Boots soaked in the rain, tight and warm shoes, decreased immunity - all this increases the risk of onychomycosis.
Mushrooms attack in the fall
Unpleasant cracks in the leg between the fingers and nails turned yellow? You can be infected with a fungus. About 10% of the world's population suffers from this microscopic enemy, and the number of victims of onychomycosis (or nail fungus) has more than doubled in the last 10 years.
Both men and women are equally successful. However, the risk of getting sick increases with age. For example, every second person after 70 years suffers from onychomycosis.
Fortunately, children are less likely to be infected because babies 'nails grow faster than adults', and the fungus, on the other hand, grows more slowly.
Where can I buy mushrooms? Yes, most likely from their relatives.
Recent studies have found that nail fungus is most common in families, even though it affects two people. The risk group includes people with excessive sweating, weak immunity, straight legs. Too narrow shoes can cause the disease: then the skin of the foot and nails are more susceptible to damage. Socks and stockings made of synthetic fibers, poor ventilation in autumn and winter shoes create a humid microclimate for the feet. Frequent contact of hands with washing and cleaning of household products damages the nails on the hands, and the fungus prefers only weakened and damaged nail plates, a healthy nail is practically invulnerable to fungal infection. The main causes of onychomycosis are:
Cracks and scratches on the skin, nail damage, constantly moisturizes the feet.
Presence of diseases: diabetes, AIDS, obesity, decreased immunity. When the vascular tone of the legs is disturbed, for example, the risk of developing heart failure or varicose veins increases.
Take antibiotics, oral contraceptives.
The disease occurs primarily on the skin of the feet, often in the interdigital folds. Parasitic fungi on the skin can poison anyone's life.
Over time, the affected area catches the nails not only on the feet but also on the hands. Sooner or later, another person will step on the 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 sink or sink.
Where is the infection?
You can buy a mushroom both in common places (gym locker rooms, baths, swimming pools, manicure / pedicure salon, hotel, beach) and in your own home.
At home, in the family, in the country or at a party, common shoes, barefoot walking, household items and belongings (towels, rugs, blankets) - these are the factors that determine the transmission of fungi among members of a family, their relatives and friends.
The most effective means of combating nail fungus is primary prevention. It is better to prevent infection than to treat it later. To avoid nail fungus, you should follow these simple rules:
- Never use someone else's shoes and do not give your shoes to others, even close people.
- Do not use the same manicure accessories to treat sick and healthy nails.
- If possible, disinfect all items in contact with the patient's feet and hands.
- Do not walk barefoot in public, it is better not to do it at home. When visiting the bath, sauna or pool, use closed rubber shoes that protect against splashes. On the beach, just go barefoot.
- It is necessary to take a shower after the pool.
- If you have cracks on your heels, never visit baths or swimming pools.
- After visiting public places, treat the skin of the feet with boric alcohol or some kind of antifungal ointment, cream, gel or spray. Alcohol solutions of almost any antifungal agent or antiseptic are suitable for prevention.
- 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.
See a doctor immediately!
At the first suspicion that you have a fungal infection, you should consult a mycologist or dermatologist. The doctor will not only examine, assess the thickness and structure of the nail, but also make tissue scraps for analysis. Only in this way will be able to determine the presence of the fungus, its type and determine the correct treatment.
If left untreated, onychomycosis can lead to nail loss. The infection affects the whole body. The fungus releases toxins, causes allergic reactions and reduces immunity.
It is important to know that it is very easy to get rid of the infection in the early stages. If the disease has not progressed, local treatment can be carried out: cut the affected areas of the nail, cover the remaining nail with antifungal varnish, lubricate it with antifungal ointments, which are very common today.
Remember that the longer the fungus lives on your nails, the harder it is to get rid of it. In the later stages, a few years after infection (and the toenails are affected), fungal diseases are difficult to treat.
What you need to know
- At the first skin signs of a fungus, it is necessary to give an alarm. A fungal infection on the skin is easier and faster to treat than nails. One week is enough to lubricate the affected areas with one of the abundant antifungal agents in any pharmacy.
- Fungal hair can also be infected, although the most common are nail fungus.
- Sometimes the change in the appearance of nails is not associated with a fungus, but is caused by the condition of internal organs: cardiovascular and pulmonary insufficiency, impaired renal or hepatic function. Nails may turn yellow after taking strong medication. Damage to the nails is also caused by lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis, and finally, nail injuries also occur. However, the appearance of nails often changes after a fungal infection.
Folk recipes
Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies is rarely effective. But here are two recipes.
- Apply a piece of kombucha to the sore nail and wrap your finger. This will soften the nail and make it easier to cut. Repeat the procedure until the nail is completely soft. Then steam your feet well and lubricate them with this mixture: take one part of vinegar, two parts of glycerin, two parts of 96% alcohol. Prepare garlic oil: grate the garlic and pour sunflower oil heated to sixty degrees (the oil should cover the garlic) - mix everything and infuse for several days in a tightly closed bowl. Soak a cotton ball in this oil, apply to the sore nail and wrap. Put a plastic bag on top - this way you will not stain the bedding, because such treatment should be done before bedtime. The course of treatment is 10-15 days.
- Wash your feet thoroughly before going to bed. Soak a cotton ball in 9% vinegar and put it on the nail. Wrap your finger in a film and straighten it with a bandage. Repeat the procedure in the morning. Wash your feet a day after such treatment. Arrange your nails in a row - where to cut, where to clean. Repeat the procedure several times on the heel.