A toenail fungal infection is medically known as onychomycosis. This nail condition is quite common yet it is difficult to treat. There is a wide array of nail fungus treatments available. Most of the time, you neglect your toenails or fingernails until a problem appears. Toenails when healthy are pink, smooth, and shiny; but a nail fungal infection could make them brittle, discolored, and misshapen.
Causes
The most common cause of nail fungal infections is fungi, particularly those that belong to the group called dermatophytes. They first infect the skin underneath the nail. Nail infections may also be caused by yeasts and molds. Your toenails become susceptible to fungus when your feet are always in contact with infected surfaces, such as showers, changing rooms, and public pools.
Symptoms
Symptoms of nail fungal infections are slow to occur, which means they may come unnoticed at first. Some of its most common symptoms include nail thickening, lack of shine or luster, pain from the toe tips, nail separation from the nail bed, darkening or clouding of the nail surface, nail distortion, white spots, and yellow discoloration of the nail, etc.
Treatment
Since treating a toenail fungal infection is tricky, this requires diligence for treatment to be successful. Early-stage infections may be treated by over-the-counter medication and home remedies. You may buy ointments, lotions, creams, and liquids over the counter. You have to look for the following ingredients when you buy any of these OTC medications: Tolnaftate, Terbinafine (brand name: Lamisil), and Clotrimazole. For a more aggressive nail fungus treatment, the doctor often prescribes oral antifungals. This type of medication would have to be taken for several months up to a year.
Prevention
You can manage to have healthy toenails when you follow these tips. Keep your feet clean and dry all the time. Wear appropriate footwear when you go to public places. Avoid applying nail polish to the infected nail. And make sure that your manicure and pedicure tools are sanitized.
1All about Roselle / Red Sorrel
Roselle, scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a shrub that belongs to the Malvaceae family. Roselle is called by various names depending on the country. In Iran, it is known as sour tea while in English-speaking countries it is called red sorrel. Today this is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. Roselle originated from Africa and the Caribbean and countries in the West Indies.
This plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal value. Traditionally, this is used for treating urinary tract infections, toothaches, hangovers, and colds. In Senegal, the juice extracted from Roselle leaves is used for treating conjunctivitis. Once the leaves are pulverized, the powdered form can be used for treating sores and ulcers.
Other Uses
A person who knows the Roselle plant well can put to use all its parts from leaves, flowers, stems, and calyces for different purposes. Some of its uses include the following:
Food
Roselle leaves can be used for salads. The leaves may also function as spicy spinach with a hint of sour fruitiness. Its fresh calyces can be used to create a bright red-colored and delectable drink.
Skin Care
Roselle is lauded for its anti-aging properties which is why it is a popular ingredient in the world of beauty and skin care. This is because of its high content of antioxidants. You often see Roselle as an ingredient of many facial steams, face/body scrubs, clay masks, and others.
As an Antimicrobial
Roselle is known to possess antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. Oil extracted from Roselle seeds has exhibited inhibitory effects against various pathogens like Staphylococcus albus and Bacillus anthracis. Its aqueous and ethanol extracts also exhibited inhibitory activity against Schistosoma mansoni and other microorganisms. The ethanol extract from Roselle leaves also revealed inhibitory effects against some fungi.
Other Health Benefits
Roselle has many other health benefits that may not be known traditionally. Here are some of them:
Helps ensure a healthy pregnancy
Pregnant women have to consume more foods that are rich in iron. This is why it’s healthy to include Roselle in a pregnant woman’s diet to ensure more iron. Pregnant women require 27 mg of iron daily. In the same way, pregnant women must also consume more healthy fat- and folate-rich foods during pregnancy.
Helps with digestion
The seed capsule found in the roselle fruit is popular for having diuretic and tonic properties. It is known for the following purposes: treating constipation, preventing colorectal cancer, and increasing both urination and bowel movements.
Has antidepressant properties
Roselle is loaded with antidepressant properties due to the flavonoids. This may also calm down the nervous system and may help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety by enabling a relaxed sensation in one’s body and mind.
Helps control high cholesterol levels
It is believed that consuming roselle leaves may be useful when it comes to reducing high cholesterol levels. It is also believed to strengthen blood vessels which aid in preventing heart conditions.
Provides fatigue relief
Roselle has a high phosphorus content for relieving fatigue, numbness, and muscle weakness. A normal amount of phosphorus in the body helps to keep it active and fit. If you have sexual deficiencies this too could help.
Helps to keep the bones healthy
Some of roselle’s nutrients are useful in keeping the bones healthy. The essential nutrients that help the body to stay healthy include potassium, vitamin D, calcium, and iron.
Helps you lose weight
Taking roselle tea may help you lose some unwanted fats. This is because roselle contains vitamin C which helps eliminate cholesterol and bad fats. This also helps boost the body’s metabolism which can speed up fat burning.
Supports healthy teeth and gums
Roselle is loaded with calcium. Calcium strengthens the bones as well as the gums and teeth.
Keeps hair healthy and free from dandruff
Traditionally, roselle has been used for preventing hair loss or baldness. It is often used together with coconut oil on the hair and scalp. Doing so will also help remove dandruff. All you have to do is grind roselle leaves and apply the paste on the scalp. Rinse the hair after a couple of minutes.
