Nail fungus is the most common and unpleasant disease. Fungal infections of the feet and nails should not cause significant damage to health, but they can weaken the immune system and cause unpleasant painful feelings.
Nail fungus is able to concentrate in the body the toxic toxins that multiply during the growth of pathogenic fungi, which results in slow poisoning of the body, can trigger an allergic reaction or exacerbate chronic diseases. As a result, the body's metabolic processes are disrupted, immunity is reduced, the general physical condition deteriorates and sensitivity to various negative environmental effects increases.
In this article you will learn what fungal spores, the causes of this unpleasant disease, the symptoms and signs of damage, how to treat nail fungus at home, what preventive measures should be followed to avoid infection.
Why does fungal mycosis occur on the toenails?
The occurrence of a fungal infection can cause:
- wounds on the legs in the form of cracks and abrasions that may result from a pedicure procedure or wearing narrow, uncomfortable shoes;
- corns and calluses on the feet;
- poor irregular foot care;
- decreased immunity;
- long-term use of antibiotics and drugs with similar effects during treatment;
- excessive sweating of the foot;
Decreased immunity and the body’s defensive functions can trigger a fungal disease, but it is not the main factor in the development of the disease.
First, the infection occurs:
- household mode from contact with the patient's person, most often a close relative, through common slippers or shoes, through household items - dishcloths, sponges, carpets;
- sauna, spa, swimming pool and beach. The high mass and humid environment contribute to the spread of fungal diseases;
- in every place where people walk without shoes. The spores of the fungus are able to withstand sudden temperature changes from low to very high and remain for a long time in the sand, on the surface of pavement roads, on the upper surface of the pool;
- if you are wearing someone else's shoes in which the pathogen can live and reproduce the viral microflora;
- wearing stockings or socks made of synthetic materials that are impermeable to air creates a favorable microclimate for fungal infections;
- constant wearing of artificial nails makes it impossible for the nail plate to breathe, which also contributes to mycosis infection;
Symptoms of a fungal infection of the nails and feet
- dryness, itching, redness and peeling of the feet;
- the appearance of small itchy blisters between the soles of the feet and the toes, the formation of corns-corns is possible;
- the appearance of a diaper rash on the legs due to increased sweating;
- change in the shape and color of the nail. The spores of the fungus penetrate the nail plate and gradually take root. The structure of the nail becomes heterogeneous, brittle and uneven. Light or yellow spots appear at the site of defeat, and cavities beneath them;
- toxic toxins produced by fungal spores cause the feet to sweat a lot, causing a sharp unpleasant odor;
- an increase in body temperature is possible.
If cracks, itching, diaper rash, an unpleasant odor on the foot, a change in the shape of the nail, and white or yellow spots appear on the surface and there are cavities below them, there is a direct reason to contact a dermatologist for detailed advice and treatment regimen. The dermatologist will tell you everything about treating nail fungus at home and prescribe the right medications for each specific case, as well as advice on using traditional medicine.
The symptoms of the disease and the nature of the lesion depend on the type of mycosis fungus:
- the type of mycosis - blistering, affecting the lower leg, the appearance of small bubbles and blisters filled with fluid and the further fixation of bacteria - pathogens;
- type of mycosis - membranous, characterized by the appearance of red rashes and painful cracks on the skin between the toes;
- type of mycosis - moccasin-like, in which mycosis affects the skin of the foot, starting from the heel and toes. The lesion is accompanied by painful feelings, the skin of the foot thickens, cracks and itching appear.
Most often, fungal spores pass from the foot to the nail plates, the fungus takes root and grows in the nail, affecting it. Fungal infection negatively affects the entire body, inhibits its functions and can cause allergic reactions.
Treatment of nail fungus at home: anti-mycosis preparations
The most effective treatment for nail fungus at home is a complex combination of special anti-mycosis drugs and folk remedies. We will talk first about what drugs are used to treat nail fungus and then about folk methods.
Medicines should be used in strict accordance with the instructions, continuously and accurately. Special antifungal agents are available in the required doses to treat mycosis. In the case of advanced cases and extensive lesions, the fungus can be removed in several stages, with a certain pause between treatments.
The fungus can be cured by medical means using inexpensive and very effective drugs. Anti-mycosis agents are available in the form of ointments, gels and varnishes, which must be applied to the nail surface several times a day. The spores of the fungus are very resistant to various effects, in order to get rid of it completely, you have to change the medication regimen regularly and switch between drugs and traditional medicine.
Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies at home
Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies Periodic treatment of the areas affected by the fungus at home with special natural remedies. Mycosis is known to be afraid of acid, and the treatment of fungi with the help of nature is based on this fact. The most effective natural remedies are vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, propolis, baking soda, iodine, garlic, kombucha. These are only the means that negatively affect the pathogenic flora of the fungus and are able to cope with it.
Treatment of toenail fungus with vinegar
Vinegar treatment is performed with body lotions consisting of vinegar, alcohol and glycerin. The ratio of the proportions of the ingredients in the appropriate amount is -2/2/1. A piece of cotton wool or a cotton swab soaked in the solution is placed on the nail plate affected by the fungus and kept for a certain time, then the feet should be dried with a clean towel or napkin and rinse your feet only after a while. with warm water. Lotions should be applied from two weeks to one month, depending on the complexity of the lesion. During such treatment, the infected nail begins to peel off and gradually disappears, and a new, healthy nail grows in place.
Important! To avoid burning the skin around the patient's nails, it is recommended to apply the skin with any vegetable oil before applying the cream.
Treatment of nail fungus with baking soda
Treat with baking soda in the same way as with vinegar, prepare a cool baking soda solution, soak it in a cotton ball and place it on the affected nail for a while, then remove the disc and wipe the nail thoroughly with a dry towel.
Hydrogen peroxide against fungus
The treatment with hydrogen peroxide is carried out as follows: the peroxide is poured into the cavities under the platinum of the nail where the fungus has taken root. The aggressive and disinfecting environment of peroxide perfectly destroys fungal spores and helps to get rid of the disease quickly.
Iodine
Iodine treatment has a good effect and should be applied to the nail plate several times a day, and fungal cavities should also be treated with iodine.
Propolis
A compress made from propolis tincture and alcohol helps to treat the fungus with propolis. Compresses should be applied daily and kept for some time, then rinse your feet with warm water. Such treatment should be performed until a positive result occurs and the nail recurs.
Other folk methods in the treatment of nail fungus
- Another effective but somewhat complicated recipe is to apply a mixture of a teaspoon of methyl phthalate, a tablespoon of vinegar, a teaspoon of vegetable oil and two raw eggs to the affected area. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in the refrigerator until fully used. Apply the mixture to the nail, wrap your finger in plastic wrap and put on a woolen socks. Hold for at least thirty minutes.
- As a homeopathic remedy, a living organism, Kombucha, helps well. Apply a piece of kombucha to the affected nail overnight and cover the area with plastic wrap. Kombucha has an acidic environment and copes well with fungal spores.
- Good results are obtained by treating the affected surface with finely grated garlic daily. Garlic juice is a natural disinfectant and works great against fungal spores.
Nail fungus treatment at home should be done regularly and systematically. If the microscopic proportion of spores remains below the nail, the fungus will start to grow again and all treatments should be started from the beginning.
To avoid fungal infections of the nail plate and foot skin, you need to follow the preventive measures that we’ll talk about later.
Disease prevention
- All manicure tools and accessories should be thoroughly worked on regularly to avoid primary or re-infection with mycosis. If the manicure or pedicure procedure is done in a beauty salon, make sure that the master does not use tools that have not been worked on after another person.
- Clean your shoes regularly with disinfectants such as vinegar or formalin. To achieve the best therapeutic effect of shoe disinfection, mix these products thoroughly and perform the treatment.
- Occasionally disinfect ordinary household and household items by boiling in a soapy solution. The combination of water, laundry soap and a small amount of baking soda is best for the solution;
- Visit to the spa, sauna and pool only in special rubber slippers or slippers.
- Have custom bathroom accessories - washcloths, sponges and towels.
- Monitor foot hygiene regularly using water treatments. As often as possible, take a foot bath with warm water, to which it is a good idea to add a crystal of potassium permanganate or a teaspoon of baking soda as a disinfectant.
- Don’t try it, let alone wear someone else’s shoes because they are considered the best carrier for fungal diseases.
Successful treatment of nail fungus at home is only possible if all the recommendations of the dermatologist are followed, the treatment regimen and medications are strictly adhered to, the cleanliness of the lesions is carefully observed, and all the necessary disinfection procedures are performed regularly. It is imperative to follow preventive measures and be patient as nail mycosis is an insidious and incurable disease.