Today we will talk about the treatment and prevention of nail fungus, so that you know how to get rid of it and prevent the recurrence of this disease.
Statistics show that nail fungus occurs in almost one in ten people in the world. This means that this infection is very common and extremely insidious. The disease is extremely unpleasant for the eyes, because the areas infected with the fungus look quite repulsive.
If you think that this disease will never affect you, do not promise: it is easy to get a fungal infection in any public place: on the beach, in a bathhouse, in a sauna, in a swimming pool, in a gym and other crowded places.
Signs and symptoms of nail mycosis
In fact, few people know that fungal infections exist in thousands of varieties. But many of them do not cause pain and are not visually visible.
Due to this peculiarity, in the initial stages of the disease, a person who has contracted the fungus may not even realize it. But several types of fungi can cause pain around and under the nail.
Note!
Since painful symptoms of fungus are extremely rare, doctors are consulted only in the last advanced stages of the disease, when there is a change in the color of the nail, its deformation and detachment of the upper plate. At the last stage, treatment is difficult, so disease prevention should be observed. This will ensure you avoid infection.
For the prevention and timely treatment of nail fungus, it is important to know that there are three stages of development of a fungal infection affecting the nail plate:
The first stage of the onset of the disease is the absence of clearly expressed symptoms on the nails; inconspicuous and barely visible spots and stripes;
Note!
Nail mycosis (onychomycosis) can be diagnosed at an early stage only in the hospital, in the laboratory. That is why, if you notice the slightest change in the nail plate, consult a doctor immediately!
The second stage of onychomycosis is a change in the color of the nail plate, loss of shine, deformation of its lateral and upper parts:
The third advanced stage of the fungus is severe delamination and fragility of the nail, which can lead to its complete loss.
In addition, a fungal infection affects the skin around the nail, accompanied by unpleasant sensations of itching, burning and pain.
Prevention of fungal nail disease
Every day, without knowing it, we deal with thousands of bacteria around us. But almost all of them are absolutely harmless to us, since the immune system is called upon, like an invisible guardian angel, to protect us from diseases.
Note!
Therefore, the first step to prevent nail fungus is a correct and balanced diet. If the body is saturated with minerals, vitamins and beneficial substances, the immune system will work only for you.
Movement is life! And this is true, because practicing sports and an active lifestyle makes us healthy, strong and resistant both physically and spiritually. Physical activity prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system.
If blood circulation is impaired, the protective functions of the skin of the hands, feet and nails do not work properly, which leads to diseases.
Causes of fungal infection
Warm, humid rooms are a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the house, especially the bathroom and toilet.
It's important!
When visiting public places: water park, bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna, you need to dress and wear shoes. And then wash yourself thoroughly and take a shower.
In order not to create an environment conducive to the appearance and proliferation of fungi "under your nose", wear comfortable, preferably natural, shoes, socks, stockings, slippers, tights, etc. The inconvenience of wearing them can cause calluses, calluses, sweating and wounds. This leads to the appearance of an alkaline microclimate, an ideal place for mushroom multiplication.
Note!
When visiting beauty salons you need to be careful and attentive. Visit only reliable and recommended places, because we are talking about preserving your health. Having a pedicure, manicure and nail extension performed by a professional is absolutely safe and simple. Wounds, cuts, poorly performed procedures are the gateway to infections.
It is important to know that you cannot wear someone else's shoes, as this will harm your health. We strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene.
This is important to know!
The fungus must be treated promptly and thoroughly. The disease does not go away on its own, and time only contributes to the spread of the infection, as complications can occur: it can spread from the feet to the stomach, to the groin area, to the skin of the chest, to the armpits.
If someone in your family has foot fungus, there is a chance that healthy family members will become infected. Maintain personal hygiene more carefully than usual, do not wear shoes, towels, brushes, combs, etc. of other people.
Traditional treatment for toenail fungus
It is very important not to start an infection; you should definitely contact a specialist for qualified medical help.
Note!
In combination with medications, you can use traditional methods of treating toenail fungus, which are quite effective and will help you get rid of this unpleasant disease.
Vinegar compress for nail fungus
Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil - two tablespoons;
- Apple cider vinegar - two tablespoons.
Preparation and use:
- Mix vinegar and oil in a 1: 1 ratio, then carefully moisten a cotton pad with the resulting solution and apply it to the nail affected by the fungus. We fix the top with an adhesive plaster or bandage.
- Leave the compress overnight and remove it in the morning. We use a vinegar compress to treat the fungus until the affected nail completely replaces the diseased plaque with a healthy one.
Antifungal oil
This aromatic natural oil will help fight fungal infections on the feet and nails, soothe irritated skin and provide relief to tired feet.
Ingredients:
- Eph. clove oil - 5 drops;
- Eph. cinnamon bark oil - 5 drops;
- Eph. oil - thyme (thyme) - 20 drops;
- Eph. sage oil - 10 drops;
- Eph. lavender oil - 30 drops;
- Tea tree essential oil - 25 drops;
- Jojoba oil - 100 milliliters.
Preparation:
- Pour the jojoba oils into a dark bottle, add the essential oils and mix vigorously for three minutes.
- Place the bottle in a dark place at normal room temperature and let it sit for a day for the healing oil to mature.
After this time the antifungal aromatic oil is ready.
How to use:
Wash your feet well and dry them. Shake the oil well in the bottle and apply a few drops on both legs. Even if the fungus has affected one foot, for preventive purposes we apply a healing agent on the other foot as well.
Apply the oil to your nails and between your toes, massage the skin lightly and wait for the oil to be absorbed. Then we put cotton socks on our feet.
Use the medicated oil two or three times a day; It can also be applied to acne and wounds. The oil can be stored for up to two years in a cool place.
Tea mushroom
This is a simple and very good remedy for treating fungus.
This is helpful!
Before going to bed, it is recommended to make compresses from a strong infusion of kombucha, and the longer the mushroom is infused, the better.
For the procedure: you need to steam your feet in warm water and apply a kombucha compress and secure it with a bandage. Leave it overnight and remove it in the morning. The course of treatment lasts four weeks.
Another treatment option: peel off a small piece of kombucha, remove the foil and grind the peeled part into a paste. Rub the resulting mass into the affected areas three times a day. It is important that for each procedure you need to take a piece of fresh mushroom.
Baths with celandine decoction
Baths with a decoction of celandine help very well.
- The ratio of grass and water is 2: 3. Add the required amount of celandine and water and boil for 3 minutes.
- Strain the broth and steam the feet for half an hour.
- Prepare lotions from the same decoction on the affected areas.
Sodium bicarbonate
The use of sodium bicarbonate is effective.
- Therapeutic procedures: Apply soda-based lotions and steam your feet in a soda solution.
- Soda solution recipe: for three liters of hot water, one tablespoon of soda. Stir the soda well until it is completely dissolved.
- It is necessary to steam your feet in a soda solution, then dry them with a clean towel and smear them with celandine oil, which is sold in the pharmacy.
You can, after a soda bath, moisten a cotton ball with celandine oil, place it between your toes and secure with a plaster. We put a sock on top. We keep this bandage for 20 minutes.
The procedures should be performed twice a day for a month.
Mushroom ointment - recipe no. 1
Preparation: wash the chicken egg and pour the vinegar over it. Store in a dark place until the shell has completely dissolved. Throw away the foil, mix the vinegar with the rest of the egg and mix this mass with butter.
Application: the resulting ointment should be applied morning and evening to the areas affected by the fungus. Do this until complete recovery, after which you can use the ointment for preventive purposes.
Mushroom ointment - recipe no. 2
Ingredients:
- One raw chicken egg;
- A spoonful of vegetable oil;
- One tablespoon of 70% vinegar essence.
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and the healing ointment is ready. We store it in the refrigerator and use it as needed.
Application:
- We apply steam to our feet, dry them and apply ointment to the areas affected by the fungal infection.
- You need to put a plastic bag on top and secure it with a bandage or wear socks.
- Perform the procedure at night and keep it until the morning.
The course of treatment is 30 days.
Mushroom ointment - recipe no. 3
Another popular method of treating toenail fungus uses an easy-to-prepare and very effective ointment based on vinegar essence.
Ingredients:
- Raw chicken eggs (preferably from domestic chickens) - 2 pieces;
- Vinegar essence 70% - 1 glass;
- Butter - 200 grams.
Preparation of the ointment:
- Wash the eggs, place them in a half-liter jar and fill them with vinegar essence so that it covers the contents of the jar.
- Place the jar in a dark place for 10 days, during which the eggshells will completely dissolve in the essence.
- We take the eggs out of the jar with a fork, remove the film, put them in a bowl and add the softened butter (we remove the butter from the refrigerator beforehand).
- Mash the eggs with a fork and add them to the butter. We should get a homogeneous mass similar to sour cream. Add three tablespoons of acetic acid from the jar in which the eggs were placed to the mixture and mix again.
Store the finished ointment in the refrigerator.
Application:
- Wash your feet and dry them, lubricate the affected areas with ointment and leave to dry for five minutes. The ointment will be absorbed quickly, so put on clean socks and go to bed.
- Use for a month, every day at night. So, when you feel that the disease is passing, you need to lubricate it once a week.
As a result of the treatment, the feet and nails will become clean and healthy, itching and diaper rash will disappear, and the skin will become smooth and healthy.
Antifungal baths
Such therapeutic baths can be carried out daily with the addition of a weak solution of vinegar, potassium permanganate, soda solution and a solution of essential oils.
Note!
Prevention of fungal nail infections must be carried out regularly to avoid recurrence of the disease.
Eucalyptus and Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe juice, eucalyptus oil or eucalyptus tincture also help well in the treatment of nail fungus. Their use is quite simple: you need to lubricate the affected areas three times a day until recovery.
Essential oils for foot fungus
Traditional methods of treating toenail fungus with essential oils have proven quite effective in practice, as they have good antifungal properties.
Oils to use: tea tree, lemon, fir, sandalwood, patchouli.
Contraindications: individual intolerance, pregnancy.
Tea tree oil
Let's look at the main points of using essential oils using tea tree as an example. This recipe can be used with other oils.
Baths - method no. 1
- In a liter of hot water we must dilute 20 drops of oil and a teaspoon of shower gel.
- Bathe for 20 minutes until the water cools. The procedure must be performed every day until complete recovery.
At the end of the treatment, preventive baths with tea tree oil (or other oil) are recommended once a week.
Rubbing oil - method no. 2
Rub essential oils onto nails affected by fungal infections using a cotton ball.
To carry out the procedure, you need to wash your feet well with laundry soap and dry them. Then rub the oil on the affected areas and let it absorb. It is not necessary to wash your feet after application for the oil to have a healing effect.
Note!
Lemon essential oil is also excellent for the procedures described, as it helps against infections and does not stain the nails, maintaining their natural appearance.
The duration of treatment is three or even four months, it all depends on the patient's immunity and the stage of the fungus.
Alcoholic tincture of propolis
In the pharmacy you buy a 20% propolis tincture in alcohol, which you apply on sore nails using a cotton ball. Perform this procedure every day.
Soon you will see the result: the diseased nail will disappear and a new one will grow.
Sea salt
Take sea salt baths every day for a week. Lubricate your feet with fresh celandine juice three times a day for 3 months.
Treatment of mushrooms with iodine
Every day for 3 weeks, morning and evening, apply a drop of iodine to painful nails. Make sure you also treat nearby nails (the apparently healthy ones).
After about a week or just before, a slight burning sensation and soreness may appear around the nail, a sign of the positive outcome of the treatment. For severe pain, apply iodine less often.
Mint cooking salt
The healing properties of ordinary salt will help in the treatment of nail fungus.
For preparation:
- Mix finely chopped mint with salt in a 1: 1 ratio.
- The resulting pulp should be placed on the affected nails and between the toes.
Repeat until the infection is completely healed.
Ointments and pharmaceutical preparations
For the treatment and prevention of nail fungus, in combination with folk remedies, it is good to use effective drugs, this will allow you to quickly cure the disease and prevent its recurrence.
Salicylic ointment
This pharmaceutical drug is often used in the treatment of various skin diseases: lichen, acne, diaper rash. This ointment also helps with fungal infections. Contains 25% salicylic acid.
How to use: spread the affected areas 2 - 3 times a day.
Zinc ointment
Another inexpensive "popular" drug that is sold in pharmacies. The ointment contains zinc oxide and petroleum jelly.
Zinc ointment has no contraindications; It can be used by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers, as well as children. This medicine should be applied to the affected area up to 5 times a day. However, if the extent of the fungus is not very serious, the number of applications can be reduced.
Sulfuric ointment
This drug contains sulfur from 10 to 33% and is a good remedy for treating foot and nail fungus. For treatment, it is better to take a 10% solution. The medicine should be applied 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment lasts one week.
It can be used in the treatment of skin diseases in young children.
Note!
Before using traditional methods to treat toenail fungus or any other medications, consult your doctor.
Treatment and prevention of nail fungus requires time and a lot of effort; you need to be patient and not wait for a speedy recovery.
This is important to know!
Nail fungus is unusually tenacious and very quickly develops immunity to substances included in antifungal drugs. Therefore, if you get infected again or did not treat it last time, the previously used drug will be useless. You should buy a drug with a completely different principle of action.
It is advisable to timely consult a doctor for diagnosis, to prevent the disease from progressing, to start treatment on time, to complete it, in this case you will forget about such an unpleasant disease as nail fungus.
Be healthy!