What to do if fungus has deposited on the nails? In this article we will learn what toenail fungus is and how to treat it. And of course, let's talk about prevention. Everyone wants to see their nails cared for, clean and healthy.
But the fungus has an unpleasant appearance, destroys the nail, changes color and texture.
What is nail fungus?
First of all, this disease is infectious and is transmitted from person to person. By settling on our nails, the virus destroys them. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.
According to statistics, 10% of the population suffers from this virus and over the years this percentage only grows. This is due to the fact that people do not take any action when they discover a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are interrelated. They can spread and transfer to each other. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, it eventually becomes serious.
The nail plate thickens or, even worse, collapses. Nail fungus affects other aspects of our lives.
First of all, people are afraid to take off their shoes or undress, for example on the beach, in the pool or in the bathroom. They fear judgment or ridicule from others and often receive comments. In addition, patients constantly experience psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes of fungal infection
- Since the disease is infectious, it can be contracted in places where there is a large concentration of fungi, such as beaches, public baths, saunas, water parks, swimming pools, showers. In general, in places where you have to walk barefoot or with shared shoes, shared items are used, for example, wipes, towels. In general, places with large concentrations of people are custodians of various viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Often, bacteria begin to multiply on the skin and then affect the nail.
- Excessive sweating creates an excellent environment for fungal growth. The same effect will occur if you wear tight, uncomfortable shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, as a consequence, metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the portion of essential vitamins and substances it needs, therefore, in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system weakens. And weakened immunity is a holiday for any virus. In addition, when a large amount of sweets is consumed, the functioning of the endocrine system is disrupted. And the fungus takes root more easily.
- The fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. Also, taking antibiotics can lead to a weakened immune system and the body can easily get infected with any infection.
How to treat toenail fungus
You can eliminate nail fungus at home. There are effective and old methods. But if the case is advanced, do not forget to go to the doctor.
Vinegar treatment
This is a fairly common remedy to treat our illness. It is necessary to take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water; If a man suffers from the disease, he can take 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. For men, the solution is more concentrated because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, it is necessary to steam the problem areas well. Since foot fungal infections are often accompanied by skin fungus, it is necessary to cut off the steamed skin and the affected part of the nail. We dry all areas with water.
We immerse problem areas in the prepared solution. The procedure should be done 2 times a day for a week. As you can see, the result appears quite quickly.
There is another proven remedy: 70% vinegar is used. You need to take 1 tsp. vinegar, 1 tsp. vegetable oil, chicken egg and dimethyl phthalate. Mix the ingredients and apply to the problem area of the nail. Next, wrap the area with film and put on some socks. The procedure can be performed up to 4 times a day. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Iodine treatment
Apply a 5% alcohol iodine solution to the affected areas 2 times a day. Apply a drop of the suggested solution. After a while, a burning sensation may appear in the nails. In such a situation, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply one drop per day or less frequently.
golden mustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It is really amazing and helps against many ailments. Simply collect and crush the leaf to release the juice. Wrap the affected nail after steaming it.
Try to apply only on the nail, if it comes into contact with the skin it can cause burns. Wrap the top with a bag and bandage. Leave it overnight and in the morning remove the bandage and cut the loose nail.
The area can be covered with tar and bandaged. Over time, the nail will recover, be strong and healthy.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to the golden mustache treatment. It is necessary to place kombucha peroxide on the affected area, in addition to bandaging it with cellophane and a bandage, and cutting off the softened part the next morning. One procedure will be enough if you started treatment on time, but if the fungal infection is advanced, several procedures will be necessary.
Instead of a mushroom, you can use a Kalanchoe leaf, after first removing the lower skin so that the juice comes out. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Place a leaf of the plant on the affected nail with a plaster and change this compress once a day.
tea tree oil
An excellent home remedy for nail fungus and fungal infections in general is tea tree oil. This is a unique tool and is used in many areas. It will be useful to us now. It is necessary to smear the affected areas with oil for a week.
Before applying the oil, the skin and nails should be steamed, preferably in water with the addition of potassium permanganate and vinegar. After steaming, remove the part of the nail that has started to come off. When applying oil, massage your nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using a 20% propolis infusion purchased at the pharmacy, make a compress on the nail once a day. A cotton pad soaked in propolis can be attached with a band-aid. Soon the diseased nail will be replaced by a healthy one.
Onion juice and honey
Mix the ingredients in equal proportions and apply to the affected nail. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Treat mushrooms with celandine.
You can simply lubricate the fungus on the nail with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Do not forget that this is a poisonous plant and too large areas should not be covered with juice.
You can also make a kind of infusion for compresses. You will need 15 g of celandine, 30 g of lilac flowers, 45 g of oak bark, 30 g of calendula. Pour the ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution should be allowed to sit for one hour. Then apply compresses until the disease disappears.
Prevention of fungal diseases.
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not return. You are much more likely to get infected again, so preventive measures need to be followed.
Do not use foreign things and maintain personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your own flip flops and towel. At the pharmacy you can buy a special spray and treat your shoes and feet with it, it will protect you from infections.
Do not wear tight, uncomfortable shoes. It will cause deformation of the feet and nails. This can cause excessive sweating. Therefore, I advise you to buy natural and high-quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money, I can tell you that good shoes will last longer and you will even save money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take proper care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformations and injuries. Boost your immunity, monitor your diet, and keep an eye out for diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now that you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat it, use it wisely and follow all recommendations. Do not develop fungus on your nails, react immediately to the first signs of its appearance.