What to do if the fungus has settled on your nails? In this article, we will learn what nail fungus is and how to treat it. And, of course, let's talk about prevention. Everyone wants to see their nails well-groomed, neat and healthy.
But the fungus looks useless, destroys the nail, changes its color and texture.
What is nail fungus?
First of all, this disease is contagious and spreads from person to person. The virus that resides in our nails destroys them. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.
According to statistics, 10% of the population has this virus, and over the years this percentage only increases. This is due to the fact that people do not take any measures when they discover a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are related to each other. They can spread and overlap. If the disease is not treated for a long time, it worsens over time.
The nail plate thickens or worsens. Nail fungus affects other areas of our lives.
First of all, people are afraid to take off their shoes or undress, for example, at the beach, pool or bath. They fear judgment or ridicule from others and often receive comments. In addition, patients constantly experience psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes of fungal infection
- Since the disease is contagious, it can be contracted in places where there is a lot of fungi, such as beaches, baths, saunas, water parks, swimming pools, showers. In general, use shared items such as washcloths and towels where you must walk barefoot or in shared shoes. In general, places with a lot of people are guardians of various viruses.
- Damage to the skin or the nail itself leads to the development of a fungal infection. Often, bacteria begin to multiply on the skin and then affect the nail.
- Excessive sweating creates an excellent environment for the growth of fungi. The same effect will occur if you wear uncomfortable, tight shoes.
- Poor nutrition and resulting metabolic disorders. The body does not receive part of the vitamins and essential substances it needs, therefore, along with metabolic disorders, the immune system weakens. Weakened immunity is a feast for any virus. In addition, when consuming a large amount of sweets, the activity of the endocrine system is disturbed. And the mushroom takes root more easily.
- The fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. In addition, a weakened immune system can lead to taking antibiotics, and the body can easily catch any infection.
How to treat nail fungus
You can get rid of nail fungus at home. There are effective and old methods. But if the condition progresses, do not neglect to go to the doctor.
Treatment with vinegar
This is a fairly common remedy for treating our disease. You need to take 1 part of 9% vinegar and 8 parts of water, if the man is suffering from illness, you can take 4 parts of water for 1 part of vinegar. For men, because their nails are thicker, the solution is more concentrated.
For the procedure, it is necessary to thoroughly steam the problem areas. Since fungal infections of the feet are often accompanied by fungus on the skin, it is necessary to cut off the steamed skin and the affected part of the nail. We wipe all places with water from the dryer.
We soak the problem areas in the prepared solution. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day for a week. As you can see, the result is visible quite quickly.
There is another proven remedy, for which 70% vinegar is used. You need to take 1 tsp. vinegar, 1 teaspoon. vegetable oil, chicken egg and dimethyl phthalate. Mix the ingredients and apply to the problem area of the nail. Then, wrap the area with film and put on socks. The procedure can be performed up to 4 times a day. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Treatment with iodine
Apply a 5% alcohol solution of iodine to the affected areas 2 times a day. Apply one drop of the suggested solution. After some time, a burning sensation may appear on the nails. In such a case, it is necessary to stop the procedure or apply one drop per day or less often.
Golden mustache
I even have a book about this plant at home. It is really amazing and helps against many diseases. It is enough to take the leaf and crush it to release the juice. After steaming, wrap the affected nail.
Try to apply it only on the nail, if it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause burning. Wrap the top with a bag and bandage. Leave it overnight and in the morning remove the bandage and trim the limp nail.
The area can be covered with tar and bandaged. Over time, the nail will be restored, strong and healthy.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to golden mustache treatment. It is necessary to put peroxided kombucha on the affected area, as well as wrap it with cellophane and a bandage and cut off the softened part in the morning. If you start the treatment in time, one procedure will be enough, but if the fungal infection has progressed, several procedures will be needed.
Instead of a mushroom, you can use a Kalanchoe leaf after first removing the lower bark to extract the juice. You can use Kalanchoe to make a compress. Attach a leaf of the plant to the affected nail with plaster and change this compress once a day.
Tea tree oil
A great home remedy for nail fungus and fungal infections in general is tea tree oil. This is a unique tool, it is used in many areas. Now it will be useful for us. The affected areas should be rubbed with oil for a week.
Before applying the oil, you need to steam the skin and nails, preferably add potassium permanganate and vinegar to the water. After steaming, remove the peeling part of the nail. While applying oil, massage your nail for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Compress the nail once a day using a 20% propolis infusion purchased at the pharmacy. Cotton wool soaked in propolis can be attached with a bandage. Soon the diseased nail will be replaced by a healthy nail.
Onion juice and honey
Mix the ingredients in equal proportions and apply on the affected nail. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Treatment of fungi with celandine
You can lubricate the fungus on the nail with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Remember that this is a poisonous plant and very large areas should not be covered with its juice.
You can also make a kind of infusion for compresses. You need 15 g of celandine, 30 g of lilac flowers, 45 g of oak bark, 30 g of calendula. Pour the ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution should be brewed for an hour. Then, apply compresses until the disease disappears.
Prevention of fungal diseases
If you treat the fungus, the disease will not return. You are more likely to get re-infected, so you should take preventive measures.
Do not use other people's things and maintain personal hygiene. Never walk barefoot in public, use your own flip flops and towel. You can buy a special spray at the pharmacy and treat your shoes and feet with it, it will protect you from infection.
Do not wear tight, uncomfortable shoes. It will cause deformation of feet and nails. This can cause excessive sweating. Therefore, I recommend buying natural and quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money, then I can say that a good shoe will serve you better and even save you money.
Along with personal hygiene, take proper care of your nails and toenails. Avoid deformation and wounds. Strengthen your immunity, control your diet and watch out for diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now that you know the causes and how to treat nail fungus, use them wisely and follow all the recommendations. Do not develop a fungus on your nails, react immediately to the first signs of its appearance.