Toenail fungus is the most common and most unpleasant disease. A fungal infection of the feet and nails cannot cause significant harm to health, but leads to a weakening of the immune system and unpleasant painful sensations.
Nail fungus is capable of concentrating poisonous toxins in the body, which multiply during the growth of pathogenic fungi, resulting in slow poisoning of the body, can cause an allergic reaction or exacerbate chronic diseases. As a result, metabolic processes in the body are disturbed, immunity decreases, general physical condition worsens, and sensitivity to various negative environmental influences increases.
In this article you will learn what fungal spores are, the causes of this unpleasant disease, the symptoms and signs of damage, how to treat toenail fungus at home, what preventive measures should be followed to avoid infection.
Why does mycosis fungal occur on the toenails?
The appearance of a fungal infection can cause:
- foot wounds in the form of cracks and abrasions, which may be the result of a pedicure procedure or as a result of wearing narrow and uncomfortable shoes;
- calluses and corns on the feet;
- irregular poor foot care;
- decreased immunity;
- long-term use of antibiotics and drugs with a similar effect on the body during treatment;
- excessive foot sweating;
Decreased immunity and protective functions of the body can provoke a fungal disease, but they are not the main factor in the onset of the disease.
First, an infection occurs:
- domestic way of contact with a sick person, most often a close relative, through slippers or ordinary shoes, through household items - cloths, sponges, rugs;
- in the sauna, bath, swimming pool and on the beach. A large crowd of people and a humid environment contribute to the spread of fungal diseases;
- anywhere people walk without shoes. The spores of the fungus are able to withstand sudden changes in temperature from low to very high and remain for a long time in the sand, on the surfaces of the sidewalks, on the upper surfaces of the pool;
- when wearing someone else's shoes, in which pathogenic viral microflora can live and multiply;
- wearing tights or socks made of synthetic materials that do not let air through create a favorable microclimate for infection with a fungus;
- constant use of false nails prevents the nail plate from breathing, which also contributes to fungal infection;
Symptoms of fungal infection of the nails and feet.
- dryness, itching, redness and peeling of the feet;
- the appearance on the sole of the foot and between the toes of small itchy vesicles, the formation of calluses is possible;
- the appearance of diaper rash on the legs due to increased sweating;
- change in the shape and color of the nail. The spores of the fungus penetrate the nail plate and gradually take root in it. The structure of the nail becomes heterogeneous, brittle, with an uneven surface. In places of defeat, light or yellow spots and voids appear under them;
- under the influence of poisonous toxins produced by fungal spores, the legs sweat a lot, a strong unpleasant odor appears;
- increase in body temperature is possible.
If there are cracks, itching, diaper rash, unpleasant foot odor, a change in the shape of the nail and the appearance of white or yellow spots on its surface and voids under them, there is a direct reason to contact a dermatologist for get detailed advice and a treatment regimen. The dermatologist will tell you everything about the treatment of toenail fungus at home and will prescribe the appropriate medications for each specific case, in addition to advising you on the use of traditional medicine.
Symptoms of the disease and the nature of the lesion depend on the type of fungus mycosis:
- type of mycosis - vesicular, begins to affect the bottom of the foot, is characterized by the appearance of small fluid-filled bubbles and blisters and additional adherence of bacteria - pathogens;
- type of mycosis - membranous, characterized by the appearance on the skin between the toes of small rashes of a red rash and the appearance of painful cracks;
- type of mycosis - moccasin type, in which mycosis affects the skin of the foot, starting from the heel and ending with the fingers. The injury is accompanied by painful sensations, the skin on the foot thickens, cracks and itching appear.
In most cases, fungal spores from the sole of the foot pass to the nail plates, the fungus takes root and grows on the nail, affecting it. A fungal infection negatively affects the entire body, inhibits its functions and can cause allergic reactions.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home: preparations against mycosis.
The most effective treatment for toenail fungus at home is a complex combination of special drugs against mycosis and folk remedies. First, we will talk about what drugs are used in the treatment of toenail fungus, then about folk methods.
Medications must be used strictly according to the instructions, dosing them consistently and accurately. For the treatment of mycosis, there are special antifungal drugs in the required doses. In advanced cases and extensive lesions, the fungus can be eliminated in several stages, observing a certain temporary pause between courses of treatment.
It is possible to cure a fungus with a medical method with the help of inexpensive and very effective drugs. Means against mycosis are available in the form of an ointment, gel and varnish, which must be applied to the nail surface several times a day. The spores of the fungus are very resistant to various influences on it, in order to completely get rid of it, you will have to periodically change the drug treatment regimen and alternate between drugs and traditional medicine.
Treatment of toenail fungus with folk remedies at home.
Toenail fungus treatment with folk remedies at home is a regular treatment of the fungus-affected areas with special natural remedies. It is known that mycosis is afraid of acid, and the treatment of the fungus with the help of nature is based on this fact. The most effective natural remedies are vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, propolis, baking soda, iodine, garlic, kombucha. These are just the means that negatively affect the pathogenic flora of the fungus and are able to cope with it.
Toenail fungus treatment with vinegar
Vinegar treatment is carried out using lotions with a special composition of vinegar, alcohol and glycerin. The proportions of the component ratio are taken in the appropriate amounts -2/2/1. A piece of cotton wool or a cotton pad soaked in a solution is applied to the nail plate affected by the fungus and held for a certain time, then the feet should be dried with a clean towel or napkin and only after a time to rinse the feet. with warm waterLotions should be applied from two weeks to a month, depending on the complexity of the lesion. In the process of such treatment, the infected nail begins to exfoliate and gradually disappears, and a new healthy nail grows in its place.
Important! To avoid burning the skin around the diseased nail, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with any vegetable oil before applying the lotion.
Nail fungus treatment with baking soda.
Treatment with baking soda is carried out in the same way as with vinegar, for this you need to prepare a cold solution of baking soda, soak a cotton pad and place it on the affected nail for a while, then remove the disc and clean well. the nail with a dry towel.
Hydrogen peroxide against nail fungus
Hydrogen peroxide treatment is carried out as follows: peroxide should be poured into the gaps under the platinum of the nail, where the fungus has taken root. The aggressive and disinfecting environment of peroxide perfectly destroys fungal spores and helps to quickly eliminate the disease.
Iodine
Good effect is given by iodine treatment, which should be applied to the nail plate several times a day, and fungal cavities should also be treated with iodine.
Propolis
In the treatment of fungus with propolis, propolis and alcohol tincture compresses help well. Compresses should be applied daily and kept for a certain time, then rinse the feet with warm water. Such treatment should be carried out until a positive result occurs and the nail is renewed.
Other popular methods in the treatment of nail fungus
- Another effective but somewhat complicated recipe is to apply a mixture of one teaspoon of methyl phthalate, one tablespoon of vinegar, one teaspoon of vegetable oil, and two raw eggs to the affected area. Mix all components well and store in the refrigerator until fully used. Apply a compress of the mixture to the nail, wrap the finger with plastic wrap, put on a woolen sock on top. Hold for at least thirty minutes.
- As a homeopathic remedy, a living organism, Kombucha, helps well. For the whole night, put a piece of kombucha on the affected nail and cover this place with plastic wrap. Kombucha has an acidic environment and is well adapted to fungal spores.
- A good result is obtained by daily treatment of the affected surface with finely grated garlic. Garlic juice is a natural disinfectant and works great for fungal spores.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home should be carried out regularly and methodically. If a microscopic proportion of spores remain under the nail, the fungus will start to grow again and the whole treatment will have to start all over again.
In order to avoid infection with a fungus of the nail plate and the skin of the feet, you need to follow preventive measures, which we will talk about later.
disease prevention
- In order to avoid primary infection or re-infection with mycoses, it is necessary to thoroughly and regularly process all manicure tools and accessories. If the manicure or pedicure procedure is carried out in a beauty salon, make sure that the master does not use tools that have not been processed after someone else.
- Periodically clean your shoes with disinfectants such as vinegar or formalin. To obtain the best therapeutic effect in shoe disinfection, mix these products well with each other and carry out the treatment.
- From time to time, disinfect common household and household items by boiling them in a soapy solution. For the solution, a combination of water, laundry soap, and a small amount of baking soda is best;
- Bath, sauna and visit to the pool only in special rubber slippers or flip flops.
- Have individual bathroom accessories: washcloth, sponge and towel.
- Regularly observe foot hygiene with the help of water procedures. As far as possible, make foot baths with warm water, in which it is good to add a glass of potassium permanganate or a teaspoon of baking soda as a disinfectant.
- Do not try on yourself, let alone wear someone else's shoes, as they are considered the best carriers of fungal diseases.
Successful treatment of toenail fungus at home is possible only if all the recommendations of a dermatologist are followed, with strict adherence to the treatment regimen and the use of medications, careful observance of the cleanliness of the injuries and the regular performance of all necessary disinfection procedures. It is imperative to follow preventive measures and be patient, since nail mycosis is an insidious and untreatable disease.