Did you notice cracks between your toes? Do your feet itch and itch endlessly? Have your toenails suddenly lost their color and started to get worse? These symptoms should not be ignored as they may signal a fungal infection of the feet. This disease is far from uncommon; it is especially common among military personnel, professional athletes and pool visitors. Unfortunately, fungal skin lesions are long and difficult to treat, while causing significant discomfort to their "owner". What you need to do to avoid contracting this disease, as well as how to deal with it after the acquisition: all this we will tell you in our article.
Causal links: where does toenail fungus come from
Naturally, the fungus itself does not "cling" to the legs of a healthy person for no reason. There are several types of fungi that are considered classic, ie they affect the largest percentage of patients. They are all called by the single term "onychomycosis". This group may include fungal spores of Candida, dermatophytes or trichophytes, the latter in turn having several subspecies that are localized in different parts of the feet and nails.
Such seemingly difficult names characterize an extremely unpleasant infection that penetrates under the nail or "settles" in the area between the fingers or under them, at the very base. The most wonderful environment for fungal spores are the moist and warm folds of human feet, it is here that they feel really comfortable and constantly evolving, which leads to the expansion of the affected area.
So what causes toenail fungus?
- In the absence of proper hygiene, the fungus multiplies and can affect large areas of the foot. At the same time, their spores are fully capable of reaching the surface of any shoe, "settling" there and infecting a person over and over again, as well as those who can wear these shoes. Rubber slippers and slippers are a common breeding ground for disputes.
- Due to excessive sweating of the feet, which is called hyperkeratosis. The shoes of military personnel, miners or athletes are often damp inside. This happens due to increased loads and "non-breathable" materials from which boots or boots are sewn. This environment is a paradise for spores.
- Sometimes the fungus gets under the nail during the pedicure procedure in 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 absolutely anyone during an incision with pedicure tweezers who has not been treated with a special sterilization solution.
- Onychomycosis is a common companion of people who take antibacterial drugs or have reduced immunity. Also a provoking factor for the appearance of fungus on the nails can be impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities, varicose veins or diabetes.
- Chronic diseases present in the body can affect a fungal infection. It is not necessary to start the inflammatory process, which has become chronic. It is imperative to treat.
Due to the fact that fungal spores love moisture and heat, they often "live" in baths, public showers and saunas. Therefore, in places where there is stagnant water, high humidity and high temperatures, you must follow hygiene rules. Remember to wear only your own shoes brought from home in saunas, public showers and baths. Remember: if someone has repeatedly put on slippers in the sauna before you, it is quite possible that the spores of the fungus have settled inside the porous structure of the rubber and you can get onychomycosis.
How to diagnose toenail fungus yourself
It is not difficult to perform self-diagnosis, as the most insignificant signs can identify the fungus and consult a doctor in the initial stage. All you need to do is regularly examine your feet in the area between your toes, at the base, and your nails. It is especially important to pay attention to the condition of the skin of the foot after visiting swimming pools, saunas, baths or after wearing someone else's shoes.
The most common symptoms of fungal infections of the feet and nails are:
- Cracked skin at the base of the toes. At the same time, the wounds do not dry out, but get wet and constantly inflamed.
- Nails with an unusual shape. Any separation of natural marigold from the skin, their deformation or discoloration should alert you. In patients with onychomycosis, the nails become very thick, become too brittle and may even crumble. At the same time, the color scale is able to change: yellow, white, gray or even blackened marigolds are not uncommon for such a disease.
- Also, look for itchy, scaly patches and rashes on the surface of your feet. If they do not disappear in 1-2 days, you should consult a dermatologist.
- You should also beware of the sudden appearance of blisters on the skin of the feet. They are usually arranged in small clusters and contain clear liquid inside.
- A very important symptom is foot odor. If your feet have never emitted a foul odor before, do not miss this factor, because it can indicate the presence of a fungal disease.
Due to the presence of such symptoms, you can diagnose yourself with a fungal skin disease. If you have any doubts, you should visit a doctor, he will conduct a special examination and will confirm or deny the presence of onychomycosis.
How to diagnose nail fungus in a medical clinic
You will most likely be asked for a general blood and urine test to find out if there is an inflammatory process in your body. Your doctor will ask you to tell us in detail what medicines you are taking and whether you suffer from specific diseases, such as diabetes. Due to the increased level of glucose in the blood, as well as overweight, which often accompanies endocrine disorders, the so-called diabetic foot often occurs. This disease is characterized by calluses, calluses, cracks and fungal lesions.
Laboratory analysis for the presence of fungal spores is mandatory. Usually, a few days before the diagnosis, it is not necessary to wash your feet, and the places of detachment of the nail plate should be sealed with adhesive plaster. It is on the border of healthy skin and the affected area that a special scraping is taken, which determines the presence of onychomycosis. In rare cases, when a recurrence of the disease occurs, the particles of the destroyed calendula are taken for analysis. They are placed in a special environment where the fungus can grow more actively. In a similar way, laboratory technicians, together with doctors, determine the type of fungus and can subsequently decide on further therapy.
Diseases of this nature are dealt with by dermatologists and doctors with a narrower specialization - mycologists.
How to treat toenail fungus
Unfortunately, nail fungus is not a common cold. It will never go away on its own. Disputes are quite resistant to many drugs, but what can I say: the fungus is considered one of the most persistent microorganisms on the planet. Just like mold, fungal spores can outlive us all.
Mycoses must be treated without fail, as they can spread to the surface of the skin, involving all large areas in the pathological process and even settling in the airways, provoking asthma.There are drugs called antifungals. Like antibacterial drugs, they kill the problem from the inside out, as they are often taken orally. Only a doctor can prescribe antifungals due to the fact that some of them can have many side effects. Certain groups of drugs are able to fight only one or several types of fungi, but there are also antifungals with a broad spectrum of action.
For effective treatment of onychomycosis are suitable drugs with the following active ingredients:
- Terbinafine,
- Clotrimazole,
- Ketoconazole,
- Fluconazole,
- Itraconazole.
Remember that only a doctor has the right to prescribe antifungals. Given the possibility of side effects, it is impossible to choose an antifungal that is suitable for absolutely all patients with onychomycosis.
Special ointments, applications and creams are also prescribed for high-quality treatment of fungal infections of the feet. These remedies for toenail fungus are used both in the initial stage and during the ongoing process. Based on the degree of damage and localization of the fungus, the doctor may prescribe applications. These include applying an ointment to the affected areas of the skin, which are then sealed with plaster. Such an application is usually stored at night, and in the morning the dead particles of skin or nails are carefully removed and removed.
The following treatment options also work well:
- Treatment with antifungal sprays,
- Creams or emulsions,
- Cover toenails with a special anti-fungal varnish.
The complex therapy of fungal diseases, combining the use of ointments, antifungals and other procedures, gives the most lasting effect. But we must not forget that the treatment of onychomycosis is a long process. To give you an idea of how you can get rid of nail fungus, it is worth mentioning one fact: as usual, the nail grows back completely in a period of 6 to 12 months. Until a new, healthy nail grows completely, you should not interrupt the treatment, because sometimes the spores can continue at the root of the nail. If you stop treatment prematurely, the disease may recur.
Folk remedies for toenail fungus
The treatment of fungus at home will not be effective if only two or three treatment procedures are performed and with the slightest improvement in the clinical picture, forget about the therapy. The course of antifungal therapy should last at least three weeks, but sometimes it takes much longer to defeat an unpleasant disease. Be patient or the toenail fungus will return.The basis of home treatment is to remove as much affected skin and nails as possible to prevent the spread of spores. In the conditions of beauty salons, a master of pedicure will help to deal with mycosis. He will remove the upper affected layer of the nail with a special cutter with a rough nozzle, after which it will be possible to apply an antifungal ointment on this area. At home, it is unlikely that you will be able to completely remove the layer of dead cells, but it will be quite possible to soften it and carefully remove it.
Recipe for toenail fungus:
- Chicken egg - 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 essence of the chicken egg so that it is completely covered with the solution. It is better to use a glass for this. Now you need to put it in a dark place. Observe the egg: as soon as you notice that the shell is completely dissolved, remove the container and add a little oil to it (in case you want to add tea tree oil, 1-2 drops will suffice). Now you need to grind the mixture well so that the egg becomes a homogeneous paste. The mixture should cover the areas affected by the fungus, apply plastic wrap on top and wrap the legs with a bandage or gauze. It is recommended to leave the compress for a few hours, after which the stewed calendula should be cut. With regular use, the diseased nail can be removed almost completely and the fungus can be eliminated forever.
Toenail fungus: folk remedies
If you want to beat onychomycosis on your own, compresses made from different ingredients, such as garlic, horseradish or kombucha, may help. Just be sure to steam your feet before applying, that is, prepare a steam bath for them.
Baths with a solution of soda or potassium permanganate are considered the most effective. Both ingredients have an antiseptic effect, perfectly clean and disinfect the skin and toenails. Making a bath is simple: pour hot water into a basin and pour soda there, in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. soda for 3 liters of water. Potassium permanganate powder should be added carefully so as not to burn inflamed skin. The solution should not be purple or mauve; light pink water will suffice. We put our feet in the bathroom and enjoy for about 1 hour. Wipe your feet dry. You can now perform other manipulations.
Grate horseradish or garlic on a fine grater or squeeze through a press. Wrap the mass in a piece of gauze or bandage and apply on the affected area. Leave the compress on overnight, remembering to wrap in plastic and wear warm socks. Kombucha has an identical effect, you will need a little of it - a small piece that should also be applied to the affected area of the nail.
Prevention of fungus on the feet - how to avoid infection with fungal spores
As a preventative measure against onychomycosis infection, you should follow some simple rules:
- Use your own shoes to visit the pool, shower, sauna or steam bath. Try not to go to such places barefoot, especially if there is even slight damage to the skin.
- Do not lend shoes and hygiene items, such as pumice or a home pedicure brush, to strangers.
- To never think about how to get rid of toenail fungus, change your underwear, socks or tights more often. Your health depends on it.
- When you get to a pedicure, make sure the master has sterilized his instruments. Some salons have a service for buying your own set of pedicure tools. This significantly reduces the risk of fungal infection.
- Remember that to prevent calluses, calluses and blisters, you should wear wide shoes that do not restrict movement. Remember: if there are no wounds, cracks or scratches on the surface of the skin, fungal spores are unlikely to attack you.