"Poor condition of the nails" is often contagious, "fungal" in nature.Doctors call this collective disease, which has a long list of names and surnames of parasitic fungi, onychomycosis.This pathology has become more and more common in recent years.And everyone can "catch" nail fungus as much as they want.Therefore, if you notice "oddities" in the appearance of your nails, do not postpone the solution of this problem.In the early stages of toenail fungus, the simplest procedures can save you.Advanced forms will require serious mobilization of all our resources, including our financial capabilities.
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) causes and prevention
Where does nail fungus come from and how to get rid of it?- Of course, it is worth asking this question before the problem is revealed.For example, don't go barefoot in baths, swimming pools, or even beaches.As for the benefits of a "foot massage" as a result of a happy run on the sand, it's important to remember that the millions of little mushrooms who sleep besides you and see your feet as a safe haven will also enjoy this massage run.
But it's not just walking barefoot or wearing someone else's shoes that can cause toenail fungus, it can also lead to your own tight, uncomfortable shoes that make your feet sweat.Therefore, when choosing shoes (especially summer), give preference to natural materials, comfort and ventilation.
Anyone can get nail fungus.And you don't even understand exactly where you are.For example, going for a pedicure or trying on "guest" slippers is not a good idea.
Symptoms of nail fungus (onychomycosis)
Athlete's foot (mycosis) is a skin and nail damage 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 on the feet.The first sign of athlete's foot is severe itching (usually between the toes), then the skin becomes red and very dry, the nail plate turns yellow and becomes rough.With nail fungus, along with 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 warning sign
It would be best to see a specialist and not deal with treatment because who knows what.Here it is necessary to remember that the continuous course of mycoses on the feet is often due to diabetes mellitus, obliterating endarteritis, etc.accompanied by serious diseases.
Treatment of nail fungus (onychomycosis)
Foot fungus is treated by a dermatologist who prescribes systemic and local antifungal drugs.
Fungi are rare organisms that have survived almost all disasters on this planet.
Be aware that until recently, treatment for advanced forms of nail fungus infection consisted of... removing the nail plate.But this was not a radical solution to the problem, because the young nail grows in an affected way - sometimes the fungus is safely located in the growth zone of the nail.
However, let's not jump to conclusions.Fungi are still living microorganisms.Although 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.).
It seems that the issue is resolved and no further recommendations are needed.If your nail is yellow, run to the drugstore, buy the medicine you saw in the ad that evening, and that's it.Only in this line I would like to recall another banal fact - 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 various types of antiseptics.Within reasonable limits, all means are good here - baths with a strong decoction of celandine or sea salt, compresses with a 10% alcohol solution of iodine, finely chopped onions, etc.
Tea tree oil, which has unique antimicrobial properties, should be mentioned.But check all essential oils for individual sensitivities!If there are no restrictions on this side, compresses with tea tree oil are quite enough.
Another great folk remedy for toenail fungus is wild parsley tincture.which can penetrate deep enough into the affected tissue is necessary in our case.Unfortunately, you can't buy it in pharmacies.Therefore, if possible, prepare this plant yourself.It should be crushed and compacted in a glass container.Top with vodka and leave in a warm, dark place for 5-7 days.Soak a cotton swab in this tincture, apply it to the painful area, cover it with a piece of cotton swab soaked in tincture, as well as plastic wrap.Bandage this composition 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 simply amazing!
At any stage of nail fungus, take vitamins (not only pharmacy, but also natural ones!).They strengthen the immune system, that is, they help fight onychomycosis.
Nail 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 the forces are unequal!And then no "famous" ointment can cope with the problem.Fungi release toxins, our lymph flow is successfully distributed far away from the visible lesion.
Therefore, if possible, do not delay a visit to the doctor!Especially after an unsuccessful attempt to get rid of foot fungus yourself.This is a signal that the treatment should be comprehensive, including both special antifungal agents and drugs that regulate the functions of the immune system.Treatment of primary diseases, if any, is not taken into account.
Prevention of fungal diseases of the feet consists in observing the rules of personal hygiene (especially in public places - swimming pool, beach), as well as wearing comfortable shoes made of natural materials and regular ventilation.