Even the stars are not resistant to problems related to the feet, such as the terrifying bold nails. Actor Danny Devitoformer basketball player Shaquille O’Neal A Guardians of the Galaxy Star Chris Pratt has published photos of their destitute pink on the Internet in the last few years.
Thickened and discolored nails can be caused by various problems, from poorly fitted shoes or trauma, from blowing your finger, to aging and psoriasis (chronic skin condition). However, they are often caused by a fungal infection.
Nail fungus infections may seem ashamed, but in fact they are very common. Also known as a scientific name onychomycosisThere are fungal nails 10% around the world, climbing to 50% in the elderly.
These infections most often affect the fingers of the fingers, causing nails thickening, falling apart and discoloring. However, the effect is not only cosmetic. Fungal nails can cause Parorion – Pain and dermatitis around the nail – which makes daily activities more tough.
Fungal nail infections are most often caused by Dermatophytes – Mushrooms that feed on keratin, protein that gives nails their strength. Yeast and forms It can also cause a condition.
Sharing common spaces such as gyms, sizzling tubs, swimming pools and cloakrooms increases yours Exposure to mushroom spores. Then miniature cracks or injuries from everyday wear or destitute care can allow these organisms to invade nails – usually through the gaps between the demanding nail plate and the at the base of the nails.
The older age, weakened immune systems, diabetes and destitute circulation make the nails more feeble and less resistant to infection. Closed shoes and sweaty feet create ideal growth conditions.
However, a few uncomplicated everyday habits can facilitate prevent fungal nail infections:
1) Dehydrated your feet thoroughly after each shower or swimming – this makes your nails less inviting to fungi.
2) Choose shoes made of breathable materials and wear moisture walking socks to keep your feet.
3) Provide a good fit to your shoes and protect your nails during classes to maintain nail health.
4) Wear flip flops in public areas such as swimming pools, gyms and joint showers to limit exposure to fungal spores.
But even if you follow all these means, a fungal infection can still happen. If you are developing a feeble, discolored nail, how should you treat it?
Home remedies and medicines
The utilize of Vicks Vaporub to the affected nail is a popular home remedy. But although there can be many personal successes in social media, there is scanty scientific evidence to support these claims.
If I see, only Two small clinical trials They tested the product effectiveness on the nail of mushrooms. One pilot test It was found that 83% of people showed some improvement, with almost 28% of both laboratory -confirmed medicine, as well as clearly clearer nails after 48 weeks. AND Next examination In people living from HIV they reported similar improvements after 24 weeks.
Vicks Vaporub contains ingredients with antifungal properties, including eucalyptus oil, camphor and menthol. The product can also oxidize after exposing to the air and sunlight, causing a soft bleaching effect that brightens the nails.
It should be noted, however, that this product is licensed as a suppressing cough and a local painkiller (a drug used directly to the skin to relieve pain in muscles and joints), and not as a treatment of fungal nail infections. So, although the results of the research may seem promising, greater, more stringent studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness as independent therapy.
Alternatively, oral drugs They are available on prescription and can remove an infection in 50-80% of cases within a few months. But they require regular monitoring for side effects And potential drug -related interactions, so they may not be suitable for everyone.
Local treatments, such as nail polishes, are another option for soft cases affecting one or two nails. These treatments usually have less side effects compared to oral drugs, but often Fight for nail bed penetration. As a result, the improvement may take six to 12 months when the nail grows.
Laser therapy is emerging treatment that uses high -energy featherlight for heating the nail and killing the fungus, leaving the surrounding tissue unscathed. Early research suggests Several sessions of laser therapy can lead to clearer nails, but long-term benefits remain uncertain-and this treatment may be exorbitant due to the need for repetitive sessions.
Combined approach that combines oral drugs with local treatments and Regular nail cut It solves the problem from many sides. This method has promising results shown In more effective settlement of infection, especially when it applies to several nails.
Uncomplicated lifestyle changes
Nail fungus infections are a common condition, under the influence of factors such as moisture, age, immune condition and nail injury. Uncomplicated lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk. Progress in treatment, from oral and local drugs to laser and combined approaches, offer hope for healthier nails.
Remember, however, that the challenge may be to distinguish between thickened nails caused by footwear trauma and those caused by a fungal nail infection. So someone with dense, discolored nails can treat home products, mistakenly thinking that he has a fungal finger infection. But in fact they will see an improvement only after removing the cause of the injury – the podiatr can accurately diagnose this state.
In all cases, if you are still struggling with fungal infections, consider looking for medical advice from a specialist. This should ensure some entry into every fresh day.