Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis as it is known, is a very common disease that is transmitted through contact. It is actually caused by epidermophytes, which are pathogenic microorganisms. The fungus entering the human skin affects the upper layers of the epidermis of the feet and the nail plate. In addition to causing aesthetic discomfort, this disease can cause complications if left untreated for a long time.
The main symptoms of the disease
![feet before and after nail fungus treatment](/images/articles/694/feet%20before%20and%20after%20nail%20fungus%20treatment.jpg)
Before deciding how to get rid of nail fungus, you need to make sure that the diagnosis is correct. There is a complex of symptoms that is characteristic only for this disease. This includes the following symptoms:
- changing the usual color of the nail plate to white, yellow, green, gray or even black;
- itching sensation between the fingers, on the legs;
- fragility and breakage of nails;
- the legs may have irritated skin, peeling, blisters or sores;
- uncharacteristic thickening and unevenness of the nail plate.
In the initial stages of the disease, nail fungus appears almost imperceptibly. After all, some people may not even notice a small itch and slight discoloration. But if you do not get rid of toenail fungus in time, it leads to the complete destruction of the plate. Therefore, it is very important to contact a specialist immediately when disturbing symptoms appear. This will help to quickly eliminate the fungus and return the nails to their previous health.
Medical treatment of omnicomycosis
![yellow toenails with fungus](/images/articles/694/yellow%20toenails%20with%20fungus.jpg)
The use of medicines is an effective way to quickly get rid of nail fungus. Now there are a large number of drugs in different release forms. The most common among them are:
- medicinal varnishes - their use is effective only at the initial stage, when the fungus does not have time to spread to the growth line of the nail plate. The use of such means is quite simple and very effective in getting rid of the disease in a short time;
- Ointments and creams are the most common topical preparations. Using such tools, you can remove the fungus that develops under the nails. Due to their texture, creams and ointments cover the affected area, help not only to prevent the development of mycosis, but also to restore tissues;
- pills - unfortunately, the fungus does not only affect the nails, but also negatively affects the state of the human immune system in general. Medicines to be taken orally help to forget the disease for a long time. However, it should be understood that they can have a negative effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment of fungus with vinegar
Vinegar acid will help to get rid of nail fungus at home. This method is one of the most common methods in traditional medicine. Its meaning is that epidermophytes die under the influence of an acidic environment. To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to dilute the vinegar with water in the right proportion. A low-concentration acidic solution will be enough to fight nail fungus at home.
Before proceeding with the procedure, you need to clean and steam the skin of the feet. Dead and fungal nails should be removed with small scissors. This will allow the acid to penetrate deeper. There are several ways to get rid of nail fungus with vinegar, including:
- baths - 9% vinegar solution should be heated to a temperature of about 36-37 degrees. Affected fingers are immersed in warm liquid for 15 minutes. Do not wipe your feet or rinse with water after the procedure;
- compresses - you need to twist the bandage several times and moisten it with plenty of vinegar. Then such a compress is applied to the affected areas. To achieve a better effect, wrap your feet with a bandage, put on warm socks and leave it overnight;
- ointments - vinegar can be a component of a remedy, for example, it can be mixed in equal proportions with vegetable oil and dimethyl phthalate. Apply this mixture before going to bed.
In addition to treating the lesions with vinegar, special attention should be paid to the patient's shoes. It should be removed regularly with a slightly acidic solution.
Fungus treatment with iodine
Iodine solution is great for nail fungus. It has an antiseptic effect, so it is often used to disinfect affected skin areas. Also, iodine exhibits cauterizing properties, which are important to prevent further spread of infection. Sometimes it is used for preventive purposes.
To understand how to fight with iodine toenails, you need to understand the mechanism of its effect on mycosis cells. In fact, the work of the solution is based on coagulation (coagulation) of proteins. Based on the protein structure of fungal cells, iodine enters the affected areas, destroys them and prevents further spread. It is through this that complete healing takes place.
You can use iodine in several ways to fight toenail fungus:
- Dotted - the agent is applied directly to the center of infection. In this case, the probability of a quick recovery is quite high.
- Baths - iodine is added to clean and boiled water, after which the feet float for 10 minutes. This method can be used as a disease prevention. After all, it is easier to prevent a problem than to think about how to remove mushrooms later.
Other folk remedies
Alternative medicine is very popular today. Therefore, there are many recipes that will help ease the course of the disease and ensure a quick recovery. The following methods are most often used in the fight against fungal nail diseases:
- tar soap - has an antimicrobial effect. It is used for medicinal purposes by foaming the affected area. To increase efficiency, you can put on a warm sock and leave the night;
- tea tree oil is a powerful natural antiseptic. This method is best used in combination with others to speed up recovery. Oil can be used for baths, compresses or lotions;
- garlic is a very simple but very effective remedy. After a week of regular procedures, the result will be noticeable. A compress with garlic oatmeal or its juice should be applied to injuries;
- celandine - usually prepare a bath from herbal infusion. The procedure should be repeated every two days until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely;
- kombucha - used as a lotion. You need to put a small piece of peroxided mushroom on a painful finger and fix it well with a film. This tool has a softening effect. After the procedure, you can easily cut the affected nail;
- using smoke - the painful finger is fumigated with smoke from a cotton cloth. As a result of the procedure, nails affected by mycosis fall off, and after a while, healthy ones grow in their place;
- propolis - used as an infusion for compresses. To prepare it, mix alcohol and grated propolis. After the mixture is brewed, it is applied to a clean gauze and wrapped around the painful finger.
Nail fungus very often appears for no reason. It brings significant anxiety to a person's life. Therefore, you should not delay its treatment for a long time. You should see a dermatologist to find out how to get rid of nail fungus. This will help you choose funds that will have a quick and positive impact.