Very often people face such an unpleasant infection as nail fungus.Spoiled nails, smell, and other undesirable consequences of this disease make people finally think about the problem.In this article, you will learn how to determine the infection with a fungus and cure it.
What is nail fungus
Nail fungus is a stubborn, hard -to -healing infection.In medical terminology, it is called onychomycosis.Other types of nail infections include bacterial and yeast infections.Nails that are infected with fungi confuse many people.More than half of all nail infections that are treated with medical specialists are caused by fungi.
How to independently determine infection
Even if you are diligent, wear free boots or socks, spend most of your life in slippers and carefully clean your arms and legs - the infection may seem from nowhere.The presence of a nail fungus does not mean that you poorly adhere to hygiene rules.All are subject to infection of fungal infection.If you learn to recognize the early signs of infection, you will be able to prescribe treatment faster.The sooner you begin to treat the fungus, the better.
When detectedwhite or yellow spots on the nails, we can judge the presence of pathogenic microflora.In this case, it is better to consult a doctor.Also, the fungus can be judged byThe unpleasant smell of nails, but only if there are pronounced white or yellow spots under the nails.
Which specialist to contact
It is important to contact K.Dermatologistbecause a fungal infection requires a certain type of treatment.About half of most of the problems with nails is associated with a fungal infection.
Some treatment options used for fungal nail infections are tablets to combat fungus and antifungal ointments for applying to the affected nail.If you do not treat in time, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body.
The causes and factors of the development of the fungus
The main causes of infection are: non -compliance with hygiene rules, some skin diseases and diseases affecting the immune system.
Factors increasing the risk of developing the disease include:
- Elderly age.
- Disruption of blood circulation.
- High sweating.
- Preceding infections.
- Walking barefoot in wet public places, such as pools, saunas, gyms and shower rooms.
- Minor injuries of the skin or nails or skin condition, such as psoriasis.
- The presence of diabetes.
- Weakened immune system.
Laser therapy
The treatment of onychomycosis is complicated by the fact that these mushrooms live in dead tissue, and the receipt of drugs in these areas is problematic.Since most of these infections are relatively superficial, it would seem that current procedures should work well.But this is not so, because the nail is relatively impenetrable.In such cases, laser technologies will help get rid of the fungus.
It was in this area that the use of lasers was involved.Of course, lasers are a very modern, technologically advanced approach to the treatment of various human diseases.Lasers create coherent light energy of sufficient power and a certain length of the waves, which, when projecting into the fabric, is differently absorbed by the target material, creating heat and, therefore, destroying the fabric.
Medical lasers are quite expensive devices, so treatment with these machines requires, as a rule, quite high fees to recoup the initial purchased price of equipment.It is assumed that some lasers can work sufficiently to prevent fungal infections, another approach to laser treatment of nails uses laser crushing to burn holes into the nail plate through which current antifungal drugs can effectively penetrate.
How to get rid of fungus at home
Unfortunately, most drugs to combat fungus on the legs are used for a long time, and the results are not guaranteed.
When using antifungal varnish, only ten percent of patients with mushrooms on the legs will get positive results.
Sometimes there is no way to buy medicines to combat nail fungus, and you have to use improvised drugs.You can find quite a lot of useful products at home, and make compresses, baths, tinctures or ointments from them.Some useful recipes for treating the nail fungus are below.
Vinegar treatment
Among many home remedies and drugs distributed from mouth to mouth, vinegar is one of the most famous ways to cure nail fungus.Most methods against nail fungi using vinegar consists of daily baths in a ratio of 50% water and 50% vinegar.
It is proposed to alternate and mix hot and cold baths, although in any case it is necessary to keep your legs forat least 30 minutes.People who have successfully tested this treatment recommend 3 baths per day, in the morning, at noon and evening.The acidity of vinegar relieves itching and restores pH balance necessary to combat fungi.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can be purchased at a pharmacy, but you must understand that treatment of a tea tree oil fungus will take a lot of time (up to a year).Before using oil - wash well and steam your legs.It is recommended to cut part of the affected nail with a pumice before applying oil.
The oil diluted in water (if it is in high concentration) is applied with one layer and thoroughly massage.If the oil is not diluted, then you can use a cotton wool, but be careful, because the essential oil of a high concentration causes irritation.The procedure is repeated every day.They note a positive effect after 2 months of procedure.
Celandine
Celandine oil can also be purchased at the pharmacy.The treatment principle is the same as with tea tree oil.After steaming the legs, apply oil to the nail with a cotton swab or cotton pad.Repeat the procedure every day.
You can use celandine juice.For cooking you will need: 5 glasses of boiled water, 1 cup of crushed celandine leaves.The raw materials are poured with boiling water and insisted for 60-70 minutes.Then wipe the affected nails.
Iodine
Iodic is a chemical element that is necessary for human health, and in developed countries it is added to salt so that the population receives a sufficient supply of this element through its diet.Iod also plays a role in a number of medical procedures, and therefore many people with fungal infections on their feet are wondering if it can help eliminate the problem.
Yes, because of its features, it can resist the fungus, but only in the initial stages and with daily use.The usual iodine 5% is applied with a cotton swab on a part of the nail previously steamed in hot water (immediately before the procedure you need to wipe your legs dry).
In no case do not cover the skin around the nail with iodine.Iod will damage the skin, it can turn yellow and crack.
Iod is usually reddish, but there is a bleached shape of this element called "white iodine."In some places it can be found on store shelves.White iodine is often advertised as a means to strengthen weak nails.It also has disinfectant and antifungal properties.People who used the white iodine for the treatment of nail fungus at home, claim that he stopped the infection almost immediately.
Treatment should be carried out before bedtime for seven days.It is important to avoid the use of hydrogen peroxide on the nails that were treated with iodine, otherwise the nail will turn yellow.
Hydrogen peroxide
Rinse the infected nail with warm water, and then completely wipe it.Take a cotton pad or a swab and wipe the nail with hydrogen peroxide.Keep it for about 5 minutes, then wipe the nail with a dry cotton swab.Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day until the fungus disappears.Even after the fungus has disappeared, repeat the procedure weekly for 2-3 months to prevent its return.
Aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide
To treat the nail fungus with ammonium hydroxide, make a solution consisting of one spoon of ammonium hydroxide diluted in one glass of warm water.Soak a cotton ball in the solution and massage the affected area.Wrap with gauze and leave it overnight, remove in the morning.Repeat daily.
Sodium bicarbonate
It is necessary to create a homogeneous paste of sodium and water bicarbonate (you can also add lemon juice).On the selected amount of sodium bicarbonate, you need to add the same amount of water and mix.Also, for accuracy, water can be added gradually.When you get a homogeneous consistency, apply it to the nail, and wait for 15-20 minutes.Freshly prepared soda paste is a disposable tool, so after each use it will have to be cooked again.You can use 2-3 times a day.
Kalanchoe flowers compresses
They say that a positive effect in the treatment of nail fungus can be achieved by applying compresses from Kalanchoe flowers.Attach a sheet of Kalanchoe to the affected nail using an adhesive plaster, and hold for several hours.You can also squeeze the juice from the sheet, and lubricate the nail.
Garlic
You can use the juice or tincture of garlic.To get garlic juice, you need to grind the garlic on the grater, or cut into small pieces with a knife.Then put in gauze and squeeze the juice.Such juice can be smeared with infected nails several times a day.You can also make tincture on this juice.Additionally, alcohol and water will be required.After 3-5 days of insisting, in the same way, rub the nail with tincture several times a day (2-3).
Tincture of poplar buds
Another not bad remedy.The recipe is simple - pour half a glass of poplar buds with 0.5 liters of vodka and insist for about ten days.The method of use - wiping the affected nail and imposing compresses.
Water baths with salt and sodium bicarbonate
Another additional means to combat nail fungus are baths with salt and sodium bicarbonate.The recipe for a soda bath - 3 tbsp will require 4 liters of water.tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate.A recipe for a bath with salt is 1.5 tablespoons of salt of 1 liter of water.
Treatment with propolis
They say that propolis tincture will help in the treatment of fungus on the legs.Recipe - pour propolis with alcohol (1/4), at room temperature, insist at least 13 days, excluding the effects of light.Used in the form of compresses and baths (1 teaspoon per liter of water).
Remedies for removing the nail affected by the fungus
Folk remedies that can be made and used at home is good.But it should be understood that they are only an additional measure in the fight against the fungus and will not always help to completely get rid of the nail affected by the fungus.Therefore, the means that are specialized for the most painless, non -surgical removal of part of the nail and subsequent surface treatment of the surface should be considered.
Patch
The patch that is applied after removing the affected area of the nail.It consists of urea, bee wax, water, lanolin and lead patch.There are no contraindications, in addition to individual intolerance to any of the above substances.During pregnancy, the patch can only be used on the recommendation of the attending physician.
Side symptoms - pain is possible at the place of application of the patch.
Antifungal emulsion
The emulsion softens the nail for subsequent removal.It is contraindicated in individual intolerance to components - urea, tea tree oil, bee wax or stearic acid.Before use, clean and steam the nails in the soap-hod bath.Then, be sure to swing the skin around the nail with tissue tape or a layer.After applying the ointment, it will be necessary to seal it and put a free toe on the leg.Shoes are free.After 3-4 days, you can remove the patch and the ointment, remove the soft layer of the nail with a hard file.
Antifungal cream
A cream for a comprehensive treatment of fungal infections, as well as softening and removal of the affected layer of the nail.The principle of application is exactly the same as that of the emulsion.The composition includes various herbal oils, bee wax, urea, water, stearic and salicylic acids.
Precautions for all the above drugs:
- Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, wounds and skin.
- Wash your hands after using the product.
- If the product accidentally gets into the eyes, wounds or mucous membranes, rinse them with water.
- Do not take urea in your mouth and do not swallow.
- Plaster are designed for disposable use, do not use them twice.
- If you have an allergic reaction to a patch, you can use a hypoallergenic patch.
- Store the above drugs strictly under certain conditions described in the instructions.
- Keep them in no way for children.
How can you get an infection with a fungus
In normal healthy people, fungal infections of nails are most often caused by a fungus, which enters wet areas of the skin.Shower cabins, as in the gym or in public pools, are common sources of fungi spread.
It was proved that athletes are more susceptible to the fungus of the nail.It is assumed that this is due to the fact that they put on densely tight -fitting things and sweaty boots.Repeating foot injuries also weaken the nail, which makes it more susceptible to fungal infection.
Older people and people with certain painful conditions are also undergoing a higher risk of infection.Such diseases include everything that worsens your immune system - AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer.Psoriasis or the adoption of any immunosuppressants such as steroids also contribute to fungal infection.
What to do if the bearer lives at home
Firstly, it is worth limiting the fungus carrier if he lives with you.Be sure to tell him not to touch your things, until a change in condition.Secondly, do not touch and do not use his shoes, socks or towel.After the fungus gets on your skin, it can remain there for a very long time without showing himself as the causative agent of the infection.So be careful.
Prevention
Keep your legs clean and dry.Wash them with soap every day.After that, wipe them very well.Pure and dry legs are less likely to become infected with a fungus.
Do not go barefoot in public places.The fungus loves to grow in warm, humid conditions.He also easily spreads from person to person.That is why it is important that you wear shower shoes or slippers in public pools, locker rooms and showers.
Often change your socks and shoes.Wear a clean pair of socks every day.If your legs become sweaty when you go or train, change your socks and shoes as soon as you have a chance.
Use the right shoes.The fungus flourishes when your legs are locked in a tight, uncomfortable shoes and socks.Make sure that you have suitable shoes that give your feet to “breathe”.
Cut the legs on the legs.The best option is to make them neat, short and straight.
Conclusion
The nail fungus in our time can appear in everyone, in no case do not bring your nails to a really terrible state when expensive treatment is required.Take care of your nails and skin from pathogenic factors and, with a hint of a fungus, consult a doctor so that he prescribes the correct treatment for you.