The “bad condition of the nails” usually has an infectious and “fungal” nature.Doctors call this collective disease onychomycosis, which has a long list of names and surnames of parasitic fungi.This pathology has become increasingly common in recent years.And anyone can “get” 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 serious mobilization of all our resources, including materials.
Causes and prevention of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Where does toenail fungus come from and how to get rid of it?– Of course, it is worth asking this question before the problem becomes obvious.For example, don't go barefoot in public bathrooms, swimming pools, or even beaches.Whatever is said about the benefits of “foot massage” as a result of happily running on the sand, you must remember that, in addition to you, millions of small mushrooms that sleep and see your feet as a safe haven will also be happy with this massage run.
But not only walking barefoot or wearing other people's shoes can cause foot fungus to appear, but also the tight and uncomfortable shoes themselves, in which the 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 is not a good idea to get a pedicure or try on “guest” sneakers.
Symptoms of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Foot fungus (mycosis) is a lesion of the skin and nails that can develop as a result of an infection with fungal bacteria.The parasite that causes foot fungus most often invades the skin of the interdigital folds of the feet.The first symptom of foot fungus is intense itching (usually between the toes), then the skin becomes red and very dry, the nail plate becomes yellow and rough.With toenail fungus, in addition to color changes and deformation of the nail, the nail bed also suffers, the phalanx of the finger swells, hurts, and sometimes even festering wounds appear.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a danger sign
It would be nice to go to a specialist and not have to deal with treatments for who knows what.Here it is worth remembering that often the persistent course of mycosis on the legs accompanies such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus, endarteritis obliterans, etc.
Treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Foot fungus is treated by a dermatologist who prescribes systemic and local antifungal medications.
Fungi are those rare organisms that have survived almost every disaster 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 problem, because the affected young nail grows back;Sometimes the fungus settles safely in 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 medicines to diseased tissues is quite complicated, the pharmaceutical market is full of offers to help.
In general, all drugs 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 appear that the issue is resolved and requires no further recommendations.If your nail turns yellow, run to the pharmacy, buy the medicine you saw in the commercial that night and that's it.Just 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 changes noticed in the nail plate can be treated locally with various types of antiseptics.Within reasonable limits, all remedies are good here: baths from a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, compresses with a 10% alcohol solution of iodine, with finely grated onion, etc.
It would be appropriate to remember tea tree oil, which has unique antimicrobial properties.However, check all essential oils for individual sensitivity!If there are no restrictions in this regard, compresses with tea tree oil may be sufficient.
Another wonderful folk remedy for toenail fungus is wild parsley tincture.that is capable of penetrating sufficiently deep into the affected tissue, which is necessary in our case.Unfortunately, it cannot be purchased in pharmacies.Therefore, if possible, prepare this plant yourself.It must be crushed and compacted well in a glass container.Fill with vodka to the top and leave for 5 to 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 from a cotton swab moistened in the tincture, as well as plastic wrap.Sell this structure in the affected area, for example, overnight (if it is not possible to do so 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 can fight the infection at the site of its invasion.But it happens that the forces are unequal!And not a single "famous" ointment can cope with the problem alone.Fungi release toxins that our lymphatic flow successfully distributes far beyond the visible injury.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay in visiting your doctor!Especially after a failed attempt to get rid of foot fungus yourself.This is a sign that treatment should be comprehensive and include both specific antifungal agents and drugs that regulate the functions of the immune system.Not counting the treatment of primary diseases, if applicable.
Prevention of foot fungal diseases consists of maintaining personal hygiene (especially in public places, in the pool, on the beach), as well as wearing comfortable shoes made of natural materials and regularly airing them.