Rain-soaked boots, tight, warm shoes, reduced immunity - all this increases the risk of onychomycosis.
Mushrooms attack in autumn
Nasty cracks on the leg between the toes and the nail turned yellow? You may have contracted a fungus. About 10% of the world's population suffers from this microscopic enemy, and in the last 10 years, the number of victims of onychomycosis (or nail fungus) has more than doubled.
Both men and women are victims of it with equal success. But the risk of getting sick increases with age. For example, after 70 years, every second person suffers from onychomycosis.
Fortunately, children are much less likely to become infected, as babies' nails grow much faster than those of an adult, and the fungus, on the contrary, develops very slowly.
Where can you get fungi? Yes, probably from your own relatives.
Recent studies have found that nail fungus is most often infected in the family, even if it comprises two people. The risk group includes people who have excessive sweating, weakened immunity, flat feet. Shoes that are too narrow can cause the disease: the skin of the foot and nails are more susceptible to injuries. Socks and socks made of synthetic fibers, poor ventilation in autumn and winter shoes create a humid microclimate for the feet. Frequent hand contact with household washing and cleaning products harms the fingernails, and the fungus prefers weakened and damaged nail plates, a healthy nail is practically invulnerable to a fungal infection. Here are the main causes of onychomycosis:
Cracks and scratches on the skin, injuries to the nails, constantly wet feet.
The presence of diseases: diabetes, AIDS, obesity, reduced immunity. The risk of getting sick increases if the vascular tone of the legs is disturbed, for example with heart failure or varicose veins.
Taking antibiotics, oral contraceptives.
The disease first occurs on the skin of the feet, often in the creases between the toes. A parasitic fungus that has settled on the skin can poison anyone's life.
Over time, the affected area catches the nails not only on the legs, but also on the hands. Sooner or later, someone else will step on the fallen skin scales and become infected.
Externally, the appearance of nail fungus can look like this: the color and thickness of the nails change, the nails begin to crumble or crumble.
where is the infection
You can catch a fungus both in common areas (on the floor of gym locker rooms, in a spa, swimming pools, manicure/pedicure salon, in a hotel, on the beach), and in your own home.
Shoes shared at home with the family, in the countryside or at a party, going barefoot, household items and furniture (towels, rugs, covers) - these are the factors that determine the transmission of the fungus between members of the same family, their relatives and friends .
The most effective means of fighting nail fungus is primary prevention. It is better to prevent infection than to treat it later. To avoid nail fungus infection, you should follow these simple rules:
- Never wear someone else's shoes and don't give your shoes to other people, even close ones.
- Do not use the same manicure accessories to treat sick and healthy nails.
- If possible, disinfect all objects that the patient's legs and hands come into contact with.
- Don't walk barefoot in public places, and it's best not to do this at home either. When visiting a spa, sauna or swimming pool, wear closed rubber flip-flops that protect against splashes. On the beach, too, just wear flip-flops.
- After the pool, you need to take a shower.
- Never visit baths and pools if cracks appear on your soles.
- After visiting public places, treat the skin on your feet with boric alcohol or some kind of antifungal ointment, cream, gel, or spray. For prevention, almost all antifungal agents or alcoholic solutions of antiseptics are suitable.
- Do not wear rubber boots for a long time, uncomfortable shoes that rub your feet.
- Do not abuse synthetic socks or tights, change them daily.
To the doctor immediately!
At the first suspicion that you have a fungal infection, you should consult a mycologist or dermatologist. The doctor will not only carry out an examination, assess the thickness, the structure of the nail, but also take tissue scrapings for analysis. Only then will he be able to determine the presence of the fungus, its type and prescribe the correct treatment.
If onychomycosis is not treated, it can lead to nail loss. The infection damages the entire body. The fungus releases toxic substances, causing allergic reactions and reduced immunity.
It is necessary to clearly know that in the early stages it is very easy to get rid of the infection. If the disease is not advanced, then local treatment can be carried out: cut off the affected areas of the nail, cover the remaining nail with antifungal varnish, lubricate with antifungal ointments, which are many today.
Remember that the longer the fungus lives on your nails, the harder it is to get rid of. In the later stages, when several years have passed after infection (and the toenails are affected), fungal diseases are difficult to treat.
What do you need to know
- It is necessary to sound the alarm already at the first skin signs of a fungus. A fungal infection on the skin is treated more easily and quickly than on the nails. It only takes a week to lubricate the affected areas with one of the antifungal agents, which are in abundance at any drugstore.
- The fungus can also infect the hair, although the most common are nail fungus.
- Sometimes a change in the appearance of nails is not associated with a fungus, but is caused by the state of Organs internal organs: cardiovascular and pulmonary failure, kidney or liver dysfunction. Nails may turn yellow after taking potent medications. Nail damage is also caused by lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis and finally nail injuries also occur. But most of the time, the appearance of nails changes after a fungal infection.
popular recipes
Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies is rarely effective. However, here are two recipes.
- Apply a piece of kombucha to the painful nail and bandage your finger. This will soften the nail and make it easier for you to cut it. Repeat the procedure until the nail is completely smooth. Then, steam the legs well and lubricate with this mixture: take one part vinegar essence, two parts glycerin, two parts 96% alcohol. Prepare the garlic oil: grate the garlic and pour the sunflower oil heated to sixty degrees (the oil should cover the garlic) - mix everything and leave to infuse for a few days in a tightly closed container. Soak a cotton ball in this oil, apply to the painful nail and apply a bandage. Place a plastic bag on top - this way you won't stain the bedding, as this treatment should be done before bed. The course of treatment is 10 to 15 days.
- Wash your feet well before going to sleep. Dip a cotton ball in 9% vinegar and place it on the nail. Wrap your finger over it with a film and secure it with a band-aid. Repeat the procedure in the morning. Wash your feet the day after this treatment. Put your nails in order - where to cut, where to clean. Repeat the procedure several times on the sole.