Nail fungus is ugly and painful. What is important in the treatment of whether to use folk remedies as not to pick up the infection.
How to understand that it is a fungus
Suspected onychomycosis with the symptoms:
- Change the color of the nails. It all starts with small spots, the nail lighter or yellow. Then it can be darker and even green.
- The form be changed. The nail grows, not there, on the plate, the waves emerge.
- Discomfort, especially if the press on nails.
- Of the instability. The nail begins to flake, become brittle. It is noticeable that changes the structure of the plate.
But, best of all with the diagnosis to cope up lab tests, which will direct a dermatologist: the nail that around, you need to scrape and examine under the microscope.
Where does fungus
All around us are living microorganisms, including various fungi. Usually they do not interfere with us. But, if the fungus gets into favorable conditions, it will begin to multiply quickly.
A perfect environment for fungus — the place where it is warm and moist. For example, tight shoes in the gym locker room or in the shower, the tub or in the pool.
Why show the nails of a doctor
He showed that it is definitely fungus. Without research, it is not always clear, especially if the infection only began to spread.
Maybe the nail is changed due to injury, bacteria or psoriasis — then antifungal medicines purchased on their own, no help.
How to treat nail fungus
Now pharmacies quite fungicides that kill fungus even in the nails, they are sold under different names. For the treatment of the skin around the nail is easier to use medication in the form of ointments, for the treatment of plaque — drops or a special antifungal nail Polish.
The only difficulty in the treatment of nail fungus: you have to take the medication for several months to half a year. So, the main thing is patience and consistency.
If the fungus is strongly deformed nail, you will need to visit a specialist who deals with the health of the feet which can to treat the infected nail so that it does not interfere with the living. And it would be nice to change or at least to disinfect inside of the shoes that contact with the affected nails.
In rare cases you will need to remove the nails.
Whether to treat fungus folk remedies
All folk remedies — this is a questionable alternative to pharmaceutical antibiotics. Iodine, vinegar, herbal infusions and juices, salt — all this is a weak antiseptics that can kill fungi on the surface of the nail, but can not completely lime infection.
The most effective of these tools is also extremely dangerous, because burning the skin and only worsen the situation.
Much easier to purchase the medications and not suffer, inventing the next strip with the homicide team. The only advantage of the hot baths for the feet — nail is a bit limp, so there is a possibility that the antifungal ointments and drops will work better.
What is the danger of fungus, if left untreated
Fungal infections are treated for a long time, so a lot of people forget to use the products or not to buy a new pack when the old one ran out, and the treatment is not completed.
If the fungus is not stopped, it spreads, the entire nail becomes thick and hard, starting to turn yellow and crumble. The skin around the nail and under it can hurt, it increases the risk of injury, the ingrowth of the nail and its stratification.
If the infection will move to the skin between the fingers and the feet, which will occur in cracks, which also hurts.
How not to catch a nail fungus
Fungi often attack people whose immune system is not able to cope with infection: for example, their bodies weakened by chronic diseases. Therefore, people who suffer from diabetes or psoriasis need to be especially careful of the health of the nails.
- Follow the hygiene. Clean and dry hands and feet, the fungus are not attracted to. So wash your limbs and shoes, change socks every day (and if necessary, even several times a day), do not forget to clean and trim your nails.
- Carefully select the fabric that will be in contact with the nail. Cotton socks, gloves and mittens — made from natural materials.
- Wear Slippers and flip-flops, especially in the locker rooms and showers.
- Wear second pair of shoes. Do not sit all day in the same shoes, that will go on the street, especially when you are talking about winter boots and shoes: do not let the feet to sweat.
- Don't share towels. It is personal hygiene items, as well as a toothbrush.
- Do not do manicure and pedicure at home or salon, where there are a good deal with the tools — so not only can you catch the fungus, but something worse.