Nail Fungus - How to Get Rid of Green Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is common in people who work in wet areas with poor hygiene. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to treat nail fungus at home. Learn more about nail fungus and how to treat nail fungus effectively in the article below.
What Is Nail Fungus? What Does Nail Fungus Look Like?
Nail Fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is a nail infection often caused by fungi called dermatophytes. Nail fungus infects the skin in the nail bed.
The initial symptom is that the tips of the nails turn yellowish, blended with white spots. Over time, the nails will turn darker, thicker, more brittle, or crumbling, and sometimes feel like they are separating from the nail bed. Worse, the fungus will spread all over the limbs, causing nail loss, foul odor, etc.Nail fungus is unlikely to disappear and can spread quickly from the affected to the healthy nail.
Figure 01. Picture of nail fungus in different stages.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungal nail infections are usually caused by strains of the fungus Dermatophytes and Candida yeast.
Toenail and foot fungus can occur in anyone, at any age, but this condition is more common in the elderly or people who constantly have to be exposed to water.Some reasons that make the body more susceptible to nail fungal infections include reduced blood circulation to the feet or a weakened immune system.When Should You See a Doctor For?
If you've tried every home remedy for toenail fungus to no avail, you need to see your doctor immediately before the problem takes a turn. In addition, you also need to see a doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
- Having diabetes and suspected of having a fungal nail infection
- Bleeding around the nail
- Swelling or pain around the nail
- Difficulty walking
How To Treat Onychomycosis Effectively?
In learning the proper methods to cure nail fungus, you can refer to some practical ways to treat toenail fungus below.
1. Treating Nail Fungus With Medicine
The scientific treatment for fingernail fungus is usually a combination of topical and oral medications:
- Common drugs: Ketoconazole, Terbinafin, Exoderil, Canesten,...
- How to use: Apply to the nail infected with fungus after washing and scraping the damaged area, and apply 2-3 times/day.
Note: With Itraconazole, the drug must be prescribed by a certified doctor after having tests to evaluate liver function.
2. What Is A Home Remedy For Nail Fungus Infections?
Many traditional methods to treat nail fungus infection do not require you to use prescribed medicine.
Learn how to take care of your nail at home, here.a. Cure Nail Fungus With Garlic
Garlic contains a lot of natural antibiotics that can help get rid of toenail fungus very effectively. The substance Allicin typically helps fight inflammation and prevent the activity of fungi. The definitive treatment of nail fungus with garlic can be done simply as follows:
- Ingredients: 10 fresh garlic cloves peeled, one small kettle cup.
- Method: Peel the garlic, then crush it, boil the water and add the garlic; cook for 5-10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool. Use this water to soak the fungal nail area for 15 minutes, then wipe it off. Maintain doing so 3-4 times/week.
b. Cure Toenail Fungus With Betel Leaves
Betel leaf has high antiseptic properties, so it is often used to treat toenail fungus, helping to kill fungi and reducing unpleasant odors caused by the disease. How to definitively treat nail fungus, toenail with betel leaves is:
- Ingredients: fresh betel leaves.
- Method: Fresh betel leaves are washed, pounded, then boiled with boiling water and little salt for about 5-10 minutes. The next step is to wait for the water to be warm, soak the fungal nail area, and gently rub the tea residue on it. Do this 4-5 times a week.
c. Cure Toenail Fungus With Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient for treating nail fungus because apple cider vinegar contains many proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins that are good for antibacterial and killing fungi.
- Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, and Water.
- Method: mix a little apple cider vinegar with a bit of salt into the water, then boil for 2-3 minutes, then wait for the water to warm, then soak the toenails and nails with fungus 10-15 minutes, and maintain regularly for. One time per day.
How to Prevent Yourself From Toenail Fungus
- Always keep your hands and feet clean and dry. If working in a humid environment, or exposed to a lot of impurities, always wear protective gloves.
- Do not share personal items with others, such as hand towels, foot cleaners, nail clippers, toenails, nail polish, toenails, etc.
- Use socks that are breathable and easy to absorb sweat.
Treating nail and foot fungus can be a long process, requiring perseverance and compliance with the instructions of a specialist, do not arbitrarily use drugs. Suppose you are showing signs of this disease. In that case, you should immediately go to the nearest medical facility for a diagnosis and advice on how to definitively treat nail fungus from the very beginning to soon achieve the desired goal.
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