A lot of changes in the fingernails or toenails may compel people to think that they suffer from nail fungal infections. This condition is medically known as onychomycosis as well as tinea unguium. Nail fungal infections appear contagious and at the same time linked to personal hygiene. It is said that 10 percent of the adults in Western countries are inflicted with nail fungus. This increases to 20 percent among adults who are 60 years old and above. Toenail fungus is more prevalent compared to fingernail fungus.
What causes it and what are some risk factors?
Normal and healthy people may still be infected with fungus from a moist and warm environment. The most common type of fungus that causes this is called dermatophytes, but yeasts and molds may also cause it. You may incur fungal infections from sources like public pools, gyms, and shower rooms. Using nail tools and devices that are not sanitized may also cause nail fungal infections. Wearing tight-fitting shoes may also contribute to having a nail fungal infection.
What are some symptoms and signs of the infection?
Despite the nail infection being a cosmetic concern, some patients still feel pain and discomfort. With a nail fungal infection, the nail may become discolored, fragile or cracked, and thick. Some people who have nail infections may have a skin infection on the foot first.
What is the treatment for this infection?
Oral antifungal therapy enjoys a high cure rate compared to other nail fungus treatment options. It usually takes 9 to 12 months to figure out if the medication worked or not. This is the timeline for any nail to completely grow. Examples of these are the following: Terbinafine (Lamisil), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Fluconazole (Diflucan), and others.
Some innovative treatments for nail fungal infection include laser therapy, the use of topical antifungal medications, and using a special nail lacquer that has to be applied to the infected nail.
1What You Should Know about Agarwood
Agarwood is a popular evergreen tree that grows up to 1,500 meters above sea level. In the Indian region, this is found in places like Manipur, East Himalayas, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.
Wood that comes from the agarwood tree is known for its numerous medicinal properties. It is a dark and resinous heartwood that is obtained from the infected Aquilaria tree. It is an expensive wood due to its superb aromatic fragrance. The wood is without odor before it is infected. It also comes with a pale and light hue. It’s the heartwood of the tree that offers the dark aromatic resin after the infection takes place.
Agarwood is used in making expensive perfume and incense. The most expensive type of agarwood has numerous applications.
As an Antifungal and Antimicrobial
The oil acquired from agarwood is quite effective because it is loaded with fatty acid and because of agarwood’s highly potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of agarwood. All these properties help to prevent infections from microbes that stimulate infections as well as promote sebum production. This also works together to fight off acne and pimples. The agarwood oil extract is also used in the production of many cosmetic products like soap, body wash, foaming cleanser, or handwash. Using these cosmetic products on your body, face, and hands may prevent different skin diseases. Furthermore, the combination of agarwood oil and coconut oil helps in decreasing the itchiness and it helps your skin to glow. It also serves as a treatment for burning sensations and other skin disorders.
Other Health Benefits
Agarwood is known for the following medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, aphrodisiac, anti-arthritic, antipruritics, digestive stimulant, emmenagogue, demulcent, expectorant, carminative, and muscle relaxant.
It is also known for the following health benefits:
Helps with weight loss
The agarwood leaves help in reducing excess pounds. When you are overweight and trying to lose some pounds, you can drink tea made from agarwood leaves. Consume six cups of this tea every day for a healthier weight.
Helps improve energy levels
The agarwood leaves may give a boost to your body’s energy levels. Just prepare tea using agarwood leaves and consume this regularly. With regular consumption of agarwood leaves, you may increase your urination. Agarwood tea has an impact on your body, enhancing its energy levels. Drinking the agarwood tea flushes out body toxins and helps lubricate your stomach.
Agarwood oil improves skin health
Agarwood oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it good for resolving any skin condition that is characterized by symptoms like swelling, redness, puffiness, and irritation. The oil is also a potent antibacterial, capable of removing bacteria from the skin and reducing dark spots on the skin. In Ayurveda medicine, agarwood is used for treating skin disorders and diseases. You can just use one or two drops of oil along with regular skin care lotion or cream.
Helps treat sleep disorders
Agarwood leaves may help treat sleep disorders. Prepare tea using agarwood leaves. Drink the tea daily. Sleep is often affected by stress and tension. Regular consumption of agarwood leaves helps you to relax and sleep for a long time by calming your mind and decreasing stress levels.
Helps treat snake bites
Agarwood has been used as an effective treatment for snake bites. Simply make a paste using agarwood. Apply this to the part bitten. This helps to treat infections by removing the venom.
Suppresses appetite
Agarwood works on the liver and stomach, and it increases hunger. This may help the liver’s metabolism as well as improve its functions. This also helps boost the body’s digestive function by improving the body’s gastric secretions.
May help spice things up in the bedroom
Agarwood is known for its aphrodisiac effects. This makes the perfect essential oil to add to your current massage oil blend which can be used during those special occasions. The oil is believed to prevent conditions that lead to sexual performance problems. The essential oil is known to ease worries and release one’s inhibitions. Just mix a drop or two of the agarwood essential oil into any of the known aphrodisiac oils like jasmine, rose, and sandalwood for maximum effects.
