"Bad nail condition" often has an infectious, "fungal" nature.Doctors call this collective disease, which has a long list of names and family names of parasitic fungi, onychomycosis.This pathology has become increasingly common in recent years.And anyone can "catch" nail fungus as much as they want.Therefore, if you see "strangeness" 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 procedure can save you.And the advanced form will require a serious deployment 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 is worth asking this question before the problem becomes clear.For example, don't go barefoot in public baths, swimming pools or beaches.Whatever is said about the benefits of "foot massage" as a result of carefree running on the sand, you should remember that, besides you, millions of little fungi that sleep and see your feet as a safe place will also be happy with this massage run.
But not only walking barefoot or wearing other people's shoes can trigger the appearance of fungus on the feet, but also your own tight and uncomfortable shoes, where your feet sweat.Therefore, when choosing shoes (especially summer), 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 go get a pedicure or try on "guest" slippers.
Symptoms of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Fungus (mycosis) of the feet is a lesion on the skin and nails that can develop as a result of a fungal bacterial infection.Parasites that cause athlete's foot most often attack 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.With toenail fungus, in addition to discoloration and deformation of the nail, the nail bed also suffers, the phalanx of the finger swells, hurts, and sometimes even weeping wounds appear.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a danger signal
It's good to go to a specialist and not have to deal with treatment for who knows.Here it should be remembered that often the persistent course of mycoses on the feet accompanies serious diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
Treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Foot fungus is treated by a dermatologist who prescribes systemic and local antifungal drugs.
Mushrooms are rare organisms that have survived almost all disasters on the planet.
Let it be known that until recently, the treatment of advanced forms of fungal nail infection consisted of... removing the nail plate.However, this is not a radical solution to the problem, because young nails grow back affected - sometimes the fungus settles safely in the nail growth zone.
However, let's not rush to conclusions.Fungi are still living microorganisms.And, despite the fact that drug access to diseased tissue 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 (varnishes, ointments, pastes, etc.).
It appears that the issue has been resolved and does not require further recommendations.If your nails turn yellow, run to the pharmacy, buy the medicine you saw in the ad that evening, and that's the end of it.Just in this line I want to remember another superficial truth - the disease is not local.No matter what happens to us, the whole body hurts.
Of course, early changes in the nail plate can be treated locally using various types of antiseptics.Within reasonable limits, all medicines are good here - baths of decoction of celandine or strong sea salt, compresses with 10% alcohol solution of iodine, with finely grated onion, etc.
It is worth remembering tea tree oil, which has unique antimicrobial properties.However, check all essential oils for individual sensitivities!If there is no restriction on this side, then compressing with tea tree oil may be sufficient.
Another wonderful folk remedy for toenail fungus is tincture of wild parsley.which is able to penetrate to a sufficient depth into the affected tissue, which is necessary in our case.Unfortunately, you can't buy it at the pharmacy.Therefore, if possible, prepare this plant yourself.It should be crushed and compacted tightly into a glass container.Fill with vodka to the top and leave for 5-7 days in a warm, dark place.Soak a cotton swab in this tincture, apply it to the sore spot, cover it with a piece of cellophane cotton swab dipped in the tincture, and wrap it in plastic.Wrap this structure on the affected area, for example, overnight (if it is not possible to do this at another time).Of course, you can't do it with just one procedure, but the effect is amazing!
At any stage of toenail fungus, take vitamins (not only pharmacy, but also natural!).They strengthen the immune system, which means they help fight onychomycosis.
Toenail fungus is dangerous!
In the early stages of toenail fungus, our immune system is able to fight the infection at the site of its invasion.But it happens that power is not equal!And then not a single "famous" ointment can cope with the problem alone.The fungus releases toxins, which our lymph flow manages to distribute far beyond the visible wound.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay visiting your doctor!Especially after unsuccessful attempts to get rid of toenail fungus on your own.This is a signal that treatment should be comprehensive, including both antifungal agents and certain drugs that control the function of the immune system.Does not count the treatment of the main disease, if any.
Prevention of foot fungus disease consists in maintaining personal hygiene (especially in public places - in the swimming pool, on the beach), as well as wearing comfortable shoes made of natural materials and regularly airing them.