Nail fungus is a fairly common disease that has an infectious nature. It develops due to mycotic organisms: molds, yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida and dermatomycetes.
Scientists say there are more than fifty types of fungi that can cause nail disease. At the same time, you need to understand that the fight against nail fungus will not be easy, this is due to the characteristics of the disease and its focus.
If we take into account the statistics, then about 20% of the world's population faces this deviation and a similar deformity of the nail.
Causes of fungi
The main reason for the appearance of the fungus is infection with microorganisms of the mycotic species. They often become dermatomycetes. A large number of enzymes help microorganisms easily penetrate the nail and skin. First they affect the feet, then they move to the nails.
The infection itself occurs after contact with the carrier of the disease. It can be not only a person or an animal, but also personal hygiene items, places of high traffic, in particular showers, baths, communal swimming pools, etc.
Reference. Also, the cause of the development of the fungus is excessive sweating (this disease is called hyperhidrosis), metabolic disorders, diabetes of any type, HIV, extra pounds, poor functioning of the immune system, taking certaindrugs, antibiotics and contraceptives.
The fungus quickly takes root on the skin and nails of people who abuse sweets, disrupting the endocrine system.
The mycologist is engaged in the treatment of such a disease, it may also be necessary to consult a dermatologist.
Fungus symptoms
3 steps
At different stages of the disease, the symptoms of nail fungus can be completely different:
- In the first stage, also called the early stage, the symptoms of the disease often do not appear at all. Barely noticeable, almost transparent spots may appear on the nail itself. These scratches or spots may indicate the presence of a fungus, so it is best to consult a doctor and start treatment sooner, or dismiss your suspicions.
- At the second stage, the natural shine of the nail disappears, later it begins to change color, becomes dull and more yellow, brown stripes or spots form on the nail plate. The upper part of the nail may change.
- On the third, the disease completely affects the nail, and it begins to break and exfoliate, the cuticle can become inflamed, and the fungus can also affect neighboring nails and even the skin.
The second and third stages can be noticed by themselves, it no longer requires special tests or diagnostics.
External signs
External signs of fungus can be called as follows:
- the nail becomes yellow or even brown;
- there are scratches or stains on the plate;
- the nail becomes loose and denser, but at the same time it quickly breaks and exfoliates.
Attention. In some cases, a person cannot comfortably wear closed shoes, suffering from pain and severe itching. Also, symptoms such as burning, stinging, inflamed lesions, dry skin, peeling around the nail, etc. can talk about the fungus.
Fungus treatment and remedies
Reference. More recently, nail fungus could only be cured with the help of surgery, when the entire nail plate was removed. However, in rare cases, such an operation was effective: a new nail could grow already infected.
If the nail damage is minor, doctors may prescribe special antifungal medications and ointments that should be applied to the affected area. Modern medicine offers improved transparent varnishes that help to cope with the disease in a short time. If the lesion is in the third stage, the patient may be prescribed an antibiotic in the form of tablets for oral use.
Folk methods and recipes
Many patients cope with this unpleasant disease with the help of traditional medicine. Below we will describe in detail the folk remedies that are used to combat foot fungus.
The vinegar
You can use 9% acetic acid or apple solution. Fungal pathogens do not like an acidic environment, and vinegar helps prevent harmful microorganisms from breeding.
It can be used as a bath or a compress, and it is better to treat not only the affected area, but the whole foot, shoes and clothes. Acetic therapy is not suitable for those who have wounds and cracks on the skin of the legs, as a strong burning sensation will occur during treatment. The simplest compress: 9% vinegar and water, in a ratio of 1 to 8.
vegetable juice
Lubricate the affected area with onion juice, it should be cool. You can also mix garlic juice with water and medical alcohol (1: 1: 1). Another medicinal vegetable is horseradish root, which must first be chopped with a meat grinder.
Essential oils
Another effective folk method is the use of various essential oils that can be added to foot baths, as well as applied directly to the nail plate. It can be essential oil of lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil and others.
How to quickly cure nail fungus
Certain plants can also help in the treatment of fungus. The effect of their use will quickly be noticeable.
Propolis
Propolis is an effective and fast-acting component in the treatment of nail fungus. At the same time, it not only helps get rid of harmful microorganisms, but also reduces discomfort, relieves burning and redness. The most effective way is to wet a cotton swab with a 20% solution and apply it directly to the nail plate itself, put a dry cotton ball on top and bandage your finger. The lotion should be used throughout the day, without removing it. After that, remove the softened nail. Repeat the procedure until complete recovery.
Celandine
In the summer, celandine will help to cope with the disease. With it, you can prepare a healthy mixture: five tablespoons of the plant are poured into 1. 5 liters of boiling water, after which the composition is boiled over low heat for ten minutes. Refrigerate the resulting drug and strain. Pour the celandine into a foot bath and soak in it for 15 minutes. The procedure should be repeated 2 times a day.
Prevention
- Never use other people's hygiene products, especially pedicure tools.
- Don't wear someone else's shoes.
- Use rubber slippers in places like the pool or sauna.
- Feet after a shower should be carefully wiped with a towel.
- Keep track of your immune system, weight, and blood sugar.
- Never use wet shoes.
- Socks, tights or stockings should be changed daily.
- Take care of your feet regularly.
Conclusion
Do not forget that in the early stages of the disease it is much easier to cure the fungus, so you need to monitor the condition of your nails. If you suspect nail fungus, you should immediately consult a doctor.