Worldwide statistics on fungal nail infection provide disappointing figures.Every fifth person has nail damage, and every tenth person is a carrier of yeast fungal bacteria.In common parlance, nail damage is simply called “fungus”;The scientific term for the disease is onychomycosis or dermatophytic onychomycosis.Treatment is carried out at home, without hospitalization.The infection is resistant to external influences, does not disappear for a long time, appears secondarily and gives rise to inflammatory foci.
Symptoms
All fungal diseases have different symptoms and signs of damage.Thus, superficial onychomycosis makes itself felt immediately, after a short period of time after infection:
- The nail plate becomes thicker.
- The plate is torn and fragile from the edge to the cuticle.
- The configuration becomes distorted, the surface structure changes - it becomes flaky.
- In the initial phase, the natural shine and elasticity of the nail plate is lost.
- Sometimes the nail turns black and cuts the skin.
- In advanced cases, intestinal damage occurs - dysbiosis.General loss of strength, decreased immunity, lethargy and drowsiness.
- An itching sensation appears between the toes and is more pronounced in children.
- The last stage is onycholysis.The plate detaches from the nail bed.A slight unpleasant odor appears.
- The skin on the finger and around the nail cracks until there is blood or ichor and a rash.
- Depending on the type of fungus, an unsightly circle of white or yellow mold appears under the nail.The brightness depends on the degree of damage: from weak to bright.
Oddly enough, but this fungal infection most often occurs in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Constant visits to public sports complexes, swimming pools and saunas pose an increased risk of nail fungus infection.There are many reasons that create a positive environment for fungus:
- The fungus’ “favorite habitat” is humid and quite warm.The first source is wet shoes.After any walk, dry the inside immediately.The choice of socks plays an important role in prevention.They should consist of more than 70% natural raw materials, and ideally 100%.This is the only way to guarantee optimal air access.
- Decreased general immunity.Just walk barefoot and immediately catch a fungus.Prevention - drink vitamins, preferably complex ones containing minerals and amino acids.
- The search for beauty – nail extensions.Frequent corrections and procedures contribute to the thinning of the nail plate, which means the risk of disease increases.
- Public swimming pools, showers, bathtubs, and sunbeds are sources of active mold spores.Defeat occurs instantly and treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the cavity between the nail and fingers.In the initial stage, just “sleep” and then a sharp “seizure” begins.
How to treat onychomycosis
Be patient immediately.The treatment is long.Also, be prepared to “shell out” – the treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological medications:
- External.Prescribed in the initial phase of nail fungus infection.These are drops, varnishes or oils with antifungal ingredients.The most popular are Ciclopirox eye drops.Apply to the affected nail once a day.Subsequent application: first the old film of the medicine is removed and then a new one is applied.Effect: the condition of the nail plate improves within a week.And the unpleasant smell disappears after the first or second application.
- Urea-based compounds.Available in the form of lotions, ointments or creams.They are prescribed in combination with oral medications and act as relapse preventers.
- Complex treatment without oral medications is not possible.Taking itraconazole tablets will help cure acute and advanced forms of toenail fungal infection.
- Surgical method.The fungus that has taken root in the plate is removed along with the nail.
- Modern physiotherapy: cryotherapy, acid disinfection, laser removal of the upper part of the plaque.The disadvantage is damage to the epithelium, but the removal of the fungus is 100%.
Traditional methods of combating toenail fungus
- Iodine.Its action as an antiseptic has been known for a long time.You need to cover the plate and the skin between your fingers with the solution.Active spores are burned and the development of new outbreaks is stopped.Remember that iodine dries out the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- Garlic.Grate the cloves on a fine grater until a paste forms.Apply the liquid to the area affected by the fungus.Best for the night.In the morning, wash the area with an acidic solution.Apply compresses until improvement appears.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do this twice a day.Lubricate the skin and plate.Make baths: 10 liters.water with a temperature of 30-32 C add 200 ml (glass) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method is good for eliminating unpleasant foot odor.
- Grape vinegar.200ml.vinegar 9%, half a piece of butter, a raw egg.Mix, shake.Place the resulting suspension in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.Then use for compresses.
- Fresh celandine juice.Cut a green bush and immediately burn the affected area with juice.The course is 7 days, then a break for 3 days and repeat.Continue the treatment until you see visible improvement results.
- Coffee grounds.The natural antioxidant properties help to cleanse the keratinized layers of the epithelium along with the fungus.
- Onion porridge.Grate the onion.Mix the porridge with a spoonful of honey.Apply to the affected area, covering up to 5 cm.Leave for an hour.A moderate injury can be healed in a week.
- Recipe for children.Mix chalk and soda.Add some water.Apply the mixture to the skin between your toes.A solution of methyl blue (blue) helps a lot.This method is also suitable for breastfeeding or pregnant women.
- Soap.Laundry soap is rubbed with shavings and a hot bath is made.The legs are steamed, then dried and lubricated with blue.
- Military income.Salidol.Apply to washed feet, leave for 2 to 3 hours and remove with a dry cloth or wash with tar soap.
Measures to prevent onychomycosis
- Protect the skin of your feet against hypothermia and burns.Damaged areas become breeding ground for fungal spores.
- If someone in the family has acquired a fungus, immediately disinfect the floors in the bedrooms and bathroom.Provide slippers to everyone.Use special shoe covers or slippers when taking a shower.Do not use patient equipment.
- Daily mint and chamomile baths are an excellent prevention of any skin disease on the feet and nails.
- If one person in the family is sick, everyone needs to be seen by a doctor and undergo tests.