Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects the toenails and fingernails. This condition is also known as onychomycosis. This can change the natural color of the nails and thicken them. Since it is contagious, this often starts in a toenail and may spread to other toes. This can occur in anyone, and it can be caused by various types of fungi. They are challenging to treat, and they often don’t go away unless given prescription-strength antifungal medications. Such medications can be effective, but they also come encumbered with unpleasant side effects which may range from an upset stomach to several skin conditions.
Before any nail fungus treatment is provided by the doctor, a clinical diagnosis is required. Sometimes this entails sending a nail sample to a lab for fungal culture which will determine the microorganism that caused the infection. Proper diagnosis is significant since the symptoms of nail fungal infection mimic those of psoriasis and other skin conditions. Yeasts and molds may also cause nail fungal infections. Knowing the cause of the infection would determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat. First, you can follow some self-care strategies and some over-the-counter nonprescription items. If these won’t work, oral medications are available. These are the first option particularly for severe cases because these medications can clear the infection faster than topical medications. Examples of oral pills include itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil). A medicated nail polish may also be prescribed by the doctor. An example of this is ciclopirox (Penlac). This shall be painted on your nail or the surrounding skin daily. This type of treatment may have to be applied for a year.
The doctor may also suggest a temporary removal of the nail to enable a direct application of the medicated nail polish or cream.
1All about the Watermelon Rind
Watermelon is a popular fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and the Citrullus lanatus species. It is widely distributed in both tropic and subtropic regions. It is a widely extensive vegetable crop known for its large size, oval shape, and smooth-skinned dark rind. Occasionally, it can have pale green stripes which become yellowish green once it becomes ripe. This fruit is loaded with vitamins as well as phytochemicals.
The watermelon rind is that tough outer layer of the fruit that comes with a green exterior which tends to turn pale white on the inside offering the red and pink flesh of the fruit. This part is harder and not that juicy. The rind has the most nutrients, but people often discard this part. This has low calories and high content of vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, vitamin B6, and potassium. The rind is also loaded with amino acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, citrulline, chlorophyll, and lycopene.
The rind becomes thin and curled when dried. This helps form cylindrical or irregular shapes of various sizes. It is also yellow, dark brown, or yellow-green on the outside.
As an Antimicrobial
Based on the results of a study of the watermelon seed, rind, and pulp, the rind showed a higher antimicrobial effect compared to the seed. The rind contains phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and free-reducing sugars, which have been associated with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Other Benefits
The watermelon rind has several other health benefits other than the aforementioned ones. These include the following:
Boosts the Immune System
A single serving of 1 cup of watermelon rind can give the body an equivalent of 30 percent of the body’s daily requirement of vitamin C, which can enhance the body’s immune system. Vitamin C can help strengthen the body’s immune system. It is also known to stimulate the production of white blood cells which are the front liners in the defense against infections and foreign pathogens.
Helps in Having a Healthy Pregnancy
A study has shown that the rind contains a lot of natural sugars. These are instrumental in reducing morning sickness symptoms and swelling closely linked to pregnancy due to their high potassium content.
Weight Loss Support
The watermelon rind may serve as a non-traditional and low-calorie snack that can help the body lose weight because of its dense fiber content. This may help you feel satiated for a longer time while at the same time stimulating the body’s metabolic processes. This in turn increases the body’s passive fat-burning ability which consequently makes the body lose weight.
Supports Skin Health
Watermelon rind contains lots of lycopene, antioxidants, and flavonoids that are known for reducing free radical effects and also oxidative stress. This helps in minimizing the appearance of blemishes, age spots, and wrinkles that normally occur as people start to age.
Regulates the Body’s Blood Pressure
The watermelon rind contains a high amount of potassium that serves as a vasodilator by reducing the stress and strain on the body’s blood vessels and arteries. This reduces the possibility of incurring atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart disease.
Prostate Health Support
The rind is also a great source of lycopene, which functions as an antioxidant, and is capable to prevent prostate cancer. However, further research is required to establish the link between lycopene and prostate cancer prevention. It also has diuretic properties that allow the urinary tract to maintain its healthy function.
Helps Increase Libido
Watermelon rind is also closely associated with improving sexual performance due to its effects on blood vessel constriction. This enables a much better blood flow to the intimate parts. This increases libido and improves sexual performance with your partner.
Great for Working Out
It is healthy to take watermelon rind before and after a workout session. Eating it before a workout session would give you a boost to complete the routine. It also supplies enough oxygen to the body’s muscles. Taking it after a workout session would be instrumental in dealing with muscle soreness and aches. This would make you feel so much better after working out. According to medical studies, it is citrulline, an amino acid found in the rind, that helps improve the body’s performance during an exercise session.
You can drink the watermelon rind juice, eat it raw, or have them sliced in salads.
