World statistics on nail plate infection with fungi provide disappointing figures.One in five people have damaged nails and one in ten carry yeast-like fungal bacteria.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.Thus, superficial onychomycosis makes itself felt immediately, shortly after infection:
- The nail plate thickens.
- The plate becomes torn and fragile from the edge to the cuticle.
- The configuration is distorted, the structure of the surface changes - it becomes scaly.
- At the initial stage, the natural shine and elasticity of the nail plate are 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 itching sensation appears between the toes and is more pronounced in children.
- The final stage is onycholysis.The plate comes off the nail bed.A slight unpleasant odor appears.
- The skin on the finger and around the nail cracks until there is blood or ichor, 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.
Oddly enough, this fungal infection most often occurs in people leading healthy lifestyles.Constant visits to public sports complexes, 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 mushroom's "preferred habitat" is humid and quite warm.The first source is your wet shoes.After any walking, immediately dry it indoors.The choice of socks plays an important role in prevention.They must be composed of more than 70% natural raw materials, and ideally 100%.This is the only way to guarantee optimal access to air.
- Decreased general immunity.Just walk barefoot and immediately pick up a mushroom.Prevention - drink vitamins, preferably complexes containing minerals and amino acids.
- The quest for beauty - nail extensions.Frequent corrections and procedures contribute to the thinning of the nail plate, which means they increase the risk of disease.
- Public swimming pools, showers, baths, solariums are all sources of active fungal spores.The defeat occurs instantly, and treatment takes a long time.The spores penetrate deep into the epithelium of the hollow between the nail and the fingers.At the initial stage, it is enough to “sleep”, and then an acute “attack” begins.
How to treat onychomycosis
Be patient right away.The treatment is long.Also be prepared to “pay out of pocket” – treatment is expensive.
- Pharmacological drugs:
- External.Prescribed at the initial stage of fungal nail infection.These are drops, varnishes or oils containing antifungal ingredients.The most popular drops are Ciclopirox drops.Apply to the affected nail once a day.Subsequent application: the old drug film is first 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 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 preventative against relapses.
- 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 plaque is removed with the nail.
- Modern physiotherapy: cryotherapy, acid disinfection, laser ablation of the upper part of the plaque.The disadvantage is damage to the epithelium, but the elimination of the fungus is 100%.
Traditional methods of combating toenail fungus
- Iodine.Its antiseptic action has been known for a long time.You need to coat the plaque and the skin between your fingers with the solution.The active spores are burned and the development of new foci is stopped.Remember that iodine dries the epithelium and nail plate.Take breaks between treatments.
- Garlic.Grate the cloves on a fine grater to make 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 appears.
- Rub with apple cider vinegar.Do it twice a day.Lubricate the skin and plaque.Make baths: 10 liters.water at a temperature of 30-32 C, add 200 ml (glass) of vinegar.Hold for 10 minutes.This method is effective in eliminating unpleasant foot odors.
- Grape vinegar.200ml.9% vinegar, half a stick of butter, a raw egg.Mix, shake.Place the resulting suspension in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours.Then use for compresses.
- Fresh celandine juice.Cut a green bush and immediately burn the affected area with juice.The course lasts 7 days, then a break of 3 days and repeat.Continue treatment until improvement results are visible.
- Coffee grounds.The natural antioxidant properties help cleanse the keratinized layers of the epithelium as well as fungi.
- Onion porridge.Grate the onion.Mix the porridge with a spoon of honey.Apply to the affected area covering up to 5 cm.Leave for an hour.A moderate lesion can be healed within a week.
- Recipe for children.Mix chalk and soda.Add 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 prepared.The legs are steamed, then wiped dry 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 on your feet from hypothermia and burns.Damaged areas become a breeding ground for fungal spores.
- If a family member has contracted a fungus, disinfect bedroom and bathroom floors immediately.Provide everyone with slippers.Wear special shoe covers or flip flops when taking a shower.Do not use patient equipment.
- Daily baths with mint and chamomile are an excellent prevention of any skin diseases of the feet and nails.
- If anyone in the family is sick, everyone should be seen by a doctor and undergo testing.