Have you ever heard of nail fungus? What are its main symptoms? What are the best treatment methods to get rid of them? Let’s find out about that in this article.
Nail fungus is an infection that spreads to your nails if they are cracked or through cuts in the skin. Nail fungus infection causes a change in the color and thickness of the nail, and may sometimes be associated with pain.
Here is the most important information about nail fungus, its symptoms, methods of treatment, and important tips to avoid infection with it:
Symptoms of nail fungus
Monitor your nails and see a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
nail thickness.
Change the appearance of the nail.
Infected nails break more easily.
Sometimes it turns yellow.
The appearance of white spots on the nail.
The nail becomes loose and may separate from its original location.
Nails smell like fuel.
Nail fungus treatment
Nail fungus can be treated with medical treatment or home treatment. Let’s get to know each of them below:
1- Medical treatment of nail fungus
The method of treating nail fungus depends on the type of fungus that affected you and the severity of the infection as well, and based on that, the doctor may prescribe the following for you:
Oral antifungals
Oral antifungal is the first choice for treating nail fungus, due to its rapid use in treating fungus compared to other types.
Among the most important oral medications used in the treatment of nail fungus: are terbinafine, and itraconazole.
Topical antifungals
When using topical antifungals, it is necessary to wait six to twelve weeks before seeing the result and the nail growing back.
Medical nail polish
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal nail polish of the type Ciclopirox, as the coating is applied once a day to the affected nails and on their sides, and after a week the layer is wiped with alcohol. The coating usually lasts for a full year.
Laser therapy
It works to get rid of the affected area, whether in the nail or the skin around it.
surgery
In some cases, the doctor may resort to removing the nail and applying the antifungal substance directly to the area.
2- Home remedy for nail fungus
There are some home methods that help get rid of fungal nail infections, and here are the most important of them:
tea tree oil
This oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties as well, so it may be effective in getting rid of nail fungus.
Apply tea tree oil directly to the affected nail twice daily.
Flavored oil
Oregano oil contains a substance called thymol that fights fungi and bacteria.
You can combine oregano oil and tea tree oil together, and then apply the mixture to the affected nail daily.
Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract contains a specific substance called Oleuropein, which is an active substance that has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Apply this extract to the affected nail daily.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many benefits, including contributing to the treatment of nail fungus.
Put the affected foot in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water and leave your foot for 20 minutes. You have to repeat this process on a daily basis to get the best results.
the Garlic
Garlic is a natural antifungal and antimicrobial. Mashed garlic is placed daily on the affected nail for half an hour.
To avoid the smell of garlic, you can buy garlic capsules from pharmacies and take them orally.
Factors that increase the chances of getting nail fungus
There are categories that are more susceptible to nail fungus than others, and these categories include the following:
the elderly.
Diabetics.
People who suffer from excessive sweating.
People who suffer from skin diseases such as: psoriasis.
History of the person with athlete’s foot.
Those with a weakened immune system.
smokers.
There is a family history of infection.
Spending a lot of time in the water.
Tips for preventing recurrence of nail fungus
You can reduce your chances of getting nail fungus by doing the following:
Wash your hands thoroughly, especially when you place your hand on the fungus-affected nail.
Trim your nails straight and neat.
Wear socks that absorb sweat, and be sure to change them more than once during the day.
Throw away the shoes you were wearing while treating the fungus.
Wear shoes when entering the pool.
Make sure your nail clippers are clean.
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