The nail fungus on the legs is an infection that penetrates through cracks in the nails or cuts on the skin.This can lead to a change in the color of the nails on the legs or their thickening.Sometimes even harms the general life of the body.
Since the fingers are often warm and wet, and also “better”, if both states are combined, good conditions are created for the appearance and development of the fungus.Various types of fungi (rarely yeast) affect different parts of the nail.In the absence of the necessary treatmentThe infection spreads to other nails of the legs, skin or even hands.
How it looks, nail mycosis manifests itself
A fungal infection can affect part of the nail, the entire nail or several nails.
Fungal infections usually begin on the edge of the nail.
Then they often spread to the middle.The nail is discolored and comes off.
The nail plate becomes fragile, pieces begin to break off.This can cause pain and swelling of the skin around.
Signs and symptoms of onychomycosis, how to recognize, determine the lesion
The affected nails are usually thicker, can be curved or have an unusual shape.The nails with the fungus look yellow, easily break.Sometimes a white point appears on the nail, which then becomes larger.When a fungus forms under the nail, it weakens the plate and, in some cases, even separates it from the box.
Although the fungus usually causes only cosmetic problems, some patients really experience pain and discomfort.These symptoms can aggravate due to shoes, physical activity and irregular nail cutting.
Eatmany types of fungi that can affect nails.However, the most common of them is Trichophyton Rubrum.This type of fungus tends to infect the skin.
You may have a nail fungus if one or more of your nails:
- Thickened.
- Change color from whitish to yellow-brown.
- Fragile, crumbly or torn.
- Distorted in form.
- A dark color appears due to the accumulation of garbage under the nail.
- A little unpleasant smell.
Treatment of fungus
Products released without a prescription are usually not recommended for the treatment of nail infections, since they do not give reliable results.Instead, your doctor will prescribe oral antifungal drugs.
Depending on the type of fungus causing infection, as well as on the degree of infection, you may have to use these drugs for several months.Solutions for local use are less effective in the treatment of fungal infections of nails on the legs than specially designed for this.
Special tools
The doctor may offer to use one or a combination of drugs:
- Local cream, applied directly to the nail;
- Nail polish;
- Antifungal receptor tablets;
- Laser treatment, during which the damaged area of the nail or skin is removed.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Laser therapy
Laser light penetrates through the nail and soft tissues, killing the fungus in its path and contributing to the growth of new nails.As soon as a living mushroom is removed by a laser, healthy nails immediately begin to grow from the cuticle.In this case, infrared radiation is usedWhich is painless and safe, gently heating the base, the fungus survives.
This system is able to completely destroy the fungus.However, most likely it will require repeated visits to the procedure for 3 months.Treatment usually lasts 5-15 minutes with an interval of 30 days for a quarter of a year.A new nail may take about 6-12 months to replace the old infected.
Clinical studies show that in more than80% of cases laser kills nail fungus on the fingersAnd contributes to their active growth already in one appointment.Laser treatment is safe and effective.
Pills
Antifungal drugs for oral use are taken within 6-12 weeks.But you will not see the final result of treatment until the nail completely grows.It may take more than four months to eliminate infection.Periral drugs sometimes cause side effects (from the skin rash to damage to the liver).
They help a new nail free from infection, gradually replacing the damaged part.
They are not recommended for use by people with liver diseases and stagnant heart failure, as well as when using other drugs.
Universal ointments
Antifungal creams and ointments rub into damaged nails after careful soaking.Such ointments work better if you thin the nails before the procedure.This will help the medicine penetrate through a hard surface directly to the fungus.A restricted lotion containing urea is applied to the thinned surface.
Your doctor can independently thin the nail (clean) with a file or other tool.
Therapeutic varnishes
The doctor can prescribe an antifungal nail polish, which must be applied to the infected nails and the skin surrounding them strictly once a day.Seven days later, the superimposed layers are wiped with alcohol and new applications begin.You may have to use varnish daily for one year.
Traditional medicine
The above-personal methods of treatment are often effective, but can cause serious side effects, such as stomach and dizziness, skin problems and even jaundice.It depends on personal intolerance by a person of certain components.Perhaps it is for this reason that many try to fight the fungus with home remedies.
- Vinegar;
- Hydrogen peroxide;
- Soda and salt;
- Potassium permanganate;
- Iodine.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a common product used in cooking and some solutions for home cleaning.According to some unofficial sources, it is confirmed that vinegar can and sometimes even need to be used in the fight against fungal diseases.This is a fairly safe and easy -to -use for the treating agent.
All that is needed is to dilute in 2 parts of heated water 1 part of the bite, soak the leg infected with the fungus and hold it in this position for about 20 minutes.Daily use is recommended.
Hydrogen peroxide
The hydrogen peroxide without problems kills a fungus growing on the legs, and prevents its further development.
Method of application: with a clean cloth or a cotton swab moistened in hydrogen peroxide, disinfect and wipe the affected parts of the foot.In addition, peroxide is also used to soak the legs.It is enough to mix a couple of caps of hydrogen peroxide (or two tablespoons) with 4 glasses of previously chilled water.Soak your legs for a period of 10 to 20 minutes.Rinse them with warm running water and wipe it dry.
Soda and salt
There are several ways to use soda with salt.
- Dissolve a small amount of salt with baking soda with warm water.Add the resulting solution to the foot bath.This procedure helps to quickly heal the patient and neutralize an unpleasant odor.
- Pasta is prepared by breeding soda in a minimum amount of water.The mixture is applied to the foot.We hold it on the infected area for about 10-20 minutes, then thoroughly wash off and dry the leg.
- Food soda can also be used as a leg powder.It must be poured onto the foot or cover it with a insole of homemade shoes.Having applied baking soda on a dry leg, put on clean socks;She removes moisture, and her healing properties reduce the fungus.
- To begin with, mix half a glass of baking soda, half a glass of salt and a quarter of a glass of hydrogen peroxide (3%) in four glasses of hot water.Add a quarter of a glass of white vinegar and then immerse your legs in a solution for about ten minutes.At the end of the procedure, rinse your legs with clean water and draw them out of dry.
Contecbers
Manganese is very effective in combating the fungus of nails on the legs.She kills the fungus and stops its further growth.It can be used to treat various skin infections, surface wounds, ulcers, fungal infections and abscesses.
It is necessary to soak the leg in a 0.04% solution of potassium permanganate for 15-20 minutes.Do not forget to use twice a day for 2-3 weeks.Do not overdo it with the amount of potassium permanganate in the solution to avoid chemical burns.
Iodine
The tincture of iodine stains the skin and nails in brown, so people prefer bleached iodine.Applied to the upper part of the nail and around the cuticle, it dries quickly and does not leave stains on stockings and bedding.Iodine has an antibacterial effect of a wide spectrum, which has been recognized since the beginning of the 19th century.
Use 5 times a week.After achieving the desired result, for prevention, apply tincture to the nail plate and skin around once a week.
Prevention
Making several simple changes to the lifestyle can help prevent fungal damage to the nails.Caring about the nails, keep them clean, this is a good way to prevent infection.Avoid injury to the skin around the nails.Other methods of preventing fungal infections include:
- Keep your legs clean and dry.Wash them with soap water every day.After that, dry them well.And between the toes too.On clean and dry legs and nails there is less chance of catching a fungus.
- Do not go barefoot in public places.Basically, the fungus grows only in warm and wet places.It is also easily transmitted from person to person.That is why it is so important to wear spare shoes for a shower or the same slippers near public pools, locker rooms and showers.
- Change socks and shoes more often.Wear clean socks every day.Give the shoes to rest and put on different couples.If your legs sweat when you walk or train, change socks and shoes as soon as the opportunity is presented.
- Use the right shoes.The fungus feels good when your legs are locked in tight hot boots and socks.Make sure your legs do not fit too tightly to the walls of the shoes and they have the opportunity to “breathe”.Look for socks from a synthetic fiber that will be better to remove moisture from your legs.
- Cut the legs on the legs.Cut them briefly, but straight.Make sure that they do not cut them so that they do not dig into the side of your finger.Do not pick the skin next to them.
- Throw off old shoes and slippers.Most often, it is in such things that a fungus settles.Use an antifungal spray for new shoes daily before putting it on.In no case do not share your boots or socks with other people.
- Keep the tools clean.Clean and sterilize nippers for nails, files and scissors every time after use.Do not share them with anyone else.
- Check the feet and toes regularly.If you notice a change in the color or texture of the nails, consult a doctor.This is your chance to detect a fungus in the early stages.If you suspect that you have a different infection, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what you can start doing.
Do not be afraid to turn to specialists in a timely manner, do not let me bring the legs fungus to more serious complications!