What to do if fungi have settled on the nails? In this article, we will learn what toenail fungus is and how to treat it. And obviously we talk about prevention. Everyone wants to see their nails well-groomed, clean and healthy.
But the fungus looks unpleasant, destroys the nail, changes color and consistency.
What is nail fungus
First of all, this disease is contagious and spreads from person to person. Settling on our nails, the virus destroys them. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.
According to statistics, 10% of the population has 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 related. They can spread and transfer into each other. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, it becomes serious over time.
The nail plate thickens or, worse, collapses. Nail fungus affects other aspects of our lives.
First of all, people are afraid of taking off their shoes or undressing, for example on the beach, in the swimming pool or in the bathhouse. They fear judgment or ridicule from others and often receive comments. Furthermore, patients constantly experience psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes of fungal infection
- Since the disease is contagious, it can be contracted in places where there is a large concentration of fungi, such as beaches, public bathrooms, saunas, water parks, swimming pools, showers. In general, places where you have to walk barefoot or in shared shoes, use shared objects, for example, washcloths, towels. In general, places with large concentrations of people are custodians of different viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Often the bacteria starts to multiply on the skin and then affects the nail.
- Excessive sweating creates an excellent environment for fungal growth. The same effect will occur if you wear uncomfortable and tight shoes.
- Poor nutrition and, consequently, metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the portion of vitamins and essential 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 consuming large amounts of sweets, 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 cause a weakening of the immune system and the body can easily get any infection.
How to Treat Toenail Fungus
You can remove nail fungus at home. There are old and effective methods. But if the case is in an advanced stage, do not neglect a visit to the doctor.
Treatment with vinegar
This is quite a common remedy to cure our disease. You need to take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water; if a man suffers from the disease, you can take 4 parts of water to 1 part of vinegar. For men the solution is more concentrated because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you need to steam the problem areas well. Since fungal infections on the feet are often accompanied by fungi on the skin, it is necessary to cut off the steamed skin and the affected part of the nail. We dry all areas from water.
We immerse the problem areas in the prepared solution. The procedure should be performed 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 for this. You need to take 1 teaspoon. 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 cling film and put on socks. The procedure can be performed up to 4 times a day. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Iodine treatment
Apply a 5% alcoholic iodine solution to the affected areas 2 times a day. Apply a drop of the suggested solution. After some time, a burning sensation in the nails may occur. In such a situation, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply one drop daily or less often.
Golden mustache
I also have a book about this plant at home. It is truly amazing and helps with many ailments. Simply pick and crush the leaf so that it releases 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 could cause burns. Wrap the top with a bag and a bandage. Leave it overnight and in the morning remove the bandage and cut the soft nail.
The area may be tarred and bandaged. Over time the nail will recover, be strong and healthy.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to the golden mustache treatment. You need to place peroxidized kombucha on the affected area, also bandage it with cellophane and a bandage, and cut off the softened part the next morning. One procedure will be enough if you started treatment on time, but if the fungal infection is in an advanced stage, several procedures will be necessary.
Instead of the mushroom you can use a Kalanchoe leaf, after removing the lower peel so that the juice can escape. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Attach a leaf of the plant to the affected nail with a plaster and change the 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, it is used in many industries. It will be useful to us now. It is necessary to lubricate 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 peel off. When applying the oil, massage the nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Using the 20% propolis infusion purchased at the pharmacy, apply a compress to the nail once a day. A cotton ball soaked in propolis can be fixed with a plaster. 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 its 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 must infuse for an hour. After that, 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 you need to follow preventative measures.
Do not use other people's things and maintain personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your flip flops and towel. In 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. This will cause deformation of the feet and nails. This can lead to excessive sweating. Therefore, I advise you to buy natural and high-quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money, then I can say that good shoes will last you longer and you will also save money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformations and injuries. Strengthen your immunity, control your diet and watch out for diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat it, use it wisely and follow all the advice. Do not develop fungus on your nails; react immediately to the first signs of their appearance.