Worldwide statistics on fungal infection of the nail plate give disappointing figures.Every fifth person has nail damage, and every tenth person is a carrier of fungal yeast bacteria.Commonly, nail damage is simply called “fungus”;the scientific name for the disease is onychomycosis or dermatophyte onychomycosis.Treatment is carried out at home, without hospitalization.The infection is resistant to external influences, does not last long, appears secondarily and creates foci of inflammation.
Symptoms
All fungal diseases have different symptoms and signs of damage.Thus, superficial onychomycosis is felt immediately, after a short period after infection:
- The nail plate thickens.
- The plate becomes torn and brittle from the edge to the cuticle.
- The configuration is distorted, the surface structure changes - it becomes scaly.
- In the initial phase, 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, drop in immunity, lethargy and sleepiness.
- The itching sensation occurs between the toes and is most pronounced in children.
- The last stage is onycholysis.The plate peels away from the nails.A faint unpleasant odor appears.
- The skin on the finger and around the nail cracks until there is blood or a rash and a rash.
- 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.
Strangely enough, this fungal infection most often occurs in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Constant visits to public sports complexes, swimming pools and saunas represent an increased risk of toenail fungus infection.There are many reasons that create a positive environment for fungi:
- 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.
- Decreased general immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot and immediately pick up the fungus.Prevention - drink vitamins, preferably complex containing minerals and amino acids.
- The search for beauty - nail extensions.Frequent corrections and interventions contribute to the thinning of the nail plate, which means that it increases the risk of disease.
- Public pools, showers, baths, solariums are sources of active fungal spores.The defeat occurs immediately, and the treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the depression between the nail and the fingers.In the initial phase, just "sleep" and then start a sharp "attack".
How to treat onychomycosis
Be patient now.The treatment is long.Also, be prepared for the "payoff" - the treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological drugs:
- External.It is prescribed in the initial stage of fungal nail 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 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 as a lotion, ointment or cream.They are prescribed in combination with oral medications and act as relapse prevention.
- Complex treatment without oral medication is not possible.Taking itraconazole tablets will help in the treatment of 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 physiotherapy: cryotherapy, acid disinfection, laser removal of the upper part of the plate.The disadvantage is damage to the epithelium, but the removal of the fungus is 100%.
Traditional methods of combating toenail fungus
- Iodine.Its antiseptic action has been known for a long time.It is necessary to coat the board and the skin between the 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.Grate the cloves on a fine grater into 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 compresses until improvement occurs.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do this twice a day.Lubricate the skin and the board.Make baths: 10 liters.of water at a temperature of 30-32 C, add 200 ml (glasses) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method is good at getting rid of foot odor.
- Grape vinegar.200 ml.vinegar 9%, half a stick of butter, one raw egg.Stir, shake.Place the obtained suspension in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.Then use for dressings.
- Fresh celandine juice.Cut the green bush and immediately burn the affected area with the juice.The course is 7 days, then a break of 3 days and repetition.Continue treatment until visible improvement.
- Coffee grounds.The natural antioxidant properties help to clean the keratinized layers of the epithelium along with the fungus.
- Onion porridge.Grate the onion.Mix the porridge with a teaspoon of honey.Apply to the affected area, covering up to 5 cm.Leave for one hour.A moderate lesion can heal within a week.
- A recipe for children.Mix chalk and soda.Add some water.Apply the mixture to the skin between the toes.Methyl blue (blue) solution helps a lot.This method is also suitable for breastfeeding and pregnant women.
- Soap.Laundry soap is rubbed into the shavings and a warm bath is taken.The legs are steamed, then wiped and smeared with blue paint.
- 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 the feet from hypothermia and burns.Damaged areas become fertile ground for fungal spores.
- If someone in the family got fungus, immediately disinfect the floors in the rooms and the bathroom.Provide slippers for everyone.Wear special shoe covers or flip flops when showering.Do not use patient equipment.
- Daily mint and chamomile baths are an excellent prevention of all skin diseases of the feet and nails.
- If one person in the family is sick, everything should be examined by a doctor and tests should be done.