Global statistics on fungal infection of the toenails provide disappointing figures.Every fifth person has nail damage and every tenth person is a carrier of fungal yeast bacteria.In common parlance, 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 subside for a long time, occurs secondarily and causes inflammatory foci.
Symptoms
All fungal diseases have different symptoms and signs of damage.Thus, superficial onychomycosis is immediately felt, after a short time after infection:
- The nail plate thickens.
- The plaque becomes torn and brittle from the edge to the epidermis.
- The configuration is distorted, the surface structure changes - it becomes scaly.
- In the initial stage, the natural shine and elasticity of the nail plate is lost.
- Sometimes the nail turns black and cuts into the skin.
- In advanced cases, intestinal damage occurs - dysbiosis.General loss of strength, reduced immunity, lethargy and sleepiness.
- An itching sensation occurs between the toes and is more pronounced in children.
- The last stage is onycholysis.The plate detaches from the nail bed.A faint unpleasant odor appears.
- The skin on the finger and around the nail cracks until blood or marks appear and there are rashes.
- 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.
Surprisingly, this fungal infection occurs more often in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Frequent visits to public sports complexes, swimming pools and saunas pose an increased risk of nail fungus infection.There are many reasons that create a positive environment for the fungus:
- The "favorite habitat" of the fungus is moist and quite warm.The first source is your 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.
- Reduced general immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot and immediately pick a mushroom.Prevention - drink vitamins, preferably complex containing minerals and amino acids.
- The pursuit of beauty - nail extensions.Frequent corrections and procedures contribute to the thinning of the nail plate, which means that it increases the risk of disease.
- Public pools, showers, bathrooms, tanning beds are all sources of active fungal spores.Defeat occurs immediately and healing takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the cavity between the nail and the fingers.In the initial stage, just "sleep" and then start a sudden "seizure".
How to treat onychomycosis
Be patient immediately.The treatment is long.Also, be prepared to "stand out" – treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological drugs:
- External.It is prescribed at the initial stage of nail fungus infection.These are drops, varnishes 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 and then a fresh one is applied.Result: the condition of the nail plate improves within a week.And the unpleasant smell disappears after the first or second application.
- Urea-based compounds.It is available as a lotion, ointment or cream.They are prescribed in combination with oral medications and act as relapse prevention.
- Complex treatment is not possible without oral drugs.Taking Itraconazole tablets will help treat acute, advanced forms of fungal infection of the nail plate.
- Surgical method.The fungus that has taken root in the plate is removed together with the nail.
- Modern physical therapy: 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 of combating toenail fungus
- iodine.Its action as an antiseptic has been known for a long time.You need to cover the plate and the skin between your fingers with the solution.Active spores are burned and the development of new foci is stopped.Remember, iodine dries out the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- Garlic.Grind the clove on a fine grater into a pulp.Apply the liquid to the area affected by fungus.Better for the evening.In the morning, rinse the area with an acidic solution.Apply compresses until improvement appears.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do this twice a day.Grease the skin and the plate.Take baths: 10 liters.water with a temperature of 30-32 C, add 200 ml (glass) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method is good at eliminating foot odor.
- Grape vinegar.200 ml.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 cilantro juice.Cut a green bush and immediately burn the affected area with juice.The course is 7 days, then a 3-day break and repeat.Continue treatment until visible improvement results.
- Coffee grounds.The natural antioxidant properties help to clean the keratinized layers of the epithelium along with the fungus.
- Onion weevil.Grate the onion.Mix the porridge with a spoonful of honey.Apply to the affected area, covering up to 5 cm.Leave for an hour.A moderate lesion can be healed 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 lactating or pregnant women.
- Soap.The laundry soap is rubbed with shavings and a warm bath is taken.The legs are steamed, then wiped dry and greased with blue.
- Military prescription.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 fertile ground for fungal spores.
- If someone in the family has acquired fungus, immediately disinfect the floors in the rooms and in the bathroom.Provide everyone with slippers.Wear special shoe covers or flip-flops when showering.Do not use patient equipment.
- Daily mint and chamomile baths are an excellent prevention of any skin disease of the feet and nails.
- If one person in the family is sick, everyone should be seen by a doctor and tested.