Nail fungus
Nail fungus (Latin onychomycosis) is a serious health problem that affects an increasing number of people each year, at least 10% of the population has or has had experience with this condition.
It appears more often on toenails than toenails, but the first symptoms, although quite characteristic, are removed. Treatment of this ailment is long-lasting, so you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible to start the therapy. Mycosis of the feet is troublesome, it can recur and is one of the embarrassing ailments.
Symptoms and causes
The main causes of onychomycosis are infection with other mold, yeast and dermatophytes. They can be found mainly in humid, warm places, such as swimming pools, baths, saunas and gym showers. Foot hygiene is very important in this disease, remember to wash and dry feet thoroughly and to use deodorants dedicated to this part of the body. The choice of footwear is also very important in this ailment, you should limit long walking in sweaty shoes, change another pair of shoes during exercise at the gym, and more.
Mycosis more often affects men than women. Older people are more likely to suffer from this ailment. People with diabetes are the most vulnerable to this disease.
This condition develops slowly, so ringworm can be cured quickly. Many patients remain unresponsive and fail to notice an outbreak of mycosis in their first stage. Mycosis basically always starts its invasion on the big toe or the last, but if we notice color changes on all nails, then we are dealing with psoriasis, not skin and nail mycosis.
The most common symptoms of onychomycosis include:
– nail discoloration,
– brittleness and brittleness,
– thickenings and folds,
-specific sharp smell,
-pain and redness around the nail,
– sticking off the nail.
Risk factors
Of course, the development of this condition is influenced by other conditions and factors:
-stomach disorders
– disorders of the immune system
-hormones
-circulatory system
-antibiotics and steroids
-chemotherapy
-anemia
-obesity
-diabetes.
Treatment
The main method of treating nail fungal infection is the application of topical medications – ointments, creams, sprays, varnishes or lotions.
The main ingredients of these drugs should be:
-cyclopirox,
-amorolfine,
-miconazole.
As the mycosis spreads to subsequent nails, contact your dermatologist to find appropriate prescription medications for topical use.
In very severe cases, your doctor may suggest oral treatment.
In some clinics you can meet laser treatments, as well as photodynamic therapy – killing bacteria with a beam of light.
If such invasive procedures do not help, doctors often decide to remove the affected nail.
Homemade ways
Home remedies that will help most in the initial stages of the ailments also help in treating mycosis. Before we start using any home remedies, first of all, you need to shorten the nail with a disposable nail file and refrain from painting your nails with colored varnishes.
Safe means to use on the infected part of the nail are:
– Crushed garlic, mix it with olive oil and keep feet in this mixture for about 30 minutes. Then wash and dry well. This activity will only bring the intended results if it is repeated several times a week.
– Foot bath in a bowl of warm water and baking soda. Keep the proportion of soda to water in the form of 2: 1. This type of practice can be used daily.
– Applying and smearing unpasteurized apple cider vinegar into nails.
– Lemon juice packs, left on the plate until absorbed. Lemon juice has a strong antibacterial and antifungal effect.
-Lubbing tea oil over the fungal sites three times a day for two weeks should reduce the swelling of the disease.
– Rubbing with aloe and urea.
You should take care of the hygiene and cleanliness of the feet. Remember to change your socks often and keep your feet dry.
