“Poor condition of the nails” is usually of an infectious, “fungal” nature.Doctors call this collective disease, for which there is a long list of names and surnames of parasitic fungi, onychomycosis.This pathology has become increasingly common in recent years.And everyone can “infect” nail fungus as often as they want.Therefore, if you notice “oddities” in the appearance of your nails, you should not postpone solving this problem until later.In the early stages of the development of toenail fungus, the simplest procedures can save you.And advanced forms 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 do you 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 pools, swimming pools, or even on beaches.Whatever is said about the benefits of “foot massage” as a result of joyful running on the sand, you should remember that in addition to you, millions of little mushrooms that sleep and consider your feet a safe haven will also be happy with this massaging run.
But it's not just walking barefoot or wearing someone else's shoes that can cause fungus to appear on your feet, but also your own tight, uncomfortable shoes in which your feet sweat.Therefore, when choosing shoes (especially summer shoes), pay attention to natural materials, comfort and ventilation.
Anyone can become infected with toenail fungus.And you don't even know 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)
Athlete's foot (mycosis) is a lesion of the skin and nails that can occur as a result of infection with fungal bacteria.The parasite that causes athlete's foot most commonly affects the skin of the interdigital folds on the feet.The first symptom of athlete's foot is severe itching (usually between the toes), then the skin becomes red and very dry, the nail plate turns yellow and becomes rough.In toenail fungus, in addition to color changes and deformation of the nail, the nail bed also suffers, the finger phalanges swell, hurt and sometimes even weeping wounds develop.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a danger signal
It would be nice to go to a specialist and not be treated for who knows what.It should be borne in mind that the persistent course of mycoses on the legs is often accompanied by such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
Treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Athlete's foot is treated by a dermatologist who prescribes systemic and local antifungal medications.
Fungi are those rare organisms that have survived almost all catastrophes on this planet.
Please note that until recently, treatment for advanced forms of nail fungal infection consisted of removing the nail plate.However, this did not represent a radical solution to the problem, as the young nail grows back affected - sometimes the fungus safely settles in the growth zone of the nail.
However, let's not jump to conclusions.Mushrooms are still living microorganisms.And although accessing drugs to diseased tissue is quite complicated, there are numerous offers of help on the pharmaceutical market.
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 seems that the problem has been resolved and does not require any further recommendations.When your nail turns yellow, you run to the pharmacy, buy the drug you saw on the commercial that night, 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, changes in the nail plate that are detected early can be treated locally with various antiseptics.Within reason, all remedies are good here - baths with a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, compresses with 10% alcoholic iodine solution, with finely grated onions, etc.
It would be appropriate to recall tea tree oil, which has unique antimicrobial properties.However, check all essential oils for their individual sensitivity!If there are no restrictions in this regard, compresses with tea tree oil can be completely sufficient.
Another wonderful folk remedy for toenail fungus is wild parsley tincture.which is able to penetrate sufficiently deeply 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 must be crushed and tightly pressed into a glass container.Fill to the top with vodka and leave in a warm, dark place for 5-7 days.Soak a cotton swab in this tincture, apply it to the sore spot and cover it with a piece of cellophane from a cotton swab dipped in the tincture and a plastic wrap.For example, bandage this structure to the affected area overnight (if this is not possible at another time).Of course, this can't be done in just one procedure, but the effect is simply amazing!
At any stage of toenail fungus, take vitamins (not only from the pharmacy, but also natural ones!).They strengthen the immune system and thus 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 attack.But it happens that the forces are unequal!And then not a single “famous” ointment can cope with the problem on its own.Fungi release toxins that our lymphatic system successfully distributes far beyond the visible lesion.
Therefore, if possible, do not hesitate to see your doctor!Especially after an unsuccessful attempt to get rid of athlete's foot on your own.This is a signal that treatment should be comprehensive and include both specific antifungal drugs and drugs that regulate the functions of the immune system.Without the treatment of any underlying diseases.
Prevention of athlete's foot consists in maintaining personal hygiene (especially in public places - in the swimming pool, on the beach), as well as wearing comfortable shoes made of natural materials and regular ventilation.