Have you ever noticed a crack between the toes? Are your feet itchy and itchy non -stop? Do your toenails suddenly lose color and start to deteriorate? These symptoms should not be ignored as they can indicate a fungal infection of the feet. The disease is far from normal; it often occurs among military personnel, professional athletes and pool visitors. We are very sorry, fungal skin lesions were treated for a long and difficult time, while causing discomfort to the "owner". What you need to do to prevent the occurrence of this disease, as well as how to overcome it after the acquisition: we will tell you about all this in our article.
Causal relationship: where does toenail fungus come from
Naturally, the fungus itself does not "stick" to the feet of healthy people for no reason at all. There are several types of fungi that are considered classic, that is, they affect the largest percentage of patients. All of them are called by the single term “onychomycosis”. This group may include spores of candida fungi, dermatophytes or trichophytos, the latter, in turn, having several subspecies, which are localized on different parts of the feet and nails.
It is difficult, at first glance, the name to characterize a very unpleasant infection that penetrates under the nail or "settles" in the area between the fingers or under it, at the base. The most beautiful environment for fungal spores is the moist and warm folds of human feet, this is where they feel really comfortable and constantly growing, which leads to the expansion of the affected area.
So, what causes toenail fungus?
- In the absence of proper hygiene, fungi multiply and can affect large areas of the foot. At the same time, their spores are quite capable of reaching the surface of any shoe, "settling" there and infecting a person repeatedly, and besides him, also those who can wear these shoes. Slippers and rubber slippers are common breeding grounds for quarrels.
- Because of excessive foot sweating, which is called hyperkeratosis. The shoes of military personnel, miners or athletes are often damp in them. This is due to the increased load and the “non -breathable” material from which the shoes or boots are sewn. This environment is a paradise of mushroom spores.
- Sometimes fungus gets on the nails during pedicure procedures at any beauty salon. Without proper sterilization of pedicure tools, the master risks bringing you fungus, which is quite difficult to get rid of. This can happen to anyone while using pedicure tweezers that have not been treated with a special sterilization solution.
- Onychomycosis is a companion of people who regularly take antibacterial drugs or have decreased immunity. Also, factors that provoke the appearance of fungus on the nails can interfere with blood circulation in the lower legs, varicose veins or diabetes mellitus.
- Chronic diseases found in the body can affect fungal infections. There is no need to start the inflammatory process, which has become chronic. It is very important to take care of it.
Because mushroom spores are very fond of moisture and warmth, they often "live" in baths, public showers and saunas. That is why in places where there is stagnant water, high humidity and high temperatures, you need to follow the rules of hygiene. Be sure to wear your own shoes brought from home in saunas, public showers and showers. Remember: if someone repeatedly wears slippers in the sauna before you, there is a possibility that fungal spores have settled inside the porous rubber structure and you may be infected with onychomycosis.
How to diagnose nail fungus yourself
It is not difficult to carry out self-diagnostics, because with the most insignificant signs, you can recognize the fungus and see a doctor at an early stage. All you need to do is check your feet periodically in the area between the toes, at the base of the feet, and even your nails. It is very important to pay attention to the condition of the skin of the feet after visiting the pool, sauna, bath, or after wearing other people's shoes.
The most common symptoms of fungal infections on the feet and nails are:
- Cracked skin at the base of the toes. At the same time, the wound does not dry out, but gets wet and continues to be inflamed.
- Nails with unusual shapes. Any natural marigold release from the skin, deformation or discoloration will alert you. In patients with onychomycosis, the nails become very thick, become too brittle and can even collapse. At the same time, the color scale can change: yellow, white, gray or even black marigold is not at all uncommon for such diseases.
- Also, look for itchy spots, flakes and rashes on the surface of your feet. If they do not disappear for 1-2 days, you should see a dermatologist.
- You should also be careful with the sudden appearance of bubbles on the skin of your feet. They are usually located in small clusters and contain a clear liquid in them.
- A very important symptom is an unpleasant odor from the feet. If your feet have never emitted a fetid scent before, don’t miss this factor, as this may indicate the presence of a fungal disease.
Since there are such symptoms, you can diagnose yourself with a fungal skin disease. If you have doubts, you should see a doctor, he will conduct a special examination and confirm or rule out the presence of onychomycosis.
How to diagnose nail fungus in a medical clinic
Most likely, you will be asked to undergo blood and urine tests in general to find out if there is an inflammatory process in the body. The doctor will ask you to tell in detail about what medication you are taking and whether you are suffering from a particular disease, such as diabetes mellitus. Due to increased levels of glucose in the blood, as well as being overweight, which often accompanies endocrine disorders, so -called diabetic feet often appear. The disease is characterized by calluses, corns, cracks, and fungal lesions.
Laboratory analysis for the presence of fungal spores is mandatory. Usually, a few days before diagnosis, you do not need to wash the feet, and the places of discharge of the nail plate must be covered with adhesive. In healthy skin and affected areas, it is necessary to perform special abrasions, which determine the presence of onychomycosis. In rare cases, when a relapse of the disease occurs, the destroyed marigold particles are taken for analysis. They are placed in a special environment where the fungus can grow more actively. In a similar way, the laboratory assistant, along with the doctor, determines the type of fungus and in turn can decide on further therapy.
Such diseases are treated by dermatologists and more narrow specialist doctors - mycologists.
How to Cure Toenail Fungus
Unfortunately, nail fungus is not the common cold. It will not pass by itself. Dispute is quite resistant to many drugs, but what can I say: it is a fungus that is considered one of the most powerful microorganisms on the planet. Just like fungi, fungal spores can live longer than all of us.
Mycoses should be treated without fail, as they can spread to the surface of the skin, involve all large areas in the pathological process and even settle in the respiratory tract, thus causing asthma.
There are drugs called antimycotics. Like antibacterial drugs, they kill problems from the inside out, as they are often taken. Only a doctor can prescribe antimycotic drugs, as some of them can give many side effects. Certain groups of drugs can fight only one or a few types of fungi, but there are also broad -spectrum antimycotics.
For effective treatment of onychomycosis, drugs with the following active ingredients are suitable:
- Terbinafine,
- Clotrimazole,
- Ketoconazole,
- Fluconazole,
- Itraconazole.
Remember that only a doctor has the right to prescribe antimycotic drugs. Given the possibility of side effects, it is impossible to select an antimycotic that is appropriate for all patients with onychomycosis.
Also, special ointments, applications and creams are prescribed for the treatment of fungal infections on the feet of high quality. This remedy for toenail fungus is used in the early stages and during the running process. Based on the degree of damage and localization of the fungus, the doctor may prescribe an application. They involve the application of an ointment to the affected part of the skin, which is then covered with a plaster. Such applications are usually kept overnight, and in the morning the dead skin or nail particles are removed and carefully removed.
The following treatment options also give good results:
- Treatment with antifungal spray,
- Creams or emulsions,
- Coat the toenails with a special varnish against fungus.
Complex therapy of fungal diseases, combining the use of ointments, antimycotics and other procedures, gives the most long -lasting effect. But we must not forget that onychomycosis therapy is a long process. To give you an idea of how you can get rid of toenail fungus, one fact should be mentioned: as usual, nails grow back completely within 6 to 12 months. Until new and healthy nails grow back completely, you can’t stop treatment, because sometimes spores can survive at the root of the nail. If you stop treatment early, the disease will recur.
Folk remedies for toenail fungus
Fungal treatment at home will not be effective if only two or three treatment procedures are carried out and, with a slight improvement in the clinical picture, forget the therapy. The course of antifungal therapy should last at least three weeks, but sometimes it takes longer to beat the unpleasant disease. Be patient or toenail fungus will return.
The main home treatment is to remove the affected skin and nails as much as possible to prevent the spread of spores. In the case of a beauty salon, a pedicure master will help overcome mycosis. He will remove the upper affected nail layer with a special milling cutter with a non -abrasive nozzle, after which it will be possible to apply an antifungal ointment to this area. At home, you may not be able to remove the dead cell layer completely, but will probably soften and remove it with care.
Nail Fungus Recipes:
- Chicken eggs - 1 pc,
- Vinegar essence 70% or 80%,
- Tea tree oil, butter or olive oil.
Acetic acid works well against many types of fungi, so you can try it at home. First, pour the chicken egg essence until completely covered with the solution. It is better to use glass glasses for this. Now you need to put it in a dark place. Note the eggs: once you see that the shells are completely dissolved, remove the container and add a little oil into it (if you want to add tea tree oil, 1-2 drops will suffice). Now you need to grind the mixture thoroughly until the eggs turn into a homogeneous paste. The mixture should cover the area affected by the fungus, apply a plastic wrap on top and wrap the feet with a bandage or gauze. It is best to leave the compress for a few hours, after which the steamed marigold should be cut. With regular use, sore nails can be removed almost completely, and fungus can be removed forever.
Nail fungus: treatment with folk remedies
If you want to beat onychomycosis on your own, there is a possibility that compresses made from various ingredients, for example, from garlic, carrots or kombucha, will help you. Make sure you steam your feet before applying, i. e. prepare a steam bath for them.
Bathing with a solution of soda or potassium permanganate is considered the most effective. Both ingredients have an antiseptic effect, cleans and disinfects the skin and nails perfectly. Making a bath is simple: pour hot water into the basin and pour soda there, at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. soda for 3 liters of water. Potassium permanganate powder must be added carefully so as not to burn the inflamed skin. The solution should not be purple or purple; light pink water will suffice. We lowered our feet into the bathtub and enjoyed it for about 1 hour. Wipe your feet dry. Now you can do other manipulations.
Grate the carrots or garlic on a fine grater or squeeze through a press. Wrap the mass in a piece of gauze or bandage and apply to the affected area. Leave the compress on overnight, remember to wrap in plastic and wear warm socks. Kombucha has the same effect, you need it a little - a small piece, which must also be applied on the affected nail area.
Prevention of fungus on the feet - how to prevent infection with fungal spores
As a measure to prevent onychomycosis infection, you should follow a few simple rules:
- Use your own shoes to visit the swimming pool, bath, sauna or steam bath. Try not to walk in such places barefoot, especially if there is minor damage to the skin.
- Don't lend your shoes and foot hygiene items, such as pumice stones or home pedicure combs, to strangers.
- In order to never think of how to get rid of toenail fungus, change your underwear, socks or tights more often. Your health depends on it.
- When you use a pedicure, check if the master has sterilized the instrument. In some salons there is a service of buying your own set of pedicure tools. This significantly reduces the risk of fungal infections.
- Don't forget that for the prevention of calluses, corns and blisters, you should wear loose -fitting shoes that don't restrict movement. Remember: if there are no cuts, cracks or scratches on the surface of the skin, fungal spores are unlikely to attack you.