“Poor condition of nails” most often has an infectious, “fungal” nature.Doctors call this collective disease, which has a long list of names and surnames of parasitic fungi, onychomycosis.This pathology has become increasingly common in recent years.And anyone can “catch” nail fungus as many times as they want.Therefore, if you notice “oddities” in the appearance of your nails, do not leave the solution to this problem for later.In the early stages of toenail fungus development, the simplest procedures can save you.And advanced forms will require a serious mobilization of all our resources, including material ones.
Causes and prevention of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Where does toenail fungus come from and how to get rid of it?– Of course, it’s worth asking this question before the problem becomes obvious.For example, do not go barefoot in public baths, swimming pools, or even beaches.Whatever is said about the benefits of “foot massage” as a result of joyful running on the sand, you should remember that, besides you, millions of small fungi that sleep and see your feet as a safe haven will also be happy about this massaging run.
But not only walking barefoot or wearing someone else's shoes can provoke the appearance of fungus on the feet, but also your own tight, uncomfortable shoes, in which your feet sweat.Therefore, when choosing shoes (especially summer ones), give preference to natural materials, comfort and ventilation.
Anyone can become infected with toenail fungus.And you don’t even understand where exactly.For example, it’s not a good idea to go for a pedicure or try on “guest” slippers.
Symptoms of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Fungus (mycosis) of the foot is a lesion of the skin and nails that can develop as a result of infection with fungal bacteria.The parasite that causes foot fungus most often invades the skin of the interdigital folds on the feet.The first symptom of foot fungus is severe itching (usually between the toes), then the skin turns red and becomes very dry, the nail plate turns yellow and becomes rough.With toenail fungus, in addition to changes in color and deformation of the nail, the nail bed also suffers, the phalanx of the finger swells, hurts, and sometimes even weeping wounds appear.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a danger signal
It would be nice to go to a specialist and not have to deal with treatment for who knows what.Here it is worth remembering that often the persistent course of mycoses on the legs accompanies such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
Treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Foot fungus is treated by a dermatologist who prescribes systemic and local antifungal drugs.
Mushrooms are those rare organisms that have survived almost all disasters on this planet.
Let it be known that until recently, the treatment of advanced forms of fungal nail infection consisted of... removing the nail plate.However, this was not a radical solution to the issue, becausethe young nail grows back affected - sometimes the fungus settles safely on the growth zone of the nail.
However, let's not rush to conclusions.Fungi are still living microorganisms.And, despite the fact that access of drugs to diseased tissues is quite complicated, the pharmaceutical market is replete with offers of help.
In general, all medications against nail fungus can be divided into two large groups - for internal use (tablets, capsules, etc.) and for external use (varnishes, ointments, pastes, etc.).
It would seem that the issue is settled and does not require further recommendations.If your nail turns yellow, run to the pharmacy, buy the drug you saw in the commercial that evening, and that’s the end of it.Only in this line I would like to remember another banal truth - the disease is not local.No matter what happens to us, the whole body is sick.
Of course, early noticed changes in the nail plate can be treated locally using various types of antiseptics.Within reasonable limits, all remedies are good here - baths of a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, compresses with 10% alcohol solution of iodine, with finely grated onion, etc.
It would be appropriate to recall tea tree oil, which has unique antimicrobial properties.However, check all essential oils for individual sensitivity!If there are no restrictions on this side, then compresses with tea tree oil may be quite sufficient.
Another wonderful folk remedy for toenail fungus is wild parsley tincture.which is capable of penetrating to a sufficient depth into the affected tissue, which is necessary in our case.Unfortunately, you cannot buy it in pharmacies.Therefore, if possible, prepare this plant yourself.It needs to be crushed and compacted tightly into a glass container.Fill with vodka to the very top and leave for 5-7 days in a warm, dark place.Soak a cotton swab in this tincture, apply it to the sore spot, covering it with a piece of cellophane of a cotton swab dipped in the tincture, as well as plastic wrap.Bandage this structure to the affected area, for example, overnight (if it is not possible to do this at another time).Of course, you can’t do it with just one procedure, but the effect is simply amazing!
At any stage of toenail fungus, take vitamins (not only pharmacy ones, but also natural ones!).They strengthen the immune system, which means they help fight onychomycosis.
Toenail fungus is dangerous!
In the initial stages of toenail fungus, our immune system is able to fight the infection at the site of its invasion.But it happens that the forces are unequal!And then not a single “famous” ointment can cope with the problem alone.Fungi release toxins, which our lymph flow successfully distributes far beyond the visible lesion.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay visiting your doctor!Especially after an unsuccessful attempt to get rid of foot fungus on your own.This is a signal that treatment should be comprehensive, including both specific antifungal agents and drugs that regulate the functions of the immune system.Not counting the treatment of primary diseases, if any.
Prevention of foot fungus diseases consists of maintaining personal hygiene (especially in public places - in the pool, on the beach), as well as wearing comfortable shoes made from natural materials and regularly airing them.