How to treat toenail fungus with folk remedies at home

Hello dear readers. Nail fungus is one of the most common forms of fungal damage to the body. The disease is quite unpleasant and it is not easy to recover from it. The disease cannot be started, because this is not a cosmetic problem, but a serious pathology. But not everyone knows which approach will be correct. It should be noted right away that self-medication is not the best option in this situation. But information about what the disease is and how to quickly get rid of nail fungus will not be superfluous for anyone.

What causes nail fungus infection

Nail fungus, or as it is called in medicine, onychomycosis, is a disease that causes damage to the nails and adjacent areas by parasitic fungal microorganisms. This is one of the subspecies of mycosis. If we consider all the diseases to which only the feet can be subjected, onychomycosis is the most common.

You can get infected in public places where the humidity is too high. This includes baths, steam rooms, swimming pools, beaches.

Wooden objects (benches, beds, etc. ) are used a lot here. Due to the porosity of the wood, the fungus is difficult to kill there.

Also, doctors distinguish several risk groups. For people who belong to one of them, the probability of infection increases significantly.

• cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy;
• after a course of treatment with antibiotics or steroids;

It is not always possible to get rid of the disease quickly. The cure rate depends on the variety of the parasite that caused it, the stage of development of the disease, the area of \u200b\u200bthe lesion, the presence of complications and concomitant ailments, and the general condition of the body.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

Nail damage caused by a parasitic fungus cannot go unnoticed. Symptomatic changes in the nails are quite pronounced and boil down to the following.

1. Lost natural shine, transparency.
2. The color is changing. It can be yellowish, brownish, whitish, bluish, greenish, grayish.
3. The surface roughness is displayed.
4. Stripes, spots and thickenings are clearly distinguishable.
5. Stratification is observed.
6. There is peeling from the nail bed.
7. Several areas are painted and crumbled.
8. Surrounding tissue may become red, swollen, and itchy.
9. There are pain sensations.
10. The feet give off an unpleasant odor.

Despite all of this, self-diagnosis can be difficult. Early in development, the signs of onychomycosis are similar to the symptoms of some other injuries - trauma to the nail area.

How to get rid of toenail fungus quickly with folk remedies and medicines

You should be realistic and understand that fungal infection of fingernail and toenail areas is not cured in a week. According to doctors, the healing period can last from 6-8 weeks to six months, and sometimes 8-12 months.

It depends on many factors other than nail growth activity. On the hands, this process goes much faster than on the legs, and therefore the cure comes here earlier.

The best and fastest positive results can be obtained if you follow the recommendations below.

1. Use a variety of therapeutic measures in the complex. Do not rely on the effectiveness of any miracle remedy. Competently combine pharmacological preparations and recipes of traditional medicine.
2. Treatment should be active, but gentle - aggressive agents, often used for therapeutic purposes, should not affect healthy areas of the body located in close proximity to the affected ones.
3. Strictly observe the hygienic requirements so that the fungus does not spread, also to avoid re-infection immediately after treatment. And the probability of this happening is very high.
4. Watch for dryness in affected extremities. Remember that humidity and warmth are ideal conditions for active reproduction of the fungus.
5. Eliminate all the causes that caused the appearance of onychomycosis and eliminate them.
6. Every day, gently, but as much as possible, cut the edge of the growing nail affected by the disease. If possible, go through the laser exposure procedure, which very effectively inhibits the pathological activity of pathogens.

Pharmacological agents

Means acting against pathogens are usually divided into three subgroups depending on the active components. Each of them has in its arsenal both external ointments and tablets of general action on the whole body.

It should be borne in mind that the latter have a large list of side effects. Therefore, you should not self-prescribe medications. To minimize the risks, it is necessary to undergo an examination, identify which varieties of the fungus caused the disease and act with "targeting" drugs.

Subgroups of antifungal drugs

1. Azole agents. They are based on triazole or imidazole, as well as their derivatives. Depending on the concentration, they exhibit fungistatic or fungicidal effects. They are effective in fighting mold and yeast-like fungi.
2. allylamine agents. The active ingredients can be terbinafine, naftifine, butenafine. They are able to stop the growth of the fungus, and also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
3. Other drugs. They act on the basis of additives flucytosine, morpholine, griseofulvin, chlornitrophenol. They are distinguished by a narrower activity aimed at certain types of fungal pathogens.

External means

At the very beginning of the development of onychomycotic lesions, one should only resort to the help of ointments. Only if they are ineffective, the administration of antifungals in tablets is introduced.

The difference between creams and ointments:

• have a direct effect on injuries;
• have fewer contraindications;
• adverse reactions are limited.

If you catch the disease early in development, it will be possible to deal with it within a month.

The most popular antifungal creams and ointments

1. Ointment zinc. It allows you to relieve inflammation, dry the affected areas, get rid of itching, achieve an adsorbing effect.
2. Clotrimazole. Broad spectrum substance. Duration of use - from 2 weeks to six months. It also has an antiseptic effect. It can cause dry skin, burning, allergic manifestations on the skin. Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under the age of three.
3. Naftin. Fights inflammation, has an antimicrobial effect. The agent tends to accumulate on the treated surfaces. Use the ointment no more than twice a day. The tool is not used during pregnancy and lactation.

Use of tablets

To provide a systemic effect on the whole body, the doctor prescribes oral tablets. Broad-spectrum drugs are prescribed.

1. Substances fluconazole, medoflucon. It is enough to take it only once a day. The agent is well tolerated. In rare cases, intestinal upset and rashes may occur on the body. The course of treatment can be 1-4 weeks.
2. Substances orungal, sporanox. It can be used for pulse therapy. The drug is not prescribed for renal failure, pregnancy, hypersensitivity to the action of the drug. May cause allergic reactions, dizziness, hypokalemia, abdominal pain.

All medicines for nail fungus on hands or feet should only be taken after consulting a doctor.

How to treat toenail fungus with folk remedies at home

First of all, you should strictly adhere to all medical recommendations, do not skip taking medications and carry out treatment, and do not interrupt the course after the elimination of particularly annoying symptoms.

In addition, it is necessary:

• use the local toilets regularly;
• applying a specialized varnish that blocks the spread of the fungus, and also has a therapeutic effect;
• daily remove the protruding parts of the growing nail, which is affected by the disease;
• use special means for softening the nail plate to remove it;
• steam hands or feet before using external topical agents;
• take measures to prevent the infection of households.

Special lacquers

Lacquers have a number of advantages. The active ingredients penetrate well deep into the affected nails, but at the same time harden and leave no marks on clothes, bedding, shoes.

The hardened layer reliably blocks the oxygen supply of pathogens, blocking their activity. But paint products are effective only in the initial stage of onychomycosis.

Before using paints, you should resort to using a warm local bath. The soaked plates affected by a fungus are maximally cut, treated with a file or other grinding device. The surface is dried

Lacquer is also recommended to cover healthy nails. The procedure is repeated every evening for a long time - from several months to six months.

Help from a surgeon

Both the part and the whole plate can be removed. But this is not a guarantee of complete relief from the disease. The likelihood of further spread of a fungal infection is very high.

After surgery, the finger heals for a long time. In addition, suppuration may develop. A newly grown nail can be deformed. A preferred alternative to this method is laser therapy.

After the surgical removal of the damaged nail formation, special emphasis is placed on the drug treatment of the fungus. In some, especially severe cases, the growth zone can be removed, after which the finger will remain "bare" - the nail will no longer be able to grow here.

Traditional medicine

Alternative methods are slower than medical methods, but have fewer side effects. They can be effective only for the treatment of the initial stage of the development of the disease.

Subsequently, folk recipes are used exclusively in combination with pharmacological preparations as auxiliary measures.

For the treatment of nail fungus, such remedies are used.

1. Garlic. Apply garlic gruel in the form of applications to sore nails. A fixing bandage is placed on top. A nightly repetition of the procedure is practiced. You can also use garlic juice squeezed in an equal mixture with alcohol. Nails are treated with the resulting balm twice a day.
2. Vinegar. Acetic acid acidifies the environment, which inactivates pathogens. This tool lubricates damaged nails every day. You can use vinegar compresses. To do this, lumps of cotton wool are moistened in vinegar and fixed on the desired fingers in the affected area. Compresses hold all night, removing in the morning.
3. Peroxide. Like vinegar and other similar products, apply directly to nails or Q-tips. The peroxide acts as an antiseptic.
4. Alcoholic solution of iodine. They can cover nails, including healthy ones, 1-2 times a day. Also, an iodine supplement is suitable for any bathroom. To do this, just add a few drops of the product.
5. Propolis tincture. It can be used for lotions, as well as injected into local hand or foot baths. The compresses are left on the nails overnight. You can prepare an ointment, which is a mixture of propolis and butter. The composition is superimposed on gauze and placed on the desired area. The agent is left for 10 hours.
6. Burning remedies from vegetables. For the treatment of onychomycosis, onions or horseradish are suitable. They have antimicrobial activity. Herbal products are used in the form of gruel. You can also make a kind of ointment by mixing liquid pomace with butter or melted chicken fat.
7. Essential extracts. These funds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and regenerative effects. For the preparation of local baths or as part of mixtures for compresses, fir and other oils can be used.

The essential extract is mixed with petroleum jelly in a 1: 1 ratio. It should be rubbed into the damaged nails. As always in such cases, the remedy will have a stronger effect if the nails are steamed first.

What is a fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail infectionsAlso known asdermatophytic onychomycosis. The initial fungus affecting the skin of the feet is a common infection of the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. On the skin of the feet, the original fungus lives in the keratin which makes up the outer layer of the skin. When the fungus spreads to the keratin of the nails,fungal nail infection.

What causes fungal infections?

Fungusspread from the foot (known as"dermatophyte fungi"), cause most fungal nail infections. Less commonly, nail infections are caused by other types of fungi, usually yeasts (eg,Candida) Andmold.

These fungi tend to attack already damaged nails, as it is easier for the fungus to enter. Fungal infections of the toenails are very common (1 in 4 people can be affected at any time), less common is toenail fungus. Both types are more common in older people, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. A warm, moist environment helps fungi grow and cause infection. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, bathrooms, or locker rooms can increase your risk of fungal infections.

Are they hereditary?

Absolutely no. However, in some extremely rare cases, there is a genetic risk factor and other family members may also be susceptible to the infection.

What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections?

Initially, there are usually no symptoms. Later, the nails may thicken and become painful when pressed against the inside of the shoe. So they are difficult to cut. The sight of an infected toenail, especially a fingernail, can be embarrassing. An affected toenail can ruin socks and pantyhose, and can also irritate adjacent skin. Nearby skin may also have a fungal infection; may itch, crack, blister, or appear whitish, especially between the toes.

What do fungal nail infections look like?

Nail fungusit usually starts at its free edge and then spreads down the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Eventually, the entire nail may be affected. Infected areas turn white or yellowish, become thickened and scaly. Less commonly, there may be white inclusions on the nail surface. The toenails and little toe nails are more susceptible to damage from fungal infections. Sometimes, especially in those who have regular wet jobs, such as a housewife or cleaner, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen. This is called paronychia and can allow the infection to enter the nail easily.

How are fungal nail infections diagnosed?

Fungal nail infectionsusually diagnosed clinically. Your doctor may take a piece of an infected nail and send it to a lab to see if the fungus can be seen under a microscope or grown. Repeated samples may sometimes be required.

Many nail problems can only appearfungal infection, - for example, the changes observed in psoriasis after a bacterial infection or an old injury, but antifungal pills will not help. Proper treatment may depend on knowing which fungus is causing problems; it may take several weeks to get results.

Can fungal nail infections be cured?

Yes. However, to successtreatment of fungal nail infectionslong-term treatment is needed, which can take up to a year. Nails are easier to handle.Fungal nail infectionsthey usually recur, especially on the toes.

How can fungal nail infections be treated?

Fungal nail infectionsalone they don't worry, not everyone needs treatment. Some people with infected toenails don't bother with them at all. In this case, they can sometimes be left alone (although the patient should be careful and try not to spread the infection to other parts of the body and nails, as well as other people).

On the other hand, ifinfected nailscause embarrassment or discomfort, they are usually treated. It's important to treat people whose infections can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes or reduced immunity, to prevent potentially serious health problems.

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the fungus: then the nail usually returns to normal. However, if the nail was damaged before it became infected, it will be more difficult to clean and may return to its original state.Nail infectionscaused by molds and yeasts can be very resistant to treatment.

Treatment options include:

Treatment applied to the nails (local procedures)

Treatments applied to the nails do not work as well as oral treatments. They are most effective if the infection is at an early stage. The most commonly used methods are amorolfine nail polish remover, ciclopirox and tioconazole solution.

They may not be able to clean the deeper parts of the infected nail themselves, but regularly removing the damaged part of the nail with scissors or abrasion can help. Medications taken by mouth, used in combination with an antifungal agent, increase the chances of recovery. You may need to use them for 4-12 months before you notice the effect.

Forfingernail infectionsshorter course of treatment. The cure rate with local treatments alone is around 15-30%. Topical treatment is safe. Redness and irritation may occur.

Before you start taking the pills, your doctor should send the nail part to the laboratory to check if the diagnosis of fungal infection is confirmed.

Substances available for use in the treatment of fungal nail infections include:

• The substance griseofulvin has been used for many years and is the only one of the three drugs licensed for use in children. It is absorbed completely only with fatty foods (such as milk and dairy products) and long courses of treatment are usually required (6 to 9 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails). However, only about three-quarters of infected fingernails and one-third of infected toenails are shed. Frequent relapses are also possible.
• The substances terbinafine and itraconazole have now largely moved away from griseofulvin. They work better and much faster, even though only about 50% of nail infections are cured. Terbinafine should be considered as a first line treatment for dermatophyte fungi (i. e. those affecting the feet). It is taken daily for 6 weeks for nail infections and for 12-16 weeks for foot infections.
• The substance itraconazole is effective in the treatment of dermatophytes; it is also useful for treating other fungi such as yeast. It is usually taken in periods - for one week each month - because it is absorbed into the nail cuticle and continues to act for several weeks. Two weekly courses given over 21 days are usually sufficient for nail infections and three for toe infections.
• The substance fluconazole can be effective for Candida fungal infections. It is not currently licensed for fungal nail infections. It appears to be less effective than itraconazole and terbinafine, but remains an alternative for intolerance to the two drugs.
• Other procedures

Laser and photodynamic therapy can be helpful but are less effective than the topical and systemic treatments listed above.

Herbal products are also promotedtreatment of fungal nail infections, but there is no conclusive evidence that it is safe or more effective than standard treatments.

Are there any side effects from the treatment?

Oral treatments are more likely to cause side effects than topical treatments.

Terbinafine sometimes causes a potentially very serious allergic reaction, can slightly worsen skin conditions, and sometimes affects the taste buds.

Itraconazole is not suitable for people who are already taking certain medications. Your doctor will inform you about this. Both terbinafine and itraconazole can affect the liver, and your doctor may order a blood test to check for this before and during treatment.

Although griseofulvin is the only drug approved for use in children, many dermatologists prefer to use terbinafine because it is much more effective.

How do I know if the treatment is working?

The new nail will slowly grow out from its base and it may take 6 months to a year after treatment is finished before your nails look normal again. Foot infections resolve faster and more completely than toenails; it may take 18 months for the foot to fully recover.

Surgical removal of nails

Sometimes very thick nails that don't respond to pills alone can be removed by surgeons under local anesthesia, but this is rarely done because the level of treatment success doesn't justify surgery.

Self-medication

• Keep your nails short, dry and clean. Use one nail clipper for infected nails and the other for normal nails.
• Don't just treat your nails; use an antifungal cream to treat the skin on the foot.
• Avoid trimming your cuticles, either yourself or by a manicurist, as this increases the risk of nail damage and infection.

For a fungal infection on your toes:

• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes without high heels or tight socks.
• Keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and change them every day, and wear breathable shoes. Regular washing in hot water will clean most contaminated socks, but it can be made more effective by using an antifungal spray before washing. Other clothing generally cannot be contaminated.
• Maintain foot hygiene, including treating any infection.
• Wear clean shower shoes when using a shared shower.
• Pay particular attention to the hygiene of the affected feet.
• Consider seeking help from a podiatrist if thickened toenails make walking uncomfortable.

Prevention measures

The risk of re-infection with the fungus after getting rid of the disease is very high. Therefore, you must clearly follow simple rules:

• follow foot hygiene;
• get rid of used shoes, towels and socks during treatment;
• avoid sharing such things with other family members;
• avoid excessive wetness of the feet, use talcum powder;
• treat the inner surfaces of the shoes with antiseptics.

Don't forget, all medicines for nail fungus, take after consulting a doctor.