Global statistics on fungal infections of the toenail plate provide disappointing figures.One in five people has nail damage and one in ten people is a carrier of yeast bacteria.In common parlance, nail damage is simply called “fungus”;The scientific term for the disease is onychomycosis or dermatophytic onychomycosis.Treatment takes place at home, without hospitalization.The infection is resistant to external influences, does not disappear for a long time, occurs secondary and leads to the development of foci of inflammation.
Symptoms
All fungal diseases have different symptoms and signs of damage.Superficial onychomycosis becomes noticeable shortly after infection:
- The nail plate becomes thicker.
- The plate becomes cracked and brittle from the edge to the cuticle.
- The configuration is distorted, the structure of the surface changes - it becomes flaky.
- In the initial stages, the natural shine and elasticity of the nail plate are lost.
- Sometimes the nail turns black and cuts into the skin.
- In advanced cases, intestinal damage occurs – dysbiosis.General loss of strength, reduced immunity, lethargy and sleepiness.
- Itching occurs between the toes and is most severe in children.
- The final stage is onycholysis.The plate separates from the nail bed.A faint unpleasant odor is created.
- The skin on the finger and around the nail tears until blood or discharge forms and a rash occurs.
- Depending on the type of fungus, an unpleasant circle of white or yellow mold forms under the nail.The brightness depends on the degree of damage: from weak to bright.
Oddly enough, however, this fungal infection most often occurs in people who lead a healthy lifestyle.Constant visits to public sports facilities, swimming pools and saunas pose an increased risk of infection with toenail fungus.There are many reasons that create a positive environment for the fungus:
- The fungus's “favorite habitat” is moist and fairly warm.The first source is your wet shoes.Dry the inside immediately after every walk.The choice of socks plays an important role in prevention.They should consist of more than 70% natural raw materials, ideally 100%.This is the only way to ensure optimal air access.
- Decreased general immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot and immediately catch a fungus.Prevention: Drink vitamins, preferably complex ones that contain minerals and amino acids.
- The pursuit of beauty – nail extensions.Frequent corrections and procedures contribute to the thinning of the nail plate and therefore increase the risk of disease.
- Public swimming pools, showers, baths and solariums are sources of active fungal spores.The defeat occurs immediately and treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the cavities between the nail and fingers.In the early stages, just “sleep” and then a violent “attack” begins.
How to treat onychomycosis?
Be patient right away.The treatment is long.Also, be prepared to “spend” – the treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological drugs:
- External.Prescribed in the initial stages of a fungal nail infection.These are drops, varnishes or oils with antifungal ingredients.The most popular are Ciclopirox drops.Apply to the affected nail once daily.Subsequent application: First, the old film of the drug is removed, 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 use.
- Urea-based compounds.Available in the form of lotions, ointments or creams.They are prescribed in combination with oral medications and act as relapse preventers.
- Complex treatment without oral medications is not possible.Taking itraconazole tablets helps to cure acute, advanced forms of fungal infection of the toenail plate.
- Surgical method.The fungus that has settled 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 damage to the epithelium, but the removal of the fungus is 100%.
Traditional methods to combat toenail fungus
- Iodine.Its antiseptic effects have 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 out and the development of new foci is stopped.Remember that iodine dries out the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- Garlic.Grate the clove on a fine grater to form 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 compresses until improvement occurs.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do it twice a day.Grease skin and plate.Making baths: 10 liters.Water at a temperature of 30-32 ° C, add 200 ml (glass) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method can be used to eliminate unpleasant foot odor.
- grape vinegar.200 ml. Vinegar 9%, half a piece of butter, a raw egg.Mix, shake.Place the resulting suspension in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.Then use for compresses.
- Fresh celandine juice.Cut off a green bush and immediately burn the affected area with juice.The course lasts 7 days, then a break of 3 days and repetition.Continue treatment until visible improvement occurs.
- coffee grounds.Natural antioxidant properties help clean the keratinized epithelial layers along with the fungus.
- Onion porridge.Grate the onion.Mix the porridge with a spoonful of honey.Apply to the affected area, covering up to 5 cm.Leave on for an hour.A moderate lesion can be healed in a week.
- Recipe for children.Mix chalk and soda.Add some water.Apply the mixture to the skin between your toes.A solution of methyl blue (blue) helps a lot.This method is also suitable for breastfeeding or pregnant women.
- Soap.Laundry soap is rubbed with shavings and a hot bath is made.The legs are steamed, then wiped dry and smeared with blue.
- Military prescriptionSalidol.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 someone in the family has a fungal infection, immediately disinfect the floors in the rooms and bathroom.Provide everyone with slippers.Wear special overshoes or flip-flops when showering.Do not use the patient's equipment.
- Daily baths with mint and chamomile are an excellent prevention of skin diseases of the feet and nails.
- If a person in the family is sick, everyone needs to be examined by a doctor and have tests done.