Global statistics on fungal nail plate infection show disappointing figures.One in five people has nail damage and one in ten is a carrier of fungal bacteria and yeast.In common parlance, nail damage is simply called “fungus”;The scientific term for the disease is onychomycosis or dermatophytic onychomycosis.The treatment is carried out at home, without hospitalization.The infection is resistant to external influences, does not disappear for a long time, appears secondarily and gives rise to inflammatory foci.
Symptoms
All fungal diseases have different symptoms and signs of damage.Therefore, superficial onychomycosis makes itself felt immediately, after a short period of time after infection:
- The nail plate thickens.
- The plate breaks and becomes brittle from the edge to the cuticle.
- The configuration is distorted, the surface structure changes and becomes flaky.
- At the initial stage, the natural shine and elasticity of the nail plate is lost.
- Sometimes the nail turns black and cuts the skin.
- In advanced cases, intestinal damage occurs - dysbiosis.General loss of strength, decreased immunity, lethargy and drowsiness.
- An itchy sensation appears between the toes and is more pronounced in children.
- The last stage is onycholysis.The plate detaches from the nail bed.A slight unpleasant odor appears.
- The skin on the finger and around the nail cracks until blood or ichor appears and rashes appear.
- 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 occurs more often in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Constant visits to public sports complexes, swimming pools and saunas pose an increased risk of toenail fungal infection.There are many reasons that create a positive environment for the fungus:
- The "favorite habitat" of the fungus is humid and quite warm.The first source is your wet shoes.After walking, dry it immediately inside.The choice of socks plays an important role in prevention.They must be composed of more than 70% natural raw materials and, ideally, 100%.Only in this way can optimal access to air be guaranteed.
- Decreased general immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot and immediately contract a fungus.Prevention: drink vitamins, preferably complex ones containing minerals and amino acids.
- The pursuit of beauty: nail extensions.Frequent corrections and procedures contribute to the thinning of the nail plate, which means that the risk of disease increases.
- Public swimming pools, showers, baths and solariums are sources of active fungal spores.The defeat occurs instantly, and treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the gap between the nail and the fingers.At the initial stage, it simply "sleeps", and then an acute "seizure" begins.
How to treat onychomycosis
Please be patient immediately.The treatment is long.Also, be prepared to “break out”: the treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological medications:
- External.Prescribed at the initial stage of nail fungus 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 film of the medicine 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 in the form of lotions, ointments or creams.They are prescribed in combination with oral medications and act as a relapse preventative.
- Complex treatment without oral medications is not possible.Taking itraconazole tablets will help cure acute and advanced forms of fungal infection of the toenail plate.
- Surgical method.The fungus that has taken root in the plate is removed along with the nail.
- Modern physiotherapy: cryotherapy, acid disinfection, laser removal of the upper part of the plaque.The disadvantage is damage to the epithelium, but the elimination of the fungus is 100%.
Traditional methods to combat toenail fungus.
- Iodine.Its action as an antiseptic has been known for a long time.You should cover the plate and the skin between your fingers with the solution.Active spores burn out and the development of new foci stops.Remember, iodine dries out the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- Garlic.Grate the cloves on a fine grater until it forms a paste.Apply the liquid to the area affected by the fungus.Better at night.In the morning, rinse the area with an acid solution.Apply compresses until improvement appears.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do it twice a day.Lubricate the skin and plate.Make baths: 10 liters.water with a temperature of 30-32 C add 200 ml (glass) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method is good for eliminating unpleasant foot odor.
- Grape vinegar.200ml.9% vinegar, half a stick of butter, a raw egg.Mix, shake.Place the resulting suspension in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.Then use it for compresses.
- Fresh celandine juice.Cut a green bush and immediately burn the affected area with juice.The course is 7 days, then a 3-day break and repeat.Continue treatment until you get visible improvement results.
- Ground coffee.The natural antioxidant properties help cleanse the keratinized layers of the epithelium along with the fungus.
- Onion porridge.Grate the onion.Mix the porridge with a tablespoon of honey.Apply to the affected area, covering up to 5 cm.Let it act for an hour.A moderate injury can heal in a week.
- Recipe for children.Mix chalk and soda.Add a little water.Apply the mixture to the skin between your toes.A methyl blue (blue) solution helps a lot.This method is also suitable for pregnant or lactating women.
- Soap.Laundry soap is rubbed with shavings and a hot bath is taken.The legs are steamed, then dried and lubricated with blue.
- 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 your feet from hypothermia and burns.Damaged areas become fertile ground for fungal spores.
- If a family member has acquired a fungus, immediately disinfect the bedroom and bathroom floors.Provide everyone with slippers.Wear special shoe covers or flip flops when you shower.Do not use patient equipment.
- Daily mint and chamomile baths are an excellent prevention of any skin disease of the feet and nails.
- If one family member is sick, everyone should be examined by a doctor and undergo tests.