Rain -soaked boots, tight and warm shoes, diminished immunity - all this increases the risk of onychomycosis.
The fungus attacks in the fall
Unpleasant cracks on the foot between the fingers and nails turn yellow? You may be infected with a fungus. About 10% of the world’s population suffers from this microscopic enemy, and over the past 10 years, the number of victims of onychomycosis (or nail fungus) has more than doubled.
Both men and women became its victims with equal success. But the risk of getting sick increases with age. For example, after 70 years, every second person develops onychomycosis.
Fortunately, children are less likely to be infected, because baby nails grow faster than adults, and fungi, on the other hand, grow relatively slowly.
Where can You Get Fungus? Yes, most likely from their own relatives.
A recent study found that nail fungus is most often infected in families, even though it consists of two people. Risk groups include people with excessive sweating, weakened immunity, flat feet. Shoes that are too narrow can trigger disease: in them the skin of the feet and nails are more susceptible to injury. Socks and stockings made of synthetic fibers, poor ventilation in autumn and winter shoes create a humid microclimate for the feet. Frequent hand contact with washing and cleaning home products injures the nails on the hands, and the fungus only prefers weak and damaged nail plates, healthy nails can be said to be immune to fungal infections. The following are the main causes of onychomycosis:
Cracks and scratches on the skin, nail injuries, feet are always wet.
The presence of diseases: diabetes, AIDS, obesity, reduced immunity. The risk of getting the disease increases if the vascular tone of the legs is disturbed, for example, by heart failure or varicose veins.
Take antibiotics, oral contraceptives.
The disease occurs first on the skin of the feet, often in the interdigital folds. Parasitic fungi that have settled on the skin can poison anyone's life.
Over time, the affected area catches nails not only on the feet, but also on the hands. Sooner or later, others will step on the fallen skin scales and become infected.
Externally, the appearance of nail fungus may look like this: the color and thickness of the nail changes, the nail begins to crumble or crumble.
Where is the infection
You can pick up fungus in public areas (floors in gym locker rooms, in bathhouses, swimming pools, manicure / pedicure salons, in hotels, on the beach), and in your own home.
Shoes shared at home in the family, in the country or at a party, barefoot walking, household items and furniture (towels, rugs, covers) - these are the factors that determine the transmission of the fungus between the same family members, their relatives and friends.
The most effective way to combat nail fungus is primary prevention. It is better to prevent infection than to treat it later. To prevent nail fungus infections, you must follow these simple rules:
- Never use other people’s shoes and never give your shoes to others, even close people.
- Do not use the same manicure accessories for the treatment of diseased and healthy nails.
- If possible, disinfect all objects in contact with the patient's feet and hands.
- Don’t walk barefoot in public, and it’s best not to do this at home either. When visiting a bathhouse, sauna or pool, use covered rubber slippers that protect against splashes. On the beach too, go only with slippers.
- After the pool you need to take a shower.
- Never visit baths and pools if cracks are visible on your soles.
- After visiting a public place, treat the skin of the feet with boric alcohol or some type of antifungal ointment, cream, gel, or spray. For prevention, almost all antifungal agents or antiseptic alcohol solutions are suitable.
- Do not wear rubber shoes for long, uncomfortable shoes that rub your feet.
- Do not abuse synthetic socks or tights, change daily.
To the doctor immediately!
At the first suspicion that you have got a fungal infection, you should consult a mycologist or dermatologist. The doctor will not only conduct an examination, assess the thickness, structure of the nail, but also make a tissue scrape for analysis. Only in this way he will 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 whole body. Fungi release toxic substances, cause allergic reactions and reduce immunity.
It is necessary to know clearly that in the first stage it is quite easy to get rid of the infection. If the disease does not progress, local treatment can be carried out: cut the affected nail area, cover the remaining nails with antifungal varnish, lubricate with antifungal ointment, which is abundant today.
Remember that the longer the fungus lives on your nails, the harder it is to get rid of it. In the final stages, when several years have passed after the infection (and the toenails are affected), the fungal disease is difficult to treat.
What you need to know
- It is necessary to sound the alarm at the first signs of fungal skin. Fungal infections on the skin are treated easier and faster than on the nails. It is enough just a week to lubricate the affected area with one of the antifungal agents, which are widely available in any pharmacy.
- Fungus can also infect hair, although the most common is fungus on the nails.
- Sometimes changes in the appearance of nails are not associated with fungus, but due to conditions of internal organs: cardiovascular and lung insufficiency, kidney or liver dysfunction. Nails may turn yellow after taking strong medications. Nail damage is also caused by lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis, and finally, nail injuries also occur. But often, the appearance of nails changes after all from a fungal infection.
Folk recipes
Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies is rarely effective. However, here are two recipes.
- Apply a piece of kombucha on a sore nail and bandage your fingers. This will soften the nail and make it easier for you to cut it. Repeat the procedure until the nails are completely soft. Then steam your feet 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 let it soak for a few days in a tightly closed container. Soak a cotton ball in this oil, apply it on sore nails and bandage it. Put a plastic bag on top - this way you won’t stain the bed linen, as such treatment must be done before bedtime. The course of treatment is 10-15 days.
- Wash your feet well before bed. Soak a cotton ball in 9% vinegar and place on nails. Wrap your fingers on top with film and fix with a band-aid. Repeat the procedure in the morning. Wash your feet a day after such treatment. Arrange your nails - where to cut, where to clean. Repeat the procedure several times on the soles of the feet.