What to do if fungus gets on your nails? In this article we will learn about what toenail 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 very unsightly, it destroys the nail, changes its color and texture.
What is nail fungus?
First of all, this disease is infectious and transmitted from person to person. Settling on our nails, the virus destroys them. Nail fungus is also known as onychomycosis.
According to statistics, 10% of the population suffers from this virus and over the years this percentage has only increased. This is because people do not take any action when they detect a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are related to each other. They can be contagious and transmitted to each other. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, it will get worse over time.
The nail plate thickens, or worse, collapses. Nail fungus affects other aspects of our lives.
First of all, people are afraid to take off their shoes or clothes, for example on the beach, in the pool or in the shower. They fear judgment or ridicule from others and often receive comments. In addition, the patient constantly experiences psychological stress and physical discomfort.
Causes of fungal infections
- Because the disease is infectious, it can be transmitted in places with a large concentration of fungi such as beaches, public baths, saunas, water parks, swimming pools, and showers. In general, where bare feet or sharing shoes is required, use shared items, such as washcloths or towels. In general, crowded places are places that harbor many different types of viruses.
- Damage to the skin or nails leads to the development of fungal infections. Usually bacteria begin to multiply on the skin and then affect the nails.
- Excessive sweating creates a favorable environment for fungus to grow. The same effect will occur if you wear tight, uncomfortable shoes.
- Poor nutrition and consequent metabolic disorders. The body does not receive the necessary vitamins and essential substances, so in addition to metabolic disorders, the immune system is also weakened. And weakened immunity is a holiday for any virus. In addition, when consuming large amounts of sweets, the functioning of the endocrine system will be disrupted. And mushrooms take root more easily.
- This fungus can cause diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. In addition, a weakened immune system can be caused by taking antibiotics and the body can easily get infected.
How to treat toenail fungus
You can remove nail fungus at home. There are effective and old ways. But if the case is severe, don't skip seeing a doctor.
Treatment with vinegar
This is quite a popular remedy for treating our diseases. You need to take 1 part 9% vinegar and 8 parts water. If men have the disease, you can take 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. For men, the solution is more concentrated because their nails are thicker.
For the procedure, you need to thoroughly steam problem areas. Since fungal infections of the feet are often accompanied by fungi on the skin, it is necessary to remove the affected skin and nails. We dry all areas from water.
We dip problem areas into the prepared solution. The procedure should be performed 2 times a day for a week. As you can see, the results appear quite quickly.
There is another proven remedy; 70% vinegar is used for treatment. You need to take 1 teaspoon. vinegar, 1 tsp. vegetable oil, chicken eggs and dimethyl phthalate. Mix the ingredients and apply to the problem nail area. Next, 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.
Iodine treatment
Apply 5% tincture of iodine solution to the affected area 2 times a day. Apply one drop of the suggested solution. After a while, a burning sensation may occur in the nails. In such a situation, 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 truly amazing and helps fight many diseases. Just picking and crushing the leaves to release the juice is enough. Cover the affected nail after steaming.
Try to only apply it to your nails, contact with skin may cause burns. Wrap your head with a bag and bandage. Leave it overnight, the next morning remove the bandage and cut off the weak nail.
This area may be covered with asphalt and bandaged. After a while, the nails will recover and become strong.
Kombucha and Kalanchoe
This method is similar to the yellow mustache treatment method. You need to place the oxidized kombucha on the affected area and cover it with cellophane and bandage, then cut off the softened part the next morning. One procedure is enough if you start treatment on time, but if the fungal infection progresses, several procedures will be needed.
Instead of mushrooms, you can use Kalanchoe leaves, having first removed the lower layer so that the juice flows out. You can use Kalanchoe for compression. Stick a leaf of the plant to the affected nail with a plaster and change this compress once a day.
Tea tree oil
A great home treatment for nail fungus and fungal infections in general is tea tree oil. This is a unique tool, it is used in many fields. It will be useful to us now. It is necessary to apply oil to the affected area for a week.
Before applying the oil, the skin and nails must be steamed, preferably in water mixed with potassium permanganate and vinegar. After steaming, remove the part of the nail that has begun to peel off. When applying oil, massage your nails for 1-2 minutes.
Propolis
Use 20% propolis infusion purchased at the pharmacy and apply it to your nails once a day. A cotton ball soaked in propolis can be applied 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 to the affected nail. Store the solution in the refrigerator.
Treat fungus with celandine
You can simply lubricate the fungus on your nails with celandine juice 3 times a day for 3 months. Don't forget that this is a poisonous plant and you should not cover too large areas with juice.
You can also make an infusion for compresses. You will need 15 g of celandine, 30 g of lilac flowers, 45 g of oak bark, 30 g of pyrethrum flowers. Pour ingredients with 500 ml of water. The solution needs to soak for an hour. Next, apply compresses until the disease is cured.
Prevent fungal diseases
If you cure the fungus, the disease will not come back. It is very possible that you will be infected with this disease again, so you need to follow preventative measures.
Do not use other people's things and maintain personal hygiene. Never go barefoot in public, use flip-flops and your own towel. At the pharmacy you can buy a special spray and use it to treat your shoes and feet, it will protect you from infection.
Do not wear tight, uncomfortable shoes. It will cause foot and nail deformities. This can lead to excessive sweating. Therefore, I advise you to buy natural and high-quality shoes. If you don't want to spend money then I can say that good shoes will last you longer and you will even save money.
In addition to personal hygiene, take proper care of your fingernails and toenails. Avoid deformation and wound. Enhance immunity, control diet and prevent diseases that cause fungal infections.
Now that you know the causes of nail fungus and how to treat them, use them wisely and follow all recommendations. Do not develop fungus on your nails, react immediately to the first signs of its appearance.