Toenail fungus is the most common and troublesome disease. Fungal infection of the feet and nails can not cause significant damage to health, but provokes a weakening of the immune system and unpleasant pain sensations.
Nail fungus is able to concentrate toxic toxins in the body, which multiply during the growth of pathogenic fungi, which leads to slow intoxication of the body, can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate chronic diseases. As a result, metabolic processes in the body are disrupted, immunity decreases, the general physical condition worsens, and sensitivity to various negative environmental influences increases.
From this article you will learn what fungal spores are, the causes of this unpleasant disease, symptoms and signs of damage, how to treat toenail fungus at home, what preventive measures to follow to avoid infection.
Why does fungal mycosis appear on toenails?
The appearance of a fungal infection can provoke:
- Wounds on the feet in the form of cracks and abrasions, which can be the result of a pedicure or wearing tight uncomfortable shoes;
- corns and calluses on the feet;
- poor irregular foot care;
- decreased immunity;
- Long-term use of antibiotics and drugs with a similar effect on the body during treatment;
- excessive sweating of the foot;
Reduced immunity and protective functions of the body can provoke a fungal disease, but are not the main factor in the onset of the disease.
First, an infection occurs:
- household way from contact with a sick person, most often a close relative, through common slippers or shoes, through household items - washcloths, sponges, rugs;
- in sauna, bath, swimming pool and on the beach. A large crowd and a humid environment contribute to the spread of fungal diseases;
- wherever people walk without shoes. The spores of the fungus can withstand sudden changes in temperature from low to very high and remain in the sand, on the surfaces of sidewalks, on the upper surfaces of the pool for a long time;
- when wearing someone else's shoes, in which pathogenic viral microflora can live and multiply;
- wearing stockings or socks made of synthetic materials that do not let air through creates a favorable microclimate for infection with a fungus;
- constant wearing of false nails makes it impossible for the nail plate to breathe, which also contributes to infection with mycosis;
Symptoms of fungal infection of nails and feet
- dryness, itching, redness and peeling of the feet;
- the appearance of small itchy blisters on the sole and between the toes, the formation of corns is possible;
- the appearance of diaper rash on the legs due to increased sweating;
- Changing the shape and color of the nail. The spores of the fungus penetrate the nail plate and gradually take root in it. The structure of the nail becomes heterogeneous, brittle, with an uneven surface. In places of defeat appear light or yellow spots and voids under them;
- under the influence of toxic toxins produced by fungal spores, the legs sweat profusely, a sharp unpleasant odor appears;
- Possible increase in body temperature.
If there are cracks, itching, diaper rash, an unpleasant odor on the feet, a change in the shape of the nail and the appearance of white or yellow spots on its surface and cavities under it, there is a direct reason to contact a dermatologist for a detailed oneConsultation and a treatment regimen. The dermatologist will tell you everything about how to treat nail fungus at home and will prescribe the appropriate medication for each case, as well as give advice on the use of traditional medicine.
The symptoms of the disease and the nature of the lesion depend on the type of mycotic fungus:
- Type of mycosis - vesicular, begins to affect the lower part of the foot, is characterized by the appearance of small vesicles and bubbles filled with liquid and additional attachment of bacteria - pathogens;
- Type of mycosis - cutaneous, characterized by the appearance of small rashes of a red rash on the skin between the toes and the appearance of painful cracks;
- Type of mycosis - moccasin-like, in which mycosis affects the skin of the foot, starting from the heel and ending with the toes. The lesion is accompanied by painful sensations, the skin of the foot thickens, cracks and itching appear.
Most often, fungal spores get from the sole of the foot to the nail plates, the fungus roots and grows in the nail, affecting it. A fungal infection has a negative effect on the entire body, inhibiting its functions and can provoke allergic reactions.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home: antifungal preparations
The most effective home treatment for toenail fungus is a complex combination of special antifungal drugs and folk remedies. First we will talk about what drugs are used in the treatment of toenail fungus, later about folk methods.
Medicines must be used strictly according to the instructions and constantly and accurately dosed. For the treatment of mycoses, there are special antimycotics in the required dosage. In advanced cases and extensive lesions, the fungus can be eliminated in several stages, with some temporary pause between treatment cycles.
It is possible to cure a fungus with a medicinal method with the help of inexpensive and very effective drugs. Antifungal agents are available in the form of ointment, gel and varnish, which must be applied to the surface of the nail several times a day. The spores of the fungus are very resistant to various influences. To completely get rid of him, you need to periodically change the drug treatment regimen, alternating between drugs and traditional medicine.
Treatment of toenail fungus with folk remedies at home
Treating toenail fungus with folk remedies at home is regular treatment of fungal areas with special natural remedies. It is known that mycoses are afraid of acid, and the treatment of the fungus with the help of nature is based on this fact. The most effective natural remedies are vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, propolis, baking soda, iodine, garlic, kombucha. These are just the means that negatively affect the pathogenic flora of the fungus and can cope with it.
Treating toenail fungus with vinegar
Vinegar treatment is performed using lotions with a specially prepared composition of vinegar, alcohol and glycerin. The proportions of the ratio of the components are taken in the appropriate amounts -2/2/1. A piece of cotton or a cotton pad soaked in a solution is applied to the nail plate affected by the fungus and held for a certain time, then the feet need to be dried with a clean towel or napkin, and only after a while the feet are rinsed with warm water. Lotions should be applied from two weeks to a month depending on the complexity of the lesion. In the course of such treatment, the infected nail begins to peel off and gradually disappears, and a new healthy nail grows in its place.
Important! In order to avoid burning the skin around the diseased nail, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with vegetable oil before applying the lotion.
Treating nail fungus with baking soda
Treatment with baking soda is done in the same way as with vinegar. To do this, you need to prepare a cool solution of baking soda, soak a cotton pad in it and put it on the affected nail for a while, then remove the slice and thoroughly wipe the nail with a dry towel.
Hydrogen peroxide against nail fungus
Treatment with hydrogen peroxide is carried out as follows: peroxide must be poured into the voids under the nail platinum, where the fungus has taken root. The aggressive and disinfecting environment of peroxide perfectly destroys fungal spores and helps to quickly get rid of the disease.
iodine
A good effect is shown by iodine treatment, which must be applied to the nail plate several times a day, and fungal cavities should also be treated with iodine.
propolis
When treating fungi with propolis, compresses made from propolis tincture and alcohol help well. Compresses must be applied daily and kept for a certain time, then rinse the feet with warm water. Such treatment should be carried out until a positive result occurs and the nail is renewed.
Other folk methods in the treatment of nail fungus
- Another effective but somewhat complicated recipe involves applying a mixture of one teaspoon of methyl phthalate, one tablespoon of vinegar, one teaspoon of vegetable oil and two raw eggs to the affected area. Mix all components thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to use. Apply a compress of the mixture to the nail, wrap the finger with plastic wrap and put a wool sock over it. Hold for at least thirty minutes.
- As a homeopathic remedy, a living organism, kombucha, helps well. Place a piece of kombucha on the affected nail and cover that area with plastic wrap for the whole night. Kombucha has an acidic environment and does well with fungal spores.
- A good result is obtained with daily treatment of the affected surface with finely grated garlic. Garlic juice is a natural disinfectant and works great against fungal spores.
Treating toenail fungus at home should be done regularly and methodically. If a microscopic amount of spores remain under the nail, the fungus starts growing again and the whole treatment has to start over.
In order to avoid infection with a fungus of the nail plate and skin of the feet, you need to follow the preventive measures, which we will talk about later.
disease prevention
- In order to avoid primary or reinfection with mycoses, it is necessary to regularly and thoroughly prepare all manicure tools and accessories. If the manicure or pedicure takes place in a beauty salon, make sure that the master does not use tools that have not been processed according to someone else.
- Clean your shoes regularly with disinfectants such as vinegar or formalin. To get the best therapeutic effect when disinfecting shoes, mix these products well together and carry out the treatment.
- From time to time, disinfect common household and household items by boiling them in a soapy solution. A combination of water, detergent and a little baking soda works best as a solution;
- Bathing, sauna and pool visit only in special rubber slippers or flip-flops.
- Have individual bathroom accessories - washcloth, sponge and towel.
- Regularly observe foot hygiene with the help of water procedures. Do foot baths as often as possible with warm water, to which it is good to add a crystal of potassium permanganate or a teaspoon of baking soda as a disinfectant.
- Do not try on, let alone wear, someone else's shoes as they are considered the best vectors of fungal diseases.
Successful treatment of toenail fungus at home is possible only if all the recommendations of a dermatologist are followed, the treatment regimen and use of drugs are strictly observed, the cleanliness of the lesions is carefully observed, and all the necessary disinfection procedures are regularly carried out. It is imperative to take preventive measures and be patient as nail fungus is an insidious and stubborn disease.