“Bad nail conditions” often have an infectious and “fungal” nature.This collective disease, which has a long list of names and surnames of parasitic fungi, doctors call onychomycosis.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 postpone 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 is worth asking yourself this question before the problem becomes apparent.For example, don't go barefoot in public bathrooms, swimming pools or even beaches.Whatever people say about the benefits of “foot massage” as a result of a joyful run on the sand, you should remember that, in addition to you, millions of little mushrooms that sleep and see your feet as a safe haven will also be happy with this massaging run.
But not only walking barefoot or wearing someone else's shoes can provoke the appearance of foot fungus, but also your own narrow, uncomfortable shoes, in which your feet sweat.Therefore, when choosing shoes (especially summer ones), give preference to natural materials, comfort and ventilation.
Anyone can be 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” slippers.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus (onychomycosis)
Foot fungus (mycosis) is a lesion of the skin and nails that can develop following an infection with fungal bacteria.The parasite that causes foot fungus very often invades the skin of the interdigital folds of the feet.The first symptom of mycosis of the feet 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 color changes and deformation of the nail, the nail bed also suffers, the phalanx of the toe swells, hurts, and sometimes even exuding wounds appear.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a warning sign
It would be nice to turn to a specialist and not have to deal with treatment for who knows what.Here it is worth mentioning that often the persistent course of mycosis on the legs accompanies serious diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obliterative endarteritis, etc.
Treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Foot fungus is treated by a dermatologist who prescribes systemic and local antifungal drugs.
Fungi are those rare organisms that have survived almost every disaster on this planet.
It should 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, although accessing drugs to diseased tissue is quite complicated, the pharmaceutical market is full of offers of 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 (varnish, ointments, pastes, etc.).
It would appear that the matter 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 evening and that's it.Only in this line I would like to remind you of another banal truth: the disease is not local.Whatever happens to us, the whole body is sick.
Of course, early detected changes in the nail plate can be treated locally using various types of antiseptics.Within reasonable limits, all remedies here are good: baths with a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, compresses with a 10% alcoholic 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 on this side, compresses with tea tree oil may be quite sufficient.
Another wonderful folk remedy against toenail fungus is tincture of wild parsley.which is able to penetrate to a sufficient depth into the affected tissue, which is necessary in our case.Unfortunately, you can't buy it in the pharmacy.Therefore, if possible, prepare this plant yourself.It must be crushed and compacted hermetically in a glass container.Fill with vodka to the top and leave for 5-7 days in a warm, dark place.Dip a cotton ball in this tincture, apply it to the sore spot, covering it with a piece of cellophane from a cotton ball soaked in dye and 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 pharmaceutical ones, but also natural ones!).They strengthen the immune system, which means they help fight onychomycosis.
Toenail fungus is dangerous!
In the early 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 no "famous" ointment can cope with the problem alone.Fungi release toxins, which our lymphatic flow successfully distributes far beyond the visible lesion.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay the visit to the 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 to mention the treatment of primary diseases, if present.
Prevention of fungal diseases of the feet consists in maintaining personal hygiene (especially in public places - in the pool, on the beach), as well as wearing comfortable shoes made from natural materials and airing them regularly.