Nail fungus is a condition caused by a type of fungus that causes infection in the nails. These fungi tend to thrive in moist, warm environments. Nail fungus usually occurs on the nails of the feet, but can also occur on the hands. Fungal infection can manifest itself with symptoms such as color changes in the nails, thickening, cracking, coarsening and complete or partial separation of the nails. Nail fungus can easily spread in places shared with others, such as pools, saunas or gyms.
Nail fungus is usually spread by contact with an infected person. The risk of fungal infection may increase due to factors such as old age, diabetes, circulatory problems, immune system weakness and unhygienic foot care.
Causes and risk factors of nail fungus
There are several causes and risk factors for nail fungus. These include:
1. Fungal infection: Nail fungus can develop as a result of your nails being exposed to a fungal infection. Fungi grow and spread easily in moist and warm environments.
2. Old Age: With the aging process, nails become weaker, which increases the risk of nail fungus.
3. Diabetes: Diabetes can weaken your immune system, which can increase the risk of getting a nail fungal infection.
4. Circulatory problems: Circulation problems can prevent adequate blood flow to the nails, which can increase susceptibility to nail fungus.
5. Unhygienic foot care: Not washing feet regularly, not wearing clean socks and shoes, or applying unhygienic foot care can increase the risk of nail fungus.
Signs and symptoms of nail fungus
Nail fungus can manifest itself with various symptoms. These include:
6. Changes in nail color: The color of your nails may change, such as yellow, white, green or brown.
7. Thickening: Your nails may thicken and have an irregular structure.
8. Cracks: Cracks may appear on your nails and these cracks can be painful.
9. Coarsening: The nail surface may become coarse and have a rough appearance.
10. Nail separation: Your nails may be completely or partially separated from the nail bed.
These symptoms are common symptoms of nail fungus, but not everyone may experience them the same way. Symptoms may worsen over time and become uncomfortable.
Diagnosis of nail fungus
Diagnosis of nail fungus is usually made by physical examination and taking a nail sample and performing laboratory tests. The doctor will examine the changes in the nails and, if necessary, take a nail sample and send it to the laboratory. Laboratory tests are performed to confirm whether there is a fungal infection of the nails.
It is important that nail fungus is diagnosed correctly because when misdiagnosed, inappropriate treatments may be applied. Your specialist doctor will perform the necessary tests to make the correct diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options for you.
Traditional treatments for nail fungus
There are several traditional methods for treating nail fungus. These include:
11. Antifungal medications: Antifungal medications can help kill the fungal infection. These medications are usually used topically (in the form of a cream, ointment, or lotion applied to the nails) or orally (in the form of a pill taken by mouth).
12. Cleaning nails infected with nail fungus: The doctor can use special tools to clean nails with fungal infection. This procedure may involve removing all or part of the infected nail.
13. Special nail polish for nail fungus treatment: Some special nail polishes can help treat nail fungus. Applying these nail polishes on the nails regularly can help reduce fungal infection.
Conventional treatment methods can help treat nail fungus, but may not cure it completely. Also, it may have side effects for some people. Therefore, it is important to also resort to natural solutions.
Natural solutions for nail fungus
Natural solutions are also available to treat nail fungus. Natural solutions are generally preferred because they have fewer side effects. Here are natural solutions to treat nail fungus:
14. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be effective in reducing fungal infection. Washing your nails regularly with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar can reduce fungus.
15. Garlic: Garlic can be helpful in treating nail fungus due to its natural antifungal properties. Applying crushed garlic to the nails or applying garlic oil to the nails can reduce the fungus.
16. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal properties. Applying tea tree oil to nails regularly can reduce fungal infection.
17. Lavender oil: Lavender oil has soothing and antifungal properties in the treatment of nail fungus. Applying this oil to the nails can reduce infection.
Natural solutions to cure nail fungus