"Bad nail condition" most often has an infectious, "fungal" nature.Doctors call this collective disease, which has a long list of names and surnames of parasitic fungi, onychomycosis.This pathology has become more common in recent years.And everyone can "catch" nail fungus as many times as they want.Therefore, if you notice "oddities" in the appearance of your nails, do not leave the solution to this problem for later.In the early stages of the development of toenail fungus, the simplest procedures can save you.And advanced forms will require a serious mobilization of all our resources, including material ones.
Causes and prevention of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Where does toenail fungus come from and how to get rid of it?– Of course, it's worth asking this question before the problem becomes obvious.For example, don't go barefoot in public bathrooms, swimming pools, or even beaches.Whatever may be said about the benefits of a "foot massage" as a result of a joyous run on the sand, remember that, in addition to you, millions of little fungi that sleep and see your feet as a safe haven will also be happy about this massage run.
But not only walking barefoot or wearing other people's shoes can cause foot fungus, but also your own tight, uncomfortable shoes that make your feet sweat.Therefore, when choosing shoes (especially summer ones), give preference to natural materials, comfort and ventilation.
Anyone can get toenail fungus.And you don't understand where exactly.For example, it's not a good idea to get a pedicure or try on slippers for "guests".
Symptoms of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Fungus (mycosis) of the foot is a lesion of the skin and nails that can develop as a result of infection with fungal bacteria.The parasite that causes athlete's foot most often attacks the skin of the interdigital folds on the feet.The first symptom of foot fungus is severe itching (usually between the toes), then the skin turns red and becomes very dry, the nail plate turns yellow and becomes rough.In the case of toenail fungus, in addition to the change in color and deformation of the nail, the nail bed also suffers, the phalanx of the finger swells, hurts, and sometimes weepy wounds appear.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a danger signal
It would be nice if you went to a specialist and no one knows what you are doing with the treatment.Here it is worth remembering that often a persistent course of mycosis on the legs accompanies such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
Treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Fungus on the feet is treated by a dermatologist who prescribes systemic and local antifungal drugs.
Fungi are those rare organisms that have survived almost all disasters on this planet.
Let it be known that until recently, the treatment of advanced forms of fungal nail infection consisted of... removing the nail plate.However, it was not a radical solution to the problem, because the young nail grows back affected - sometimes the fungus certainly settles on the nail growth zone.
However, let's not rush to conclusions.Fungi are still living microorganisms.And, despite the fact that the access of drugs to diseased tissues is quite complicated, the pharmaceutical market is full of offers of help.
In general, all drugs against nail fungus can be divided into two large groups - for internal use (tablets, capsules, etc.) and for external use (lacquers, ointments, pastes, etc.).
The issue appears to be resolved and requires no further recommendations.If your nail turns yellow, you run to the pharmacy, buy the medicine you saw in the advertisement that night and that's the end of it.Just in this line, I would like to remember another banal truth - the disease is not local.Whatever happens to us, the whole body is sick.
Of course, early changes in the nail plate can be treated locally with various types of antiseptics.Within reasonable limits, all remedies are good here - baths with a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, poultices with 10% alcohol solution of iodine, with finely grated onion, etc.
It would be appropriate to recall tea tree oil, which has unique antimicrobial properties.However, check the individual sensitivity of all essential oils!If there are no restrictions on this side, then tea tree oil wraps could be quite sufficient.
Another wonderful home remedy for toenail fungus is wild parsley tincture.which is capable of penetrating to a sufficient depth into the affected tissue, which is necessary in our case.Unfortunately, you can't buy it in pharmacies.Therefore, if possible, prepare this herb yourself.It needs to be crushed and firmly pressed into a glass container.Fill with vodka to the top and leave for 5-7 days in a warm and dark place.Soak a cotton swab in this tincture, apply it to the painful area, covering it with a piece of cellophane, a cotton swab dipped in the tincture, and plastic film.Wrap this structure on the affected area, for example, overnight (if it is not possible to do it at another time).Of course, you can't do it with just one procedure, but the effect is simply amazing!
At any stage of toenail fungus, take vitamins (not only pharmaceutical ones, but also natural ones!).They strengthen the immune system, which means that they help fight against onychomycosis.
Nail fungus is dangerous!
In the initial stages of toenail fungus, our immune system is able to fight the infection at the site of its invasion.But it happens that the forces are unequal!And then not a single "known" grease can deal with the problem alone.The fungi release toxins, which our lymph flow successfully distributes far beyond the visible lesion.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay a visit to the doctor!Especially after unsuccessfully trying to get rid of foot fungus yourself.This is a signal that treatment should be comprehensive, including specific antifungal agents and drugs that regulate the functions of the immune system.Not counting the treatment of primary diseases, if any.
Prevention of fungal diseases of the feet consists in maintaining personal hygiene (especially in public places - in the pool, on the beach), as well as in wearing comfortable shoes made of natural materials and regular ventilation.