Fungal nail infection is a type of infection when the fungus attacks the fingernails, toenails, or nail beds. The fungus can attack the nails by way of cracks in the skin that surrounds the nail or perhaps from any space between the nail and the nail bed. For a healthy person, the infection may not bring serious concerns.
Major Causes
The two major causes of fungus infections on the skin and nails are dermatophytes and yeasts. Yeast infections are caused by an organism called Candida albicans. This organism stays within the body quietly, but when it multiplies too much it can cause a yeast infection. Yeast infections may cause a red and itchy rash that occasionally leaks fluid. This can cause pain and swelling in the area. In the long run, this may also cause the nail to lift from the nail bed.
Dermatophytes are fungi that thrive in dead tissues like dead skin cells and nails. Dermatophyte infections are called tinea. This type of skin infection causes a round scaly rash and at times this may include blisters.
Usual Symptoms
Symptoms of nail fungal infections develop over time. An infected nail may become yellow, white, or brown. It can also become thicker. It may also crumble or split or set off the skin. It may not necessarily be painful, but over time, it can become painful and uncomfortable to wear shoes, walk, or stand. The fungus can spread to other nails and even to other parts of the body like the fingernails.
Treatments
It may take a long time for the nail fungal infection to heal. It may require you to look for various treatments to find out what works best. Even when a chosen nail fungus treatment works, the nail can be infected again. Treatment often includes the use of antifungal medication. You may opt for over-the-counter medications that can be in the form of cream, nail polish, or lotion. Your doctor may also prescribe a more potent antifungal medicine to put on your nails. Antifungal pills can give you the best chance to be free from nail fungus infection. These pills may be expensive and cause side effects. It may also be necessary for you to consult with your doctor for regular testing while you are taking these prescribed antifungal pills. If the nail infection has become severe or if it has been recurring, the doctor may suggest a complete nail removal.
2Alternative Treatment: Hydrogen Peroxide with Vinegar
There are home remedies that you can apply to resolve your nail fungal infection particularly if the symptoms are mild. These remedies are quite accessible and more affordable as well. An example of this is a treatment procedure that involves two of the most potent nail fungus remedies you can use at home: white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
Vinegar can get rid of fungus fast because of its acidity, which is why it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Vinegar is the diluted form of acetic acid. This results in its being an antifungal agent. This means that it can reduce the growth of some fungus types and it may eradicate fungus as well. The body also becomes less hospitable to fungus since acidity has an effect on the skin’s pH level. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is known for containing antifungal properties that can help in eliminating the fungal infection in the root.
Here’s what to do to get rid of nail fungus infection using these two substances: On the first day of treatment, soak the infected nail in a sufficient amount of 5 percent vinegar for around 5 minutes. While soaking, press the infected nail and release it to make sure that the vinegar gets absorbed sufficiently. Rinse it with water and let it dry thoroughly.
On the second day, soak the infected nail in a sufficient amount of 2 percent hydrogen peroxide for about 5 minutes. Follow the same procedure as the vinegar soak. Press and release the nail for proper absorption. Rinse and allow to dry completely.
On the third day, follow the steps of the first day then follow the hydrogen peroxide application procedure on the next, and so on. Repeat these alternating procedures for three weeks.
It is prohibited to combine vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. This may form a peracetic acid which comes with different properties.
