"Poor condition of the nails" most often has an infectious, "fungal" nature.Doctors call this collective disease, which has a long list of names and families of parasitic fungi, onychomycosis.In recent years, this pathology is occurring more and more often.And everyone can "catch" nail fungus as many times as they want.Therefore, if you notice "strangeness" in the appearance of your nails, do not leave the solution to this problem for later.In the early stages of developing toenail fungus, the simplest procedures can save you.And the advanced forms will require serious mobilization of all our resources, including material ones.
Causes and prevention of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Where does nail 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 is said about the benefits of "foot massage" as a result of joyfully running on the sand, you must remember that in addition to you, millions of little fungi that sleep and see your feet as a safe haven will also enjoy this massaging run.
But not only walking barefoot or wearing other people's shoes can provoke the appearance of foot fungus, but also your own tight, uncomfortable shoes in which 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 even understand where exactly.For example, it is not a good idea to go for a pedicure or try on slippers for "guests".
Symptoms of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Fungus (mycosis) of the feet are lesions 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 invades the skin in the interdigital folds of the feet.The first symptom of foot fungus is severe itching (usually between the toes), then the skin becomes red and very dry, the nail plate turns yellow and rough.With toenail fungus, in addition to changes in the color and deformation of the nail, the nail bed also suffers, the phalanx of the finger swells, hurts, and sometimes even wet wounds appear.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a danger signal
It would be nice to go to a specialist and not deal with the treatment of who knows what.Here it is worth recalling that often the persistent course of foot mycoses 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 topical antifungal medications.
Fungi are those rare organisms that have survived almost all disasters on this planet.
Be aware that until recently, the treatment of advanced forms of fungal nail infection consisted in... removing the nail plate.However, this was not a radical solution to the problem, since the young nail grows back affected - sometimes the fungus is safely established in the growth zone of the nail.
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 to 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, run to the pharmacy, buy the medicine you saw on the commercial the other night, and that's the end of it.Just in this order, I would like to recall one more banal truth - the disease is not local.Whatever happens to us, the whole body is sick.
Of course, early noticed changes in the nail plate can be treated locally with various types of antiseptics.Here, within reasonable limits, all means are good - baths with a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, compresses with a 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 all essential oils for individual sensitivities!If there are no restrictions on this side, compresses with tea tree oil can be quite enough.
Another great home remedy for toenail fungus is wild parsley tincture.which is able to penetrate to a sufficient depth in the affected tissue, which is necessary in our case.Unfortunately, you can't buy it in pharmacies.Therefore, if possible, prepare this plant yourself.It needs to be crushed and compacted tightly in a glass container.Fill with vodka to the very top and leave for 5-7 days in a warm and dark place.Soak a cotton swab in this tincture, apply it to the affected area, covering it with a piece of cellophane from a cotton swab dipped in the tincture, as well as plastic wrap.Tie this structure to 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 simply amazing!
At every 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 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 no "famous" ointment can cope with the problem alone.The fungi secrete toxins that our lymph flow successfully distributes far beyond the visible lesion.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay the visit to your doctor!Especially after a failed attempt to get rid of foot fungus on your own.This is a signal that the treatment should be comprehensive, including both specific antifungal agents and drugs that regulate the functions of the immune system.Not counting the treatment of primary diseases, if any.
The prevention of fungal diseases of the feet consists in observing personal hygiene (especially in public places - in the pool, on the beach), as well as in wearing comfortable shoes made of natural materials and regularly airing them.