immunity, lethargy, and lethargy.
- Itching occurs between the toes, most noticeable in children.
- The final stage is onycholysis.The plates are peeling off the nail bed.A faint unpleasant odor appears.
- The skin around your fingers and nails cracks until it bleeds or puss, and a rash appears.
- Depending on the type of fungus, an unpleasant ring of white or yellow mold will appear under the nails.The brightness depends on the degree of damage: from dull to bright.
Strangely, this fungal infection occurs most often in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Frequent visits to public sports venues, swimming pools, and saunas can increase your risk of contracting toenail fungus.There are many reasons to create a positive environment for fungi:
- The fungus' "favorite habitat" is moist and fairly warm.The first source is your wet shoes.Dry the inside immediately after walking.Sock selection plays an important role in prevention.They should consist of more than 70%, and ideally 100%, natural raw materials.This is the only way to ensure optimal air circulation.
- Decreased overall immunity.It was enough to walk barefoot and I immediately picked up the fungus.Prevention - Drink vitamins, preferably a multivitamin containing minerals and amino acids.
- The pursuit of beauty - nail extensions.Frequent corrections and surgeries can cause the nail plate to thin, which means it increases the risk of disease.
- Public swimming pools, showers, bathtubs, and solariums are all sources of active fungal spores.Failure is instantaneous and treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the cavity between the nail and finger.At first it was just "sleeping", and then violent "epileptic seizures" began.
How to Treat Onychomycosis
Be patient right away.Treatment takes a long time.Also, be prepared to "spend money" - treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological drugs:
- external.Prescribed in the initial stages of fungal nail infection.These are drops, varnishes or oils that contain antifungal ingredients.The most popular are ciclopirox drops.Apply to affected nails once daily.Subsequent use: Remove the old film first, and then apply a new film.Results: The condition of the nail plate improves within a week.And the bad smell will disappear after the first or second use.
- Urea-based compounds.Available in lotion, ointment or cream form.They are used in combination with oral medications to prevent relapse.
- Complex treatment is not possible without the use of oral medications.Taking itraconazole tablets can help treat acute and late fungal infections of the toenail.
- Surgical approach.Fungus that has taken root in the dish will be removed along with the nails.
- Modern physiotherapy: cryotherapy, acid disinfection, laser removal of the upper part of the plate.The disadvantage is that it damages the epithelium, but removes 100% of the fungus.
Traditional Ways to Fight Toenail Fungus
- iodine.Its role as a preservative has long been known.You need to apply the solution to your skin between the plate and your fingers.Active spores are burned and the development of new lesions is stopped.Remember, iodine dries out the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- garlic.Grind the cloves into a paste using a fine grater.Apply the liquid to the area affected by the fungus.More suitable for overnight stays.In the morning, flush the area with an acidic solution.Compress until improvement occurs.
- Wipe with apple cider vinegar.Do this twice a day.Lubricate skin and plates.Bath: 10 liters.With the water at 30-32 C, add 200 ml (one cup) of vinegar.Leave on for 10 minutes.This method can effectively eliminate unpleasant foot odor.
- grape vinegar.200ml.9% vinegar, half a stick of butter, and a raw egg.Mix and shake well.Place the resulting suspension in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.Then used for compression.
- Fresh celandine juice.Cut off a green bush and immediately burn the affected area with juice. The course lasts for 7 days, then rest for 3 days and repeat.Continue treatment until noticeable improvement occurs.
- Coffee grounds.Natural antioxidant properties help clean epithelial stratum corneum and fungi.
- Onion porridge.Grate the onion.Mix the gruel with a spoonful of honey.Apply to affected area, covering an area of up to 5 cm.Leave for an hour.Moderate lesions can heal in a week.
- Recipes for children.Mix chalk and soda water.Add some water.Apply the mixture to the skin between your toes.Methyl blue (blue) solution helps a lot.This method is also suitable for lactating or pregnant women.
- Soap.Rub laundry soap with wood shavings and take a hot bath.The legs are steamed, then wiped dry and lubricated with blue.
- Military recipes.Shalidor.Apply to washed feet, leave for 2-3 hours, then wipe off with a dry cloth or wash with tar soap.
Measures to prevent onychomycosis
- Protect the skin of your feet from hypothermia and burns. Damaged areas become fertile ground for fungal spores.
- If someone in the family has acquired a fungus, immediately disinfect the floors in the rooms and bathroom. Provide slippers for everyone.Wear special shoe covers or flip-flops when taking a shower. Do not use patient equipment.
- Daily bathing with mint and chamomile is a great way to prevent any skin disease on the feet and nails.
- If one person in the family is sick, everyone needs to be examined by a doctor and have tests done.