"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 increasingly common in recent years.And anyone can "catch" nail fungus as often as they want.Therefore, if you notice "surprises" in the appearance of your nails, do not leave the solution of this problem for later.In the early stages of nail fungus development, 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 apparent.For example, don't go barefoot in public baths, swimming pools or even beaches.Whatever may be said about the benefits of a "foot massage" as a result of a joyful run in 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 be happy for this massage run.
But not only walking barefoot or wearing someone else's shoes can provoke the appearance of toenail fungus, but also your tight, uncomfortable shoes, in which your feet sweat.Therefore, when choosing shoes (especially summer ones), give priority to natural materials, comfort and ventilation.
Anyone can get toenail fungus.And you don't even understand where exactly.For example, it's not a good idea to go for a pedicure or try on "guest" slippers.
Symptoms of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Athlete's foot (mycosis) is a skin and nail lesion that can develop as a result of infection with fungal bacteria.The parasite that causes athlete's foot most often invades the skin of 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 becomes 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 toe swells, hurts, and sometimes weepy wounds appear.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be a danger signal
It would be better to go to a specialist and not deal with the treatment of who knows what.Here it is worth remembering that often the continuous flow of mycoses on the feet accompanies such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
Treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus 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.
Let it be known that until recently, the treatment of advanced forms of fungal nail infection consisted of... removing the nail plate.However, this was not a radical solution to this issue, because the new nail grows back affected - sometimes the fungus settles safely in the nail growth area.
However, let's not jump 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 medications 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 have been resolved and requires no further recommendations.If your nails turn yellow, run to the pharmacy, buy the drug you saw in the ad that evening, and that's the end of it.Just in this line I would like to recall another banal truth - the disease is not local.No matter what happens to us, the whole body is sick.
Of course, early changes in the nail plate can be treated locally using different types of antiseptics.Within reasonable limits, all remedies are good here - baths with a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, compresses with 10% alcohol solution of iodine, with finely chopped onion, etc.
It would be appropriate to recall tea tree oil, which has unique antimicrobial properties.However, check all essential oils for individual sensitivity!If there are no restrictions on this side, then compresses with tea tree oil can be quite enough.
Another wonderful folk 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 should be pressed and pressed firmly 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 solution, apply it to the injured area, covering it with a cellophane piece of a cotton swab dipped in the solution, as well as plastic wrap.Bandage this structure on the affected area, for example, at night (if it is not possible to do this at another time).Of course, you can't do this with just one procedure, but the effect is simply amazing!
At every stage of toenail fungus, take vitamins (not just drugstore ones, but natural ones too!).They strengthen the immune system, which means they help fight onychomycosis.
Nail fungus is dangerous!
In the initial stages of nail 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 single "famous" oil can cope with the problem alone.The fungus releases toxins, which our lymph flow successfully distributes beyond the visible lesion.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay the visit to the doctor!Especially after an unsuccessful attempt to get rid of toenail 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.Without 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 wearing comfortable shoes made of natural materials and their regular ventilation.