Toenail fungus is also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium. It is a common infection that affects the toenails. Fingernails and toenails can both be affected by nail fungus. About 50 percent of nail abnormalities are brought about by nail fungus. Fungus is a natural part of the body. It can cause problems when it overgrows. It is said that about 10 percent of the adult population is affected by a nail fungus infection.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus Infections
The symptoms of nail fungal infections depend on the type of fungus that causes that infection. The infection can go from mild to severe. At first, you may find a yellow or white spot under the nail. Over time, this may spread to the other areas of the nail and eventually turn the entire nail into white, green, yellow, or black. The nail may become thick which makes it difficult to trim. The nail may curl up or down or may separate from the nail bed. It is also possible for the nail to turn out brittle and crumbly once you touch this. Its shape may start becoming distorted, and when the infection becomes severe it may give a foul smell.
Causes of Nail Fungus Infections
Nail fungus infections are caused by microscopic organisms known as fungi. They don’t need sunlight because they survive in dark, warm, and moist environments. The most common cause of nail infections is a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. However, molds and yeasts may also cause nail infections. Pathogens may be the cause of nail fungal infections. These enter the body through cuts and small spaces between the nail and the nail bed.
Diagnosis of Nail Fungus Infections
For the doctor to diagnose a nail fungus infection he or she has to scrape off the debris underneath the nail. Nail scrapings can be used in lab tests such as potassium hydroxide or perhaps a fungal culture. It is important for doctors to do proper diagnosis since the symptoms of nail fungal infections are similar to other medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, yellow nail syndrome, nail trauma, and others.
Risk Factors of Nail Fungus Infections
Nail fungal infections can affect men and women. They are more prevalent among older adults. Several habits and factors can increase the risk of incurring nail fungus infection. These include a family history of nail fungal infections, walking barefoot in public places that are often damp like public swimming pools, shower rooms, and gyms, having diabetes, having a weak immune system, previous injury or trauma on the nail, and having athlete’s foot.
Treatments of Nail Fungus Infections
Once you have been diagnosed to have a nail fungal infection, the doctor is likely to prescribe antifungal pills. You have to take the pills for two months when you have a fingernail infection. For a toenail fungal infection, the antifungal pills have to be taken for three months. Topical antifungals may also be prescribed by the doctor. These can be brushed on the nails. These can work for mild cases, but for severe ones, it would be better to combine both oral and topical solutions. When these treatments don’t take effect, the doctor may sometimes suggest a total nail removal for a fresh new nail to grow. A new type of nail fungus treatment may also be recommended as the use of special laser light to treat the nail fungal infection.
1Home Remedy: The Use of Chaparral Plus Whisky
Chaparral is commonly seen in the Arizona desert. It is one of the most powerful antifungal plants. The parts that are often used for treating nail fungal infections are the leaves and flowers. Don’t include the woody stems that are found towards the plant’s bottom while the small stems that go with the leaves once they break off are fine to include as treatment. The chaparral leaf has multiple beneficial properties which include antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiseptic. Chaparral has been used in several conditions as alternative medicine. These conditions include cancer, arthritis, colds, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, stomach cramps, and bladder infection. It is most especially known to be effective in treating skin disorders.
Whiskey, on the other hand, is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is concocted from a fermented grain mash. Different grains that can be malted can be used for various varieties such as corn, wheat, barley, rye, and corn. All these ingredients are fermented within the process of distillation. This beverage has a disinfectant value that can last for a long time. This beverage contains antioxidants that will be able to promote nail health. Whisky is also known to have a high content of polyphenols which are plant-based antioxidants that are linked with a low risk of heart ailments. These polyphenols have been seen to reduce bad cholesterol or LDL and increase good cholesterol or HDL. It has also been observed to reduce the triglycerides or fats within your blood.
Chaparral and whiskey can be combined to come up with a potent antiseptic and offer a hostile environment for nail fungus to grow. All you have to do is mix six tablespoons of dried chaparral to one quart of boiling whisky. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to steep for eight hours. Soak your feet in the solution for 10 minutes every day. You have to repeat this procedure for the next two weeks.
You may also use the Chaparral Usnea Salve. This special antifungal salve has been formulated with special blends of anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial herbs to offer natural healing to various skin conditions. This can be used on skin conditions such as skin peeling, cuts, abrasions, jock itch, toenail fungus, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and different skin conditions. The Chaparral Usnea Salve is composed of powerful antimicrobial herbs like usnea, myrrh, black walnut, Pau d’Arco, neem, goldenseal root, and calendula with chaparral. On top of all these, this salve is also added with tea tree oil, neem oil, and oregano oil. All these are meant to bring extra power to this healing salve.
