The best tips for treating fungal nails or fungal nails

 The best tips for treating fungal nails or fungal nails

The best tips for treating fungal nails or fungal nails
Treating fungal nails or fungal nails is quite difficult if you do not know exactly how and what. Many people 'doctor' themselves with all kinds of (home) remedies or eventually go to the GP for medication. Unfortunately, often without satisfactory results and/or with very serious side effects.

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Our experienced pedicure gives you the best tips to increase your chances to have come increasing significantly on your nail fungus:

Remove the affected nail parts
Nail material that is thickened and/or discolored will never be beautiful and healthy again. For an effective treatment, it is best to remove this by cutting and filing or having it milled at a pedicure. For example, an anti-fungal agent can work better on the fungus that is active between the 'lime layer' and your healthy nail.

Cut the fungal nail(s) short and then file the nail as 'clean' as possible. Repeat this treatment every 3-4 weeks . For the best results, you can  purchase a professional nail file that you use exclusively for your fungal nail (s) to prevent (re)contamination.

You can also choose to have a fungal nail treatment the first time with a pedicurist who can accurately and quickly remove the affected layer with a pedicure burr.

Treat your fungal nail(s) with a well-functioning anti-fungal agent
An important component in the solution to get rid of your fungal nails or fungal nails is a well-functioning anti-fungal agent . We recommend FunghiClear for this because of the many positive reactions and experiences with this product in our pedicure salon.

FunghiClear is a highly effective agent that has been specially developed against foot and nail fungus and is registered as a class 1 medical device . It has a pleasant smell, is caring, works well and creates an environment in which fungi cannot live.

With the right method and FunghiClear anti-fungal spray, treating fungal nails yourself is a breeze and you can have beautiful healthy nails again!  In recent years we have sold a lot of bottles and many of our customers are enthusiastic about FunghiClear.

Stimulate the growth of your nails
Fungal nails cannot recover, they have to grow out. It is therefore important that your nails grow well. That is why we give you some tips to make nails grow faster when treating fungal nails. The better your nails grow, the sooner you will have beautiful and healthy nails again ! Also read our article about tips to grow nails faster

Prevent reinfection: Also treat your shoes on the inside
The biggest source of reinfestation is your own shoes! Once you start treating your feet you should also start treating your shoes, slippers and other footwear . You can safely  use FunghiClear for this and if you have a lot of shoes it is more economical to purchase a fungicidal shoe deodorant :  Protect Air . Treat all your shoes every day for the first week and once a week after that.

Wear appropriate and well-ventilated shoes
Shoes that do not fit properly can damage the skin and/or nails. This makes it easier for the fungal spores to infect your skin and/or nails. Always wear slippers in the shower rooms of swimming pools, saunas and sports clubs to prevent contamination.

Keep your feet, socks and shoes dry
It may be an open door to start with, but if you don't start with clean, dry feet and footwear, a good treatment will come to nothing!

Fungi thrive in a warm and humid environment. So dry your feet well after every shower , especially between your toes. A fungal infection can easily develop there, spread further and spread to your nails.

Wear clean socks every day , preferably made of cotton or wool, and change your shoes every day so that they can dry well in between.

Wash your socks, towels and bed linen with a dash of natural vinegar
Fungal germs can stubbornly nestle and survive in many conditions. Today we wash at increasingly lower temperatures. However, fungi can only survive at temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius. Not everything can be washed at these high temperatures and we therefore advise you to use a dash of natural vinegar when washing your socks, towels and bed linen . You can simply add this to the laundry in the softener compartment. Your laundry will not smell like vinegar, but will be wonderfully fresh and clean!

Use vinegar when cleaning your plumbing.
At home, you may often walk barefoot or in socks in your bathroom or kitchen. It is important to tackle any mold spores that may have remained there and you can do this simply by adding a dash of cleaning vinegar to your mop water. The following also applies here: the result is a beautiful, clean and fresh-smelling floor!

Think carefully about the use of medicines
Fungal nails or fungal nails are annoying but not life threatening. Medications from the GP can be harmful to your health (source: mijnmedicijn.nl ). They can cause problems with your liver and possibly make your body resistant to penicillin, which you may need for more serious conditions. In our opinion, these drugs are a very last resort (with no guarantee of success) and something you should think about carefully.

Foot and nail fungus often comes from outside and can also best be combated from outside. With a well-functioning anti-fungal agent you stop the development of the fungi and your affected nail can grow out quietly. With athlete's foot you will have results even after a few days, because the skin is much thinner than the nail and the product can therefore do its work immediately.

Duration of treatment
'How long will it take before I am completely rid of my fungal nails or fungal nails' is a frequently asked question. The answer is quite simple: with a well-functioning product, it takes just as long as it takes for the affected piece of nail to grow out completely! A piece of nail that has been affected by nail fungus can never recover, it has to grow out! Once there is a fungus in the nail, it is important to combat it and ensure that the fungus cannot spread further. This can be done with a good antifungal agent such as FunghiClear and spray consistently every day. Furthermore, the affected nail simply has to grow out and it is important that no reinfection can take place. Treatment of the shoes and socks is therefore also very important! .On average, one should count on a treatment of 6-12 months, depending on the degree of infection .

Result!
In about 8 out of 10 of our customers, after a few weeks, the nail fungus has stopped expanding and healthy nail is produced. The outgrowth is then visible and that gives confidence. If you just continue with the daily treatment and the other tips mentioned until you only see a beautiful nail, you have won the battle! Treating Fungal Nails yourself, Result FunghiClearHere you can see the progress at one of our customers. In the first photo the fungal nail has just been milled and FunghiClear can do its job. This treatment was then repeated every 8 weeks and with results!

In conclusion: Do you belong to the risk groups: Prevention is better than cure!
A fungal nail is not hereditary, but the susceptibility to a fungal infection can be. In addition, the skin of a man is usually moister than that of a woman, so that men are also at an increased risk. There are also a number of risk groups that have an increased risk of contracting a foot or nail fungus. This may include: people of an older age, athletes, people with reduced resistance (due to eg chemotherapy), people with diabetes, smokers, people with cardiovascular diseases, etc. To prevent a fungal infection, these people do Please pay extra attention to the following:

• Always dry your feet well, especially between the toes!
• Use clean socks, preferably made of cotton or wool, every day.
• Don't walk around for long with wet socks or shoes.
• Wear spacious, ventilating shoes, preferably made of leather.
• Use as little soap as possible when washing your feet. Always rinse your feet well to remove soap residue.
• Wear flip-flops when you go into damp areas (gym/sauna/swimming pool) so that you don't get infected.
• Ensure sufficient resistance through a healthy lifestyle.
• If you regularly go to the gym, swimming pool sauna etc, use FunghiClear preventively.

Nail Fungi: Identifying and Treating

 Nail Fungi: Identifying and Treating

Onychomycosis is an infection of the nails , which can affect both hands and feet. It is more common on the feet due to exposure to humid and hot environments to which they are normally subjected: it is enough that the toes are not very dry after a bath or that they are inside tight shoes with low-absorbent socks, which makes them perspire more...

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1.Identify the signs on the nails:

① It starts with a small spot , which increases;

② The color changes, becoming whitish or yellowish ;

③ It becomes thicker and dull ;

④ Under the nail, a flour-like deposit forms ;

⑤ Lose its shape and may crumble and break ;

⑥ It can cause discomfort and even pain .

 

2.Treat and give time

Nail fungus infections are treatable but require time and patience. You have to wait for a complete nail renewal to be sure that the fungus has disappeared: this can take up to 6 months on fingernails or last for more than 1 year on toenails.

There are generally two treatment options , which can, in certain cases, be complemented:

 

Products that apply to the nail

They should be applied to the nail, especially at the beginning of the infection and in milder situations and in addition to topical or oral treatment and are available in the form of: varnish, cream, ointment or solution

 

Medicines against fungi

There are 2 types:

not subject to medical prescription: creams, ointments, solutions, varnishes, skin powders . Find out from your pharmacist which one is most suitable for your situation;
subject to medical prescription: oral medications (tablets) can only be recommended as prescribed by the doctor and are restricted to cases where the infection is more serious and affects a large part of the nail up to the root.

8 Home Remedies for Candidiasis

 8 Home Remedies for Candidiasis

Itching in the intimate region? These are one of the main symptoms of candida infection. Find out about some home remedies for thrush that help relieve this and other discomforts.

Thrush is an infection caused by a fungus that often affects the vagina, but it can also appear in places such as the mouth (the popular “thrush”), throat, penis, skin, nails and even blood. If you are experiencing this problem, be aware that there are some home remedies for thrush that you can try.

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The Candida albicans , a type of fungus that causes this infection, occurs naturally in the body without causing harm. However, there are some situations that favor the excessive development of this microorganism, leading to the emergence of candidiasis.

Some of the most common situations that lead to infection are decreased immunity (such as in pregnant women and diabetics), use of antibiotics (which alter the pH and flora), stress and long periods of wearing wet underwear that impede ventilation. Although it can be transmitted through unprotected sex, candidiasis is not considered an STD.

The infection manifests itself through whitish spots when it reaches the mouth and through irritation when it reaches the skin. In the case of the private parts, the symptoms are itching, redness, swelling, burning when urinating and discharge in the case of women.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you can try these home remedies for thrush to ease the discomfort:

1. Natural yogurt
Natural yoghurt contains lactobacilli that help to rebalance the vaginal flora, so it can be used directly in the region to create an unfavorable environment for the development of the fungus that causes candidiasis.

With the aid of a needleless syringe, apply the natural yoghurt inside the vagina 2 times a day for 3 days. To prevent yogurt from running into your panties, you can use an absorbent pad. It is also possible to place the yogurt in a tampon and insert it into the vaginal canal, leaving it to act for 3 hours.

A tip to increase your comfort is to remove the yogurt from the fridge a few minutes before using it, avoiding inserting it in the vagina when it is still too cold. Yogurt can also be applied to the penis if necessary.

2. Chamomile sitz bath
Chamomile is an herb known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to relieve irritation and itchiness caused by vaginal thrush.

To make the sitz bath, place 3 tablespoons of dry chamomile in a bowl and add a quart of hot water. Check the water temperature being careful not to burn yourself and sit on the basin for 5 minutes.

3. Sitz bath with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties, helping to fight the microorganisms that cause candidiasis, and contributes to the rebalancing of the vaginal pH.

To prepare the bath, just mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with warm water in a basin and sit on it for 5 minutes. The procedure must be done 2 or 3 times a day.

4. Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate can be used to fight both oral and vaginal candidiasis. To treat thrush in the mouth, prepare a 5% solution (50 grams of bicarbonate to 1 liter of water) and mouthwash, then spit out the product.

In the case of vaginal thrush, the same solution should be prepared with warm water so that you can take a sitz bath. Sit on the basin for 15 minutes daily for a week.

5. Garlic
Garlic is known for its immune system strengthening effect and fights disease-causing microorganisms.

In the case of candidiasis, it is recommended to eat at least 2 cloves of garlic per day, preferably raw (as in salads) so that its properties are better used.

6. Bearberry tea
Bearberry leaves contain substances that combat the multiplication of microorganisms that cause penile and vaginal candidiasis. This way, your tea can be consumed by men and women who have this problem.

To prepare it, put 2 teaspoons of bearberry leaves in a cup and top up with boiling water, letting it steep for 5 minutes. Wait for the tea to be warm and drink it afterwards. It is recommended to consume 3 times a day.

7. Pennyroyal tea
Pennyroyal tea fights the reproduction of the fungi that cause oral thrush. To prepare it, use 1 tablespoon of chopped pennyroyal flowers or leaves and 1 cup of boiling water, leaving the infusion to simmer for 15 minutes.

Then, with the aid of a cotton swab or gauze, pass the pennyroyal tea on the oral mucosa 3 or 4 times a day.

8. Oregano Oil
The responsible for the antifungal properties of oregano oil is carvacrol, a substance that also has antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, which help to restore the health of the mucous membranes.

There are two home remedies for thrush made from oregano oil: the first one consists of mixing 3 drops of the oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and applying to the affected area. The second remedy, in turn, must be taken orally, just add 3 drops of oil in 200 ml of water and drink twice a day.

If home remedies for thrush don't work in a few days or you're experiencing recurrent infections, it's essential to seek medical attention. Treatment may involve the use of antifungal medications and a change in habits to eliminate the situation that is facilitating the growth of microorganisms.

5 Home Remedies to Fight Nail Fungi

 5 Home Remedies to Fight Nail Fungi

Ingredients that you certainly have at home can help treat mycoses and ensure beautiful and healthy nails

Nails that are weak, flaky, discolored and break easily. Are yours like this? You may have a yeast infection. You might not know it, but fungal infections are more common than they seem. According to surveys, onychomycosis affects about 3% of the population, especially males.

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The fungi that cause nail fungus usually develop in hot and humid places, such as public restrooms and changing rooms, for example. Going to these places barefoot is not indicated. Not drying between your fingers after showering can also be harmful.

The symptoms caused by ringworm in the toenails and fingernails can be quite uncomfortable and it is always worth seeing a specialist when you have an infection. However, you can try some homemade recipes to help your treatment.

We've selected five recipes that are very simple to make – you can use various ingredients that you already have in your own home. Check out!

1. Homemade solution with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is good for both toenails and fingernails, as its alkaline properties help to regulate the pH of the skin. Mix the vinegar with water and soak your hands or feet for about 20 minutes. After this step, apply moisturizer on dry skin.

2. Salt as an ally

This trick is quite simple and should be done twice a day. Wash your feet with soap and water. Get your nails wet, put salt on top and put on socks. Salt has the power to soothe and heal wounds.

3. Garlic on them!

With antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, garlic can help treat and prevent infections. Make a paste of 10 crushed garlic cloves and a spoonful of olive oil. Apply to affected areas and leave for 30 minutes.

4. Natural yoghurt… for nails!

In addition to being important in your diet – it's worth the daily intake! -, natural yoghurt can be effective in the treatment of your nails. Apply to areas affected by the fungus, wait for it to dry and then remove with cold water.

5. Treatment with sodium bicarbonate

The combination of baking soda and lemon juice should be applied directly to the affected areas. In addition, baking soda can also help rid your shoes of bacteria – apply inside your sneakers like powder.

Important: if the homemade tricks do not show the desired results, look for a health professional to help with your problem! Onychomycosis, when not treated correctly, can cause permanent damage, ranging from other infections to nail shedding.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and monitoring of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.

Nail ringworm

 Nail ringworm

What is onychomycosis?
The onicomise ( ringworm on the nail ) is a fungal infection (for fungi ) of the nail plate (fingernail) or nail bed and / or both.

It is a very common infection that affects people of all ages, affecting men and women equally.

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Causes of onychomycosis
Onychomysis is an infection caused by a fungus. Among the most common fungi found in onychomycosis ( 85% to 90% ), the etiologic agents are dermatophytes . Between 10 to 15% of infections are caused by non-dermatophyte yeasts and fungi.

These types of fungi feed on keratin , the protein that makes up most of the nail.

The toenails are 10 times more affected than those of the hands, face moist, dark and warm environments, creating a favorable environment for fungal development (fungi).

The risk factors for the development of onychomycosis are:

• Ringworm in the foot (Had Pédis);
• Nail dystrophy;
• Advanced age;
• Exposure of contagion with another person;
• Injuries (shoe);
• Hyperpressure in the fingers (causing nail detachment);
• Playing sports (eg Athletics, Football, Ballet, Tennis, ...);
• Peripheral vascular diseases;
• Immunocompromise (problems in the immune system);
• Diabetes;
• Hypocoagulated patients;
• Use of contaminated nail clippers and pliers;
• Use of other people's varnishes.

Types of onychomycosis
Nail mycoses have 3 characteristic patterns, namely:

1. Lateral distal subungual onycholysis
Mycosis in the distal lateral subungual nails
The lateral distal subungual onicomise  has a different texture and color under the nail, one onycholysis with yellowish-white display;

Note in the photo an image of a lateral distal subungual onycholysis.

2. Superficial white onycholysis
The white surface onicomise limited only to the nail, has small white spots on the surface of the nail. The nail becomes rough and easily disintegrates, this type of ringworm is characterized by a greater and deeper invasion of the nail;

3. Proximal subungual onycholysis
The  proximal subungual onicomise characterized by its appearance at the beginning of the nail, developing with their growth.

Signs and symptoms of onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is almost always asymptomatic , that is, it does not present any type of symptoms.

In the initial stages of the disease, the patient does not feel any kind of pain, however, over time it may eventually get worse and start to appear some discomfort and even pain.

Is onychomycosis contagious?
Yes, onychomycosis is contagious , that is, the disease is transmitted or “caught” from person to person or through contact with infected surfaces.

The disease's mode of transmission is simple, occurring through contact with people or infected surfaces such as damp floors when walking barefoot. Therefore, it is very important to adopt measures to prevent contagion. See more information on “how to prevent onychomycosis”.

Diagnosis of onychomycosis
In order to obtain a more reliable diagnosis and not to be confused, for example, with subungual exostoses, detected through X-ray, but with an appearance very similar to nail fungus, we should carry out:

• Clinical evaluation;
• Antifungigram;
• Mycological examination with culture;
• Yeast exam with culture;
• Non-yeast examination with culture.
• These are differential diagnostic tests, to make sure they are fungi and not other diseases similar to onychomycosis.

The causative agents of onychomycosis, most frequently found in the analyzes are:

• Dermatophytes (eg Candida , Microsporum , Tricophyton );
• Yeasts (eg Candida );
• Non-dermatophytes (eg Aspergillus , Fusarium ).

Complications of Onychomycosis
The late treatment of onychomycosis can lead to the emergence of other nail pathologies , such as:

• Total or partial detachment of the nail (onycholysis);
• Ingrown toenails (onychogryphosis);
• Thick and thick nails (onychogryphosis).
• Often, these conditions described above may already be present in the nails when the diagnosis of onychomycosis is made.

Is onychomycosis curable?
Yes, onychomycosis is curable, but its treatment is always slow and somewhat prolonged. The nail growth can take up to 12 months , and the patient, during this process, must be patient and persistent.

The prognosis of the disease is more favorable when the diagnosis is made as soon as the first signs of the disease appear, in order to institute adequate treatment as early as possible.

onychomycosis treatment
The complexity of this pathology requires a good clinical evaluation, and mycological exams, to identify the pathogen of onychomycosis, for the treatment to be successful.

Therefore, it is important to look for a podiatrist, in order to identify the pathology and, thus, choose the most appropriate treatment for the type of situation in question.

There are actually several types of treatment for onychomycosis. It is extremely important not to start a treatment before the causative agent is identified, as resistance can be created and mask mycological exams.

The treatment is carried out through:

• Topical or local medication (Amorolfine hydrochloride, Ciclopirox, Tioconazole) – these medications can be found in varnish, ointment, spray and powder form;
• Oral medication of Terbinafine, Latrocanazole, Fluconazole - These medications (medicines) are taken in tablets and have antifungal properties. However, they are very hepatotoxic, meaning they can affect the liver. They should always be prescribed by a family doctor who knows your medical history, and may advise or advise against the use of an oral antifungal.
• Laserteraripia - The laser treatment is done in such a way that the (laser) rays pass through the nail and the adjacent tissues. These rays are absorbed by the fungus pigment, heating it and thus eliminating the fungus. This type of treatment requires special care, and laser equipment certified for this purpose must be used.
• It is important to bear in mind that recurrences are very frequent, the infected nail will not return to normal, the new nail will look normal and healthy. Adjuvant treatments can be used to reduce relapses and not have a resistant infection and reduce the percentage of treatment failure.

The patient should never self-medicate or try any type of home or natural treatment, except to adopt hygiene and prevention measures that can be carried out at home to combat the problem and which we describe below, otherwise it may aggravate the problem and increase the risk of complications .

How to prevent onychomycosis?
There are a number of measures / attitudes that should be adopted as a way to prevent the onychomycosis , such as:

• Avoid walking barefoot in humid environments, saunas, changing rooms and swimming pool feet washes;
• Change socks twice a day and preferably cotton, do not share socks or shoes;
• Do not wear tight shoes;
• The use of acetone can make your nails weaker and more brittle, it is important to leave your nails unvarnished at least a week a month;
• Many nail problems arise due to incorrect cosmetic and hygiene procedures. The patient should always take their own material to avoid contagion.

If your nails start to show any changes in terms of color, texture and thickening, you should consult your podiatrist in order to find out and adopt the most appropriate procedure for your problem, preventing them from worsening and making the treatment more difficult and time-consuming. .

Discover How To Cure Nail Ringworm With Baking Soda

 Discover How To Cure Nail Ringworm With Baking Soda

The  yellow nails  in medical conosciutie as onychomycosis, is an infection caused by dermatophytes, which proliferate easily either hands or feet.

As these areas are always in contact with heat and humidity, the microorganisms find the ideal conditions to reproduce and can attack them without problems.

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As a result, the nails develop visible and unpleasant changes and unpleasant symptoms such as redness, burning, itching and peeling of the skin around the nails.

Fortunately, there are ingredients with  antifungal properties that can be used to control nail infection without having to resort to harsh chemicals.

Among the many natural products, we'll talk about baking soda, whose uses in the domestic and medical fields have earned it the fame it enjoys around the world.

Then, we'll explain why baking soda is effective in treating  ringworm of the nails  and how to apply it properly to enjoy its benefits in a short time.

BAKING SODA TO TREAT TOENAIL FUNGUS

Before discovering sodium bicarbonate treatment to fight nail fungus, it is important to clarify that the results are not immediate.

Even if the product starts to fight mold from the first application, the complete elimination of the yeast infection takes a little longer  .

For this reason, it is important to maintain constant use and follow the necessary advice to eradicate the problem at its root.

In addition, we  recommend enhancing the properties of baking soda with apple cider vinegar  , an antifungal ingredient that has many benefits for the feet.

Both products are generally present in every kitchen, but they are easily available.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups of water (1.5 liters)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (125 ml)
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda (30 g)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Heat the water to a bearable temperature for your feet.
• Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar and pour the liquid into a fairly large container.
• Soak your feet and soak them for 15 to 20 minutes.
• After the recommended time, dry your nails well and rub them with a baking soda paste.
• Leave for another 10 minutes and then rinse.
• Use a circular massage to exfoliate the surface of your nails and surrounding skin.
• Repeat this treatment every night until the appearance of the affected nails improves.
• If desired, you can moisten the baking soda with lemon or  hydrogen peroxide  to increase the antibiotic effect.

WHY USE BAKING SODA TO TREAT NAIL FUNGUS?

Baking soda is a white powder, which has always been used in gastronomy, as well as in house cleaning.

It stands out for its antiseptic, antifungal and alkaline properties, useful in the treatment of different types of  infections .

Its topical applications are well known, mainly because baking soda is useful as a natural exfoliant and as a remedy for various allergies.

It also reduces skin infections and contains active substances that reduce the presence of fungi on the surface and inside the nail.

It must be said that baking soda is also an excellent natural deodorant , ideal for neutralizing bad odors and excessive sweating on the feet.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO FIGHT NAIL FUNGUS?

While this baking soda treatment is helpful in relieving an infection, other important tips should not be ignored to achieve the desired effects.

• For example, during treatment, you should avoid humid and closed environments that may favor the development of fungi.
• In the case of an infection, it is advisable to wear open shoes to prevent the accumulation of  sweat  and bacteria.
• It is also important to dry your feet  and hands thoroughly  after each wash, as residual moisture favors the proliferation of fungus.
• Cleaning and disinfecting manicure and pedicure tools will prevent the infection from spreading to other nails.

Nail fungus and skin ringworm

 Nail fungus and skin ringworm

What is a fungal nail infection?
Nail fungal infections are also known as onychomycosis or tinea nails . The fungus responsible is usually the same one that causes the athlete's foot (common skin infection on the feet), especially between the toes. In athlete's foot, the responsible fungus lives in the keratin that makes up the outer layer of the skin. When the fungus spreads to the keratin of the nails, the result is a fungal infection of the nails.

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What Causes Nail Fungus?
Athlete's foot fungi (called dermatophytes) cause most nail infections. Less often, a nail infection is due to other types of fungus, usually yeast (eg Candida). Nails that are already damaged are easier for the fungus to invade. Fungal infections of the toenails are very common (1 out of 4 people can be affected at some time), therefore, in the fingernails, the incidence is lower.


Where do these fungi come from, how does contagion happen?
Fungi are creatures that live in the environment: they can be contaminated in sand, locker rooms, damp work environments, sports fields and many other situations. There is no need to avoid these places, the most important thing is to keep the skin dry, as moist skin, even from sweat, favors development. Skin fungi that act on the surface are generally not very pathogenic.

They most often affect the elderly, those with poor immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. Athletes or gym goers with warm, humid locker rooms help fungus to grow and cause infections. Wearing closed shoes for a long time can increase the risk of fungal infections.

Are fungi hereditary?
Generally speaking, no. However, in some extremely rare cases, there is a genetic risk factor and other family members may also be affected.

What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections?
At first there are usually no symptoms. Afterwards, nails can become so thick that they hurt when they press on the inside of a shoe, making it difficult to cut. Nearby skin may also have a fungal infection; it may itch, crack, blister, especially between the toes.

How is the nail affected by fungi?
When the fungus infects the nail, it usually starts at its free edge, spreading along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Infected areas turn white or yellowish, and become thickened, and there may be white patches on the surface of the nails. The nails most affected by fungal infections are those on the first toe. Sometimes, especially in those who do regular damp jobs, such as housewives, housekeepers and cleaners, it causes the skin around the nail to become red and swollen. This is called paronychia and can allow the infection to enter the nail.

How are fungal nail infections diagnosed?
Fungal nail infections are usually diagnosed clinically, in the presence of tests. The exam requires a lot of experience and sometimes more than one collection.

Many nail problems can look like a fungal infection, for example the changes seen in psoriasis after a bacterial infection or an old lesion. So antifungal pills in this case will not help. The right treatment may depend on which fungus is infecting. Knowing the origin, the most appropriate drugs are directed, as some fungi have been showing resistance to some antibiotics.

How is the treatment of nail mycoses?
Treatment will depend on mycological examination (direct collection by scraping the nail, without any pain), which indicates the most accurate medication for each case. There are almost 10 types of fungi in the RGS that infect nails. Each fungus has a medicine that is more specific to cure it. Generally speaking, 3 months is possible to notice improvement, but complete healing takes 6 to 12 months, depending on how much the nail has been affected and which fungus has affected it.

How can fungal nail infections be treated?
It is important to treat people whose infections can lead to health problems, such as those with diabetes or immune suppression. The goal of treatment is to get rid of the fungus: the nail usually returns to normal. A simple ringworm of the feet can often serve as a gateway to stronger infections such as erysipelas . Treatment options include:

antifungal nail polishes
They are most effective if the infection is treated at an early stage. The most used treatments are enamels with amorolfine, ciclopirox and tioconazole. Alone, they may not be able to heal the deepest parts of an infected nail. Used in combination with an oral antifungal remedy, they increase the chance of a cure. They may have to be used for a period of 4 to 12 months before an answer is noted. The cure rate with only topical agents is low, approximately 15% to 30%.

Tablets: terbinafine and itraconazole
Terbinafine should be considered as a first-line treatment for dermatophyte fungi. It should be taken daily for 6 weeks for nail infections, 12 to 16 weeks for nail infections.

Itraconazole is effective in treating dermatophytes as well; it is useful for treating other fungi such as yeast. It is deposited on the cuticle of the nail and remains effective for a few weeks. Two of these weekly courses, 21 days apart, are usually sufficient for nail infections.

The fluconazole may be effective for candida yeast infections. It appears to be less effective than itraconazole and terbinafine, but it remains an alternative if the body does not support the other medications mentioned above.

Laser for nail fungus treatment
Treatments with laser application to the nail are painless and serve to reduce the amount of medication needed, accelerating the cure of nail fungus that normally takes months to heal, sparing the patient's liver from ingesting medication.

Surgical nail removal
Sometimes very thick nails that are unlikely to respond to pills alone may have to be removed by surgeons under a local anesthetic. However, this is rarely done as cure rates are not high enough to justify the discomfort of surgery.

What can I do to prevent fungi or help with a cure?
Keep your nails short, dry and clean;
Use a nail clipper for infected nails and another for normal ones;
Don't just treat your nails; use an antifungal cream to treat skin that has athlete's foot as well;
Avoid cutting the cuticle, either yourself or by a manicure, as this increases the risk of nail damage and infections.


For fungal toenail infection:
Wear well-fitting shoes without high heels;
Keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks, change daily, and wear ventilated shoes;
Wear clean slippers when using the shower.

IMPORTANT:
Ointments containing corticosteroids (Cortisoba) remove all immunity from the skin and allow the disordered growth of fungi. Unfortunately, they can be easily purchased without a prescription in pharmacies.