World statistics on infections of the toenail plate with fungus give disappointing figures.Every fifth person has nail damage, and every tenth person is a carrier of yeast fungus bacteria.In common parlance, nail damage is simply called "fungus";The scientific term for this disease is onychomycosis or dermatophytic onychomycosis.Treatment is carried out at home, without hospitalization.This infection is resistant to external influences, does not disappear for a long time, appears secondarily, and creates a focus of inflammation.
symptoms
All fungal diseases have different symptoms and signs of damage.Therefore, superficial onychomycosis immediately makes itself felt, after a short period after infection:
- The nail plate thickens.
- The plate becomes torn and brittle from the edge to the cuticle.
- The configuration is distorted, the surface structure changes - it becomes scaly.
- In the early stages, the natural shine and elasticity of the nail plate is lost.
- Sometimes the nails turn black and cut into the skin.
- In advanced cases, intestinal damage occurs - dysbiosis.General loss of strength, decreased immunity, lethargy and sleepiness.
- Itchiness appears between the toes and is most noticeable in children.
- The final stage is onycholysis.The plate is peeling from the nail bed.An unpleasant faint smell appears.
- The skin on the fingers and around the nails crack until there is blood or ichor, and there is a rash.
- Depending on the type of fungus, an unpleasant circle of white or yellow mold appears under the nail.Brightness depends on the level of damage: from dim to bright.
Oddly enough, but this fungal infection occurs most often in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Constant visits to public sports complexes, swimming pools and saunas increase the risk of toenail fungus infection.There are many reasons that create a positive environment for fungi:
- The "favorite habitat" of the fungus is moist and relatively warm.The first source is your wet shoes.After anything goes, immediately dry it inside.The selection of socks plays an important role in prevention.They should consist of more than 70% natural raw materials, and ideally - 100%.This is the only way to ensure optimal air access.
- Decreased general immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot and immediately take the fungus.Prevention - drink vitamins, preferably a complex containing minerals and amino acids.
- Pursuing beauty - nail extensions.Frequent corrections and procedures contribute to the thinning of the nail plate, which means it increases the risk of disease.
- Public swimming pools, showers, baths, solariums are all sources of active fungal spores.Defeat occurs immediately, and treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the cavity between the nails and fingers.At the initial stage, just "sleep", and then start sharp "seizures".
How to treat onychomycosis
Be patient immediately.The treatment is long.Also, be prepared to "stop" - treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological drugs:
- External.Prescribed in the early stages of nail fungus infection.These are drops, varnishes or oils with antifungal ingredients.The most popular is Ciclopirox drops.Apply to the affected nail once a day.Next application: first the old drug film is removed, then the new one is used.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 lotion, ointment or cream form.They are prescribed in combination with oral drugs and act as relapse prevention.
- Complex treatment without oral medication 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 plate.The disadvantage is the damage to the epithelium, but the removal of the fungus is 100%.
Traditional methods of combating toenail fungus
- Iodine.Its action as an antiseptic has been known for a long time.You need to coat the plate and the skin between your fingers with the solution.Active spores are burned, and the development of new foci is stopped.Remember, iodine dries the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- Garlic.Grate cloves on a fine grater into a paste.Apply the liquid to the area affected by the fungus.Better for the night.In the morning, rinse the area with an acidic solution.Apply the compress until improvement appears.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do it twice a day.Lubricates skin and plates.Make a bath: 10 liters.water with a temperature of 30-32 C plus 200 ml (glass) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method is great for getting rid of unpleasant foot odor.
- Grape vinegar.200 ml.9% vinegar, half a stick of butter, one raw egg.Mix, shake.Put the resulting suspension in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.Then use it to compress.
- Fresh celandine juice.Cut the green bushes and immediately burn the affected area with the juice.The course is 7 days, then rest 3 days and repeat.Continue the treatment until you can see the improvement.
- coffee powder.The natural antioxidant properties help clean the keratin layer of the epithelium along with the fungus.
- Onion porridge.Grate onion.Mix porridge with a spoonful of honey.Apply to the affected area, covering up to 5 cm.Leave for an hour.Moderate lesions can heal within a week.
- Recipes for children.Mix lime and soda.Add some water.Apply the mixture to the skin between your toes.Methyl blue solution (blue) helps a lot.This method is also suitable for breastfeeding or pregnant mothers.
- soap.Wash soap is applied with a razor and a hot bath is made.The legs are steamed, then wiped dry and smeared 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.
Steps to prevent onychomycosis
- Protect the skin of your feet from hypothermia and burns.Damaged areas become fertile ground for fungal spores.
- If someone in the family has acquired fungus, immediately disinfect the floor in the room and bathroom.Prepare everyone with slippers.Wear special shoe covers or slippers when bathing.Do not use patient equipment.
- A daily bath of mint and chamomile is an excellent prevention for any skin disease on the feet and nails.
- If one person in the family is sick, everyone should be examined by a doctor and undergo tests.