Global statistics on infection of the nail plate by fungi provide disappointing figures.One in five people have nail damage and one in ten people carry fungal bacteria.In common language, nail damage is simply called "fungus";the scientific term for the disease is onychomycosis or dermatophytic onychomycosis.The 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.Therefore, superficial onychomycosis makes itself felt immediately, after a short period of time after infection:
- The nail plate thickens.
- The plaque becomes torn and brittle from the edge to the cuticle.
- The configuration is distorted, the surface structure changes: it becomes scaly.
- In the initial stage, the natural shine and elasticity of the nail plate are 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 itchy sensation appears between the fingers and is more pronounced in children.
- The last phase is onycholysis.The plaque comes off the nail bed.A slight unpleasant odor appears.
- The skin on the finger and around the nail cracks until blood or ichor appears and a rash appears.
- Depending on the type of fungus, an unpleasant circle of white or yellow mold appears under the nail.The brightness depends on the degree of damage: from dim to bright.
Oddly enough, but this fungal infection occurs more often in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Constant visits to public sports complexes, swimming pools and saunas lead to an increased risk of fungal infection of the toenails.There are many reasons that create a positive environment for the fungus:
- The mushroom's “preferred habitat” is humid and quite warm.The first source is wet shoes.After each walk, dry it immediately inside.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 ensure optimal air access.
- Decreased general immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot and immediately pick up a mushroom.Prevention: drink vitamins, preferably complexes containing minerals and amino acids.
- The pursuit of beauty: nail extensions.Frequent corrections and procedures contribute to thinning of the nail plate, which means the risk of diseases increases.
- Public swimming pools, showers, bathrooms, solariums are all sources of active fungal spores.The defeat occurs instantly, and treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the cavity between the nail and fingers.At the initial stage, just "sleep", then start a sharp "convulsion".
How to treat onychomycosis
Be patient right away.The treatment is long.Also, be prepared to “shell out”: the treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological drugs:
- External.Prescribed in the initial stage of nail fungus infection.These are drops, paints or oils with antifungal ingredients.The most popular are Ciclopirox drops.Apply to the affected nail once a day.Subsequent application: first the old drug film is removed, 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.
- A complex treatment without oral medications is not possible.Taking Itraconazole tablets will help cure acute and advanced forms of fungal infection of the nail plate.
- Surgical method.The fungus that has taken root in the plaque is removed together 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 to combat toenail fungus
- Iodine.Its antiseptic action has been known for some time.It is necessary to coat the plate and the skin between the fingers with the solution.Active spores are burned and the development of new outbreaks is stopped.Remember, iodine dries out the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- Garlic.Grate the clove on a fine grater until you get a paste.Apply the liquid to the area affected by the fungus.Better for the night.In the morning, rinse the area with an acidic solution.Apply the compresses until improvement appears.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do this twice a day.Lubricate the skin and plate.Taking baths: 10 litres.water with a temperature of 30-32 C add 200 ml (glass) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method is effective in eliminating unpleasant foot odor.
- Grape vinegar.200ml.9% vinegar, half a stick 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 the juice.The course lasts 7 days, then a 3-day break and repeat.Continue treatment until visible improvement results.
- Coffee grounds.Natural antioxidant properties help cleanse the keratinized layers of the epithelium together with the fungus.
- Onion porridge.Grate the onion.Mix the gruel with a spoonful of honey.Apply to the affected area, covering up to 5 cm.Leave for an hour.A moderate injury can be cured 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 women who are breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Soap.Laundry soap is rubbed with shavings and a warm bath is prepared.The legs are steamed, then dried and lubricated with blue.
- Military recipe.Salidol.Apply to washed feet, leave for 2-3 hours, then remove 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 breeding grounds for fungal spores.
- If anyone in the family has contracted a fungus, immediately disinfect the floors of the rooms and bathroom.Provide everyone with slippers.Wear special shoe covers or flip flops when you shower.Do not use patient equipment.
- Daily mint and chamomile baths are an excellent prevention of any skin diseases of the feet and nails.
- If one person in the family is ill, everyone must see a doctor and undergo tests.