Can nail polish cause fungus on toenails. How long should you keep nail polish on your toes. What are the risks of wearing nail polish continuously. How to prevent toenail fungus from nail polish. When should you give your nails a break from polish. What are the signs of toenail fungus under nail polish. How to treat stained nails after removing polish.

The Link Between Nail Polish and Toenail Fungus

Many people enjoy sporting colorful toenails, especially during sandal season. However, the continuous use of nail polish may lead to unexpected health issues. Podiatrists warn that nail polish can indeed be a leading cause of toenail fungus. The toxins and preservatives found in most commercial nail polishes can create an environment conducive to fungal growth.

Dr. Doug Tumen, a board-certified podiatrist, explains: “If upon removing nail polish you see white spots, yellow discoloration, or thickening of the nail, you may have a fungus forming.” These signs should not be ignored, as they could indicate the beginning of a fungal infection.

How Does Nail Polish Contribute to Fungal Growth?

Nail polish creates a barrier on the nail surface, trapping moisture and preventing the nail from “breathing.” This moist environment, combined with the chemicals in the polish, can provide ideal conditions for fungi to thrive. Additionally, the process of repeatedly applying and removing polish can weaken the nail, making it more susceptible to infection.

The Importance of Nail Health and Breathability

While nails may seem hard and impermeable, they are actually quite porous. Dr. Joy Rowland, a foot specialist at Cleveland Clinic, points out that nails are even more permeable than skin. This means they can absorb substances applied to their surface, including nail polish.

Keeping polish on continuously can lead to several issues:

• Drying out of the nail due to pigment absorption
• Development of fungus, yeast, bacteria, mold, and mildew underneath the nail plate
• Long-term nail health problems

How Often Should You Give Your Nails a Break?

Dr. Rowland recommends a cyclical approach to nail polish use: “It’s best to leave polish on for a few weeks, and then remove the polish and go without for a few weeks.” This alternating pattern allows nails to “breathe” and helps maintain their health.

Recognizing the Signs of Toenail Fungus

Identifying toenail fungus early can help prevent it from worsening. After removing nail polish, look out for these signs:

• White spots on the nail
• Yellow discoloration
• Thickening of the nail
• Brittleness or crumbling of the nail
• Distorted nail shape
• Foul odor

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Toenail Fungus While Enjoying Nail Polish

For those who love having polished toenails, there are ways to minimize the risk of fungal infections:

1. Choose salons that offer cleaner pedicures and ensure tools are properly sterilized
2. Consider using anti-fungal, non-toxic nail polish
3. Limit the duration of continuous polish wear
4. Allow nails to “breathe” between polish applications
5. Keep feet dry by wearing breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks

Are There Safer Alternatives to Traditional Nail Polish?

The beauty industry has responded to concerns about nail health by developing safer alternatives. Water-based and breathable nail polishes are now available, which allow more oxygen and moisture to reach the nail. These formulations often exclude harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which are commonly found in traditional polishes.

Treating Stained and Damaged Nails

If you’ve removed your nail polish and noticed staining or damage, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to restore nail health:

• Apply vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and nail bed
• Gently massage the oil into the nail
• Consider a gentle filing to promote healthier nail growth
• Be patient – nail staining will gradually grow out as your nail grows

Remember, toenails grow much slower than fingernails, so it may take several months to see complete improvement.

The Role of Nail Salon Hygiene in Preventing Fungal Infections

While nail polish itself can contribute to fungal growth, the environment and practices at nail salons also play a crucial role in nail health. Ensuring that your chosen salon follows proper hygiene protocols can significantly reduce your risk of developing toenail fungus or other nail infections.

What Should You Look for in a Nail Salon?

When selecting a nail salon, consider the following factors:

• Cleanliness of the overall environment
• Proper sterilization of tools and equipment
• Use of disposable items for single use (e.g., emery boards, toe separators)
• Staff hygiene practices, including hand washing and glove use
• Proper cleaning and disinfection of foot baths between clients

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the salon’s hygiene practices. A reputable establishment should be transparent about their procedures and happy to address any concerns.

The Impact of Nail Health on Overall Foot Health

Maintaining healthy toenails is not just about aesthetics; it’s an essential aspect of overall foot health. Fungal infections can spread beyond the nail, affecting the surrounding skin and potentially leading to more serious complications, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems or conditions like diabetes.

How Does Toenail Health Affect Foot Function?

Healthy toenails serve several important functions:

• Protection of the sensitive nail bed and toe tips
• Enhancement of fine touch sensations in the toes
• Improvement of overall foot biomechanics

When nails become thickened or distorted due to fungal infections, they can cause discomfort, affect shoe fit, and potentially lead to other foot problems.

Natural Remedies for Maintaining Healthy Toenails

While medical treatments are often necessary for established fungal infections, there are several natural approaches that can help maintain nail health and potentially prevent fungal growth:

1. Tea tree oil: Known for its antifungal properties, tea tree oil can be applied directly to nails.
2. Apple cider vinegar soaks: The acidity can help create an inhospitable environment for fungi.
3. Garlic: Contains allicin, which has antifungal properties. Crushed garlic can be applied topically or consumed.
4. Oregano oil: Another natural antifungal that can be diluted and applied to nails.
5. Proper nutrition: A diet rich in biotin, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote nail health.

It’s important to note that while these natural remedies can be beneficial, they should not replace professional medical advice or treatment for established infections.

Can Diet Influence Nail Health and Fungal Resistance?

Indeed, diet plays a significant role in overall nail health and the body’s ability to resist fungal infections. A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can help strengthen nails and boost the immune system:

• Protein: Essential for nail growth and strength
• Biotin: A B-vitamin that promotes healthy nail cell growth
• Zinc: Supports nail growth and repair
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation and support overall nail health
• Vitamin C: Boosts collagen production, which is crucial for nail strength

Incorporating foods rich in these nutrients or considering supplements (under medical guidance) can contribute to healthier nails and potentially increase resistance to fungal infections.

The Future of Nail Care: Innovations in Polish and Treatment

As awareness of nail health issues grows, the beauty and medical industries are developing innovative solutions to address these concerns. From advanced nail polish formulations to cutting-edge treatments for fungal infections, the future of nail care looks promising.

What Are Some Emerging Trends in Nail Care?

Several exciting developments are shaping the future of nail care:

• Probiotics for nails: Similar to gut health, beneficial bacteria may help maintain nail health.
• LED light therapy: Used to treat fungal infections and promote nail growth.
• Nano-silver infused nail products: Leveraging the antimicrobial properties of silver.
• AI-assisted diagnosis: Using machine learning to identify nail conditions early.
• Personalized nail care: Tailored treatments based on individual nail composition and health needs.

These innovations aim to provide more effective, personalized solutions for maintaining healthy nails while still allowing for aesthetic expression through nail polish and art.

Balancing Beauty and Health: Making Informed Decisions About Nail Care

While the allure of constantly polished nails is undeniable, it’s crucial to strike a balance between aesthetics and health. By understanding the potential risks associated with continuous nail polish use and taking proactive steps to maintain nail health, you can enjoy beautiful nails without compromising their well-being.

How Can You Enjoy Nail Polish Safely?

To minimize the risk of fungal infections and other nail health issues while still enjoying polished nails, consider the following strategies:

• Implement a “polish holiday” schedule, allowing nails to breathe between applications
• Choose non-toxic, breathable nail polish formulations
• Properly remove polish and thoroughly clean nails before reapplying
• Regularly inspect nails for any signs of discoloration or changes in texture
• Maintain good overall foot hygiene, including keeping feet dry and wearing breathable footwear
• Consider using a base coat to create a barrier between the nail and polish pigments

By adopting these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing toenail fungus or other nail-related issues while still enjoying the aesthetic benefits of nail polish.

Yes, you can absolutely get toenail fungus from nail polish

There’s something about hitting the beach with a fresh pedicure that feels quintessentially summertime. The wabi sabi nail look with a backdrop of sand and sea screams fun IRL and on Instagram. But if your nail care motto from June to August is paint, enjoy, remove, repeat, podiatrists say you might want to hit pause on the cycle to let your feet breathe. If you don’t (I’m so, so sorry to break this to you), you may just find toe nail fungus lurking beneath your Bimini Blue polish.

“Nail polish is a leading cause of toenail fungus,” says Doug Tumen, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist based in New York’s Hudson Valley. The toxins and preservatives lurking in most commercial polish encourage the growth of fungus, according to the expert. Same, same with artificial nails. “If upon removing nail polish you see white spots, yellow discoloration, or thickening of the nail, you may have a fungus forming,” explains Dr. Trumen. So if you’re gearing up to swap hues and spot any of these nail no-nos, skip it and go au natural for a bit. Your nails just need a moment to breathe now and then.

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Still though—it’s summer! If you want to rock the ugly nail trend in various shades that are surprisingly flattering, Dr. Tumen recommends choosing salons that offer cleaner pedicures and double-checking that the establishment’s tools are sterilized. “New anti-fungal, non-toxic nail polish is now available. Consider switching to safe anti-fungal nail polish to help avoid developing fungus toenails,” he also advises. Enjoy a pop of color peeping out from your sandals for a week, then give them a rest with the anti-fungal product. That way, you don’t have to deal with a gnarly case of toe fungus come fall.

Inquiring minds want to know: why do pedis last longer than manis? Oh, and before you settle into the salon chair, make sure the nail salon ticks these four boxes. 

Why You Should Give Your Toenails a Break From Polish – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

You
may think that the mark of a great pedicure is one that lasts for weeks on
end. But you might want to think twice about letting that beautiful shade
of coral linger on your toenails.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

It’s
important to give your nails a break from polish, says foot
specialist Joy Rowland, DPM.

“I
always recommend to my patients that it’s best to leave polish on for a few
weeks on, and then remove the polish and go without for a few weeks,” Dr.
Rowland says. “It’s not a good idea to leave nail polish continuously on your
toes all summer. They need a break.”

While your nails seem to be hard, they are far from impermeable. In fact, your nails are much more permeable than your skin. As a result, they can soak up substances — such as nail polish — that are applied to their surface.

Inviting foot problems

The
danger with keeping your nail polish on too long is that the pigment in the
nail polish can soak into the top few layers of the nail and dry it out, Dr.
Rowland says.

When
that happens, fungus, yeast, bacteria, mold and mildew can develop underneath the nail
plate, which can lead to long-term problems. The nail plate is the hard
part of the nail that appears on top of the skin.

By removing the polish from your toenails, you expose the surface of your nails to the air. This literally allows them to breathe — and keeps them healthy.

In addition to going without polish for a week or so, try to keep your feet dry during the day. You can do that by wearing cotton socks and sandals or shoes made of natural, breathable fabrics and materials such as leather or cotton.

If you remove the polish and your toenails look stained or have a white, chalky appearance, you can take steps to nurse them back to health.

Easing the stain

That same permeability that created the stain can help to ease it as well. Dr. Rowland advises applying vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and the nail bed — underneath the nail where it meets the skin — and gently rubbing it in when you do not have nail polish on.

When
patients come to her for more advanced help, Dr. Rowland says, “We might
do a gentle filing if we need to, to see if we can’t get the nail to start
looking healthier.”

If
you remove your toe polish and your toenails are stained, you can tell if
the stain is from polish if you see your natural pink nail color grow out
from the cuticle. The stain should fade slightly over time and
eventually grow out.

Your fingernails grow much faster than your toenails — your toenails only grow about one millimeter each month. So you may have to be patient if you’re waiting for a discolored nail to grow out.

During
that grow-out period, Dr. Rowland recommends against using nail polish.

Can Nail Fungus Spread Through Nail Polish?

Can Toenail Fungus Spread Through Nail Polish?

The answer here isn’t so clear cut. It’s kind of a yes, but maybe not in quite the way you might expect.

In terms of direct spread of the fungus from nail to nail (or person to person) through a bottle of polish, the chances of this happening are fairly low. A bottle of polish isn’t exactly the most conducive environment for fungal growth.

However, while the risk is low, it isn’t exactly zero, either. We would still strongly recommend you not share nail polish with any other person, whether at home or at the salon.

The bigger concern is that simply wearing nail polish in the first place can make your toenails more susceptible to fungal infection. Even a clear coat of polish can make nails more brittle, crumbly, and less breathable, especially if you keep your toenails painted for more than a week at a time. This makes you more likely to contract toenail fungus, especially if you already have athlete’s foot (which is caused by the same group of fungi) or a fungal infection on a different toenail.

Our final verdict, then, is that you should only use nail polish in moderation (no more than one week on, one week off, at the absolute most), and you should avoid sharing your polish with anyone else. If you want to be extra safe, you can get separate bottles for your infected and non-infected toes.

What About Other Nail Care Tools?

It’s a similar scenario here. As we wrote in last month’s blog, nail and skin care tools like toenail clippers, nail files, and the like should never be shared from person-to-person. We also recommend you use separate clippers for toenails and fingernails, and clean and sterilize your tools after use.

Check out last month’s blog for more in-depth tips on preventing toenail fungus!

Bonus tip: although it’s tempting to try to deal with a fungal toenail by attempting to trim it as short as possible, this is usually counterproductive. Cutting your nail too short usually means more trauma to the nail bed and a greater opportunity for further infection.

Does Wearing Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus? [Best Treatment Guide]

Does Wearing Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus?

Acetone based toenail polish removers can cause dehydration of the toenail surface.

Yes but that’s probably not what you have!

• Nail polish can cause toenail fungus by dehydrating the toenail and causing nail damage.
• Fungus can then invade through the small cracks and get under your toenail.
• But if your toenails are white, you probably have a condition known as keratin granulations!

Wearing nail polish can cause toenail fungus. BUT it is usually something called keratin granulations. This is a mostly harmless white chalky substance that is dehydrated toenail protein.

Quick Home Treatment Overview for Damaged or Fungus Toenails From Toenail Polish:

• Make sure to read the rest of our guide to understand what is causing your toenail fungus.
• But these are researched and recommended products that you can’t go wrong with.
• These will start getting your toenails looking better pretty quickly!

Table could not be displayed.

Are Your Toenails White, Yellow or Black?

1) White Toenails: Keratin Granulations.

This is white toenail buildup on the big toe joint with dry keratin granulations forming.

The #1 cause of discolored nails after removing your toenail polish is a white chalky like substance called keratin granulations.

• These occur because nail polish has harmful chemicals in it like formaldehyde and toleune.
• Nail polish remover has acetone within it.
• There is a way to correct this by remoisturizing your nails:

• White toenails are usually just due to the dehydration of your toenails.
• The nail plate is made up of a substance called keratin.
• When dehydrated keratin becomes white keratin granulations.
• Read below for the complete guide to keratin granulations!

Frequently asked questions about toenail polish damage:

Can I Keep Using Toenail Polish?

Yes you can!

• Just be aware that it will continue to dry out your nails.
• You can wear it less frequently or you can try treating your nails before polishing them again.
• There are even brands of toenail polish that will not dehydrate your nails.
• Trust me, these brands are very well promoted!

How do I know for sure that this is not toenail fungus?

• My recommendation: treat is like keratin granulations.
• If the treatment does not make it better after 2 weeks, then it can still be toenail fungus.
• Don’t worry, 2 weeks will not put your toenail fungus in any danger.
• If it is a superficial toenail fungus, it should be very easily curable anyway.
• If it does seem like toenail fungus or it is yellow, head to #3: toenail fungus.

2) White Marks On Toenails: Leukonychia.

White lines are called leukonychia.

White spots on the toenails are due to a condition known as leukonychia:

• These are permanent until the toenail grows out.
• Unfortunately the toenail grows very slowly.
• The toenail only grows at a rate of 1mm/ day.

3) Yellow Thick Toenails: Toenail Fungus.

Toenail Fungus Best Treatment Products

The second most common cause of discolored toenails.

• This is usually a type called superficial white onychomycosis that is not as serious as most nail fungus; this type is very easily cured with a topical cream that you can put on your nails.
• If you want to use toenail polish, be more worried about dry nails and how to rehydrate them and not how to prevent fungus.

Is the toenail fungus dangerous?

• The toenail fungus should be very curable with proper treatment.
• Superifical white onychomycosis is very easily treatable with antifungal medication.
• It is not the type of fungus that takes root deep under your toenail.

4)Black, Red or Blue Toenail: Subungual Hematoma.

Both big toe joints are sore from rubbing due to tight shoes.

Jogger’s toe is essentially just “overuse toe”.

• The trick with this one is it sneaks up on people without any pain!
• Be aware that you can still have bleeding underneath your toenail and it doesn’t have to be extremely painful.
• For example I just saw a woman had a scary black toenail without any cause.
• But the more I talked to her I realized she bought new shoes and started Zumba classes.
• She was exercising more, had small shoes and was not suffering from any pain!

Even if there is no pain, light micro-trauma from walking or running could have caused you to develop little black spots underneath your toenails that are the result of light bleeding.

• Unless there is pain this is usually very harmless and it should not be something that you worry about.
• Over time the nail will grow out and the black spot will disappear unless you continue irritating it.

For more on Does Wearing Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus?

Nail fungus from nail polish.

Stop Toenail Fungus in Its Tracks

Have you ever had a toenail fungus? It probably wasn’t very pretty. It can make your nails look yellow, thick, and cracked. They might hurt when you try to wear shoes.

Toenail fungus can be hard to treat. And if you don’t take care of it, there’s a chance it can lead to a more serious infection.

The best thing you can do is learn how to avoid catching a new case of it. It’s not that hard to keep fungus away from your toenails. Here’s what to do.

Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them with soap and water every day. Dry them off very well afterward. Get in-between your toes, too. Clean and dry feet and nails are less likely to pick up a fungus.

Don’t go barefoot in public. Fungus loves to grow in warm, wet places. It also spreads easily from person to person. That’s why it’s key to wear shower shoes or flip flops around public pools, locker rooms, and showers.

Continued

Change your socks and shoes often. Put on a clean pair of socks every day. Give your shoes a rest and wear different pairs often, too. If your feet get sweaty when you walk or work out, change your socks and shoes as soon as you get a chance.

Use the right footwear. Fungus thrives when your feet are cooped up inside tight, hot shoes and socks. Make sure yours aren’t too snug and that they give your feet room to breathe. Choose materials like leather for shoes. Look for socks made of a synthetic fiber that pulls moisture away from your feet better than cotton or wool. You’ll see this called wicking.

Trim your toenails. Clip them short and straight across. Make sure you don’t cut them so they dig into the sides of your toe. Don’t pick at your nails or the skin next to them.

Use foot powder. Sprinkle some on after you shower and dry your feet. Some people like cornstarch. But medicated powder is a better choice. It will help protect you against fungus, including athlete’s foot.

Continued

Keep tools clean. Clean and sterilize your nail clippers, files, and scissors every time after you use them. Rubbing alcohol should work. Don’t share them with anyone else.

Skip the nail polish if you can. Wearing that or fake nails can sometimes trap moisture, creating a perfect place for fungus to grow. You’re more likely to dodge toenail fungus if you can live without polish.

Choose a clean nail salon. Want a pedicure? Look for a salon that’s licensed by your state and looks well-kept. Make sure they sterilize all their tools after each use and before each new customer. Or you can bring your own sterilized tools.

Use an anti-fungal cream. If you’ve had a toenail fungus before, this may help it from coming back. Rub an over-the-counter or prescription product on your nails and the bottoms of your feet once or twice a week.

Throw away old shoes and slippers. Fungus can live in them. Use an anti-fungal spray in your newer shoes every morning before you slip them on. Never share shoes or socks with other people.

Check your feet and toes regularly. If you see a change in nail color or texture, head to the doctor. This is your chance to catch a fungus in its early stages. If you think you have another infection or fungus, like athlete’s foot, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do. It can turn into a toenail fungus, too, if you don’t treat it.

Nail Diseases: how can I solve my Nails Fungus Problem?

Nails Fungus: certainly this is one of the problems and Nail Diseases that most afflicts women of every age. It is a solvable problem, but to never neglect!

Between Nail Diseases, that of Onychomycosis – that is Nails Fungus – is certainly the one that most bothers who is afflicted with it.
Shame, fear to show the problem to the Beautician or Nail Technician, often stop who is afflicted from acting; actually, it is a rather widespread Nail Disease, certainly solvable with simple expedients and precautions.

Nail Fungus can affect both the skin of Hands and Feet that of Nails: in the latter case we speak of Onychomycosis, talking about the “infestations” caused by dermatophites or other fungus and yeasts.
Almost always, fortunately, it concerns exterior Nail Fungus, linked to specific cases of moisture and acidity that favour the proliferation of the microorganisms that cause the “fungus”, then visible even to the naked eye and characterised by dark spots of variable sizes.

Nail Fungus, although less serious than other types of cutaneous mucouses, must never be overlooked!

The Onychomycosis, in fact, can affect not only the surface of the nail but also spread toward the cutaneous tissue (area of the cuticles), both the underlying tissue that the nail surface.

Obviously, this is the most serious cases, often due to excessive negligence of the problem.

For this reason, our first suggestion in case of Nail Fungus is to avoid any type of Nail Treatment (Nails Extension, Gel Nail Polish, Traditional Nail Polish), which could aggravate the condition of the nail, and to consult a doctor that surely will be able to suggest You the most suitable Treatment for the case.

Generally, Nail Fungus are treated with specific local antifungal medicines such as ointments, powders, etc.

With the right medical therapy, in a short time, you will be able to “battle” and solve the problem.

The rigger causes of Nail Fungus may be numerous and unfortunately between these there are also the insufficient professionalism in the realisation of Nail Works such as Gel Nails Extension or the Gel Polish Application.

A badly carried out work, in fact, can cause swellings not only unaesthetic but also dangerous: once the water has infiltrated with which our hands are in contact every day, in fact, there is the creation of moisture conditions such as to favour the appearance of Mildews or bacterial colonies.

Soon, here in our Manicure and Pedicure Blog, we will speak about another very specific and important subject, that is that of Toe Nails Fungus…Follow Us!

Is Never Removing Nail Polish Unhealthy for Toenails?

There’s an ongoing dispute surrounding nail polish and the effects it could have when worn too long, especially on toenails. One of the most common beliefs is that toenails need to breathe in order to stay healthy. The fact of the matter is that different people will experience different results, but there are some basic guidelines that will help you know what’s best for your toes.

The Facts

• First and foremost, nails are technically dead, which means they don’t breathe. Rumor has it that nails turn yellow when wearing nail polish for too long because they can’t breathe. Even though the nails can be stained, it’s more from the polish, not due to “breathing” issues.
• Secondly, nail polish does not cause fungus. Toenail fungus is caused by heat and moisture being trapped against the feet for prolonged periods of time or direct contact with the fungus. However, wearing nail polish when you do have toenail fungus is not healthy.
• Thirdly, nail polish can damage toenails and make them brittle when it’s applied without a base coat. Some of the chemicals in nail polish tend to dry out nails, which shouldn’t be a problem if you use a high-quality base layer before applying polish.

Things to Consider

• Even though nails don’t breathe, they soak up moisture. Too much exposure to moisture and household chemicals can lead to stained and unhealthy nails, so always make sure they are dry before applying nail polish.
• A base layer is very important because, without it, nail polish can be soaked up into the nail. This is why nails turn yellow or blue in some cases. When a base layer is applied then nail polish won’t have this effect.

Ultimately there is no evidence to prove that permanent use of nail polish on toenails is unhealthy, but not everyone will have the same experience. For this reason, most experts agree that there should be periods when your nails should be without nail polish, even if only for a few days. If anything it will help you to keep tabs on the condition of your nails and better able to see if there is a problem forming from some other cause.

90,000 Fungus due to gel polish – myth or truth? Let’s figure it out together | Alexandra Korneeva – about manicure

In connection with the flurry of comments about fungus from gel polish to my previous article (I will leave the link at the end🙂), I realized all the need to write a new article!

Let me remind you that you are on the channel of a nail service master from Khabarovsk.

Today, all attention will be devoted to the fungus). Let’s first figure out what is nail fungus?

Nail fungus and onycholysis.

Mycosis – a fungus (mold) on nails and bone tissues (most often, hands and feet), extremely contagious and transmitted by touch.

Visually it can be identified even at the stage of development. It first appears on the extreme fingers (often on the thumb and little fingers), later it is transmitted to the rest of the hands.

In a neglected form, the mold layer remains on the hands or ankles.

Now let’s remember the structure of the nail!

The structure of the nail

Let us also remember that the stratum corneum (nail) itself consists of numerous layers of keratin.

Keratins – a family of proteins with the highest mechanical strength among materials of biological origin.

The horny derivatives of the skin are mainly composed of keratins – structures such as nails, hair, horns of rhinoceroses, elephant tusks, beaks of birds, etc.

Gel polish on nails.

Gel polish and nails:

The procedure is well known to all). But I will repeat myself.

1. Removing gloss from the nail – “raising” the scales of several layers of keratin at the nano-millimeter level 🙂)

2.Application of degreaser – drying the nail from excess moisture of fat (for adhesion of the artificial material-base)

Alignment of the nail plate with the base.

3. Application of the base – (the base under the gel polish performs a protective function, is a shield between the paint varnish and the nail, which does not allow chemicals to penetrate into the plate)

4. Color coating

In progress).

5. Securing with top (Top-most durable coating in the gel polish coating system).

Where does the fungus come from under the Gel Polish?

It’s very simple!

• You contracted a fungus from a sick person (handshake, swimming pool, bath, bus, hospital, etc.
• You got to a bad master! During the procedure, the master did not follow the rules for sterilization of instruments and the rules for applying the coating!

Detachments

It is easy to get a fungus from the master if there are voids left during the application of the BASE, as well as if the surface of the nail was poorly degreased.

Due to the poor adhesion of the artificial coating to the natural nail plate, “pockets” are formed into which moisture and dirt (microbes, dust, food particles) get into.

In this case, the nail is under the coating and the air does not dry out the surface. Moisture does not evaporate and we cannot wash out the dirt. And as we know, if moisture does not evaporate + dirt and bacteria multiply, mold (fungus) is inevitable!

Conclusion

Fungus due to the gel – mostly “Myth”! But it can grow into the truth, with the following moments, the introduction of infection and poor-quality coating from the would-be master!

I sincerely wish you to be healthy from hair to nail tips.🙂 Be careful when visiting public places and when choosing a nail artist.

Advice on how to avoid fungal infection

Skin antiseptic.

Get yourself a small bottle of antiseptic! They are now freely available. And when visiting public places, treat your pens and nails.

Mandatory procedure.

It is easy to recognize a responsible master!

Always before the procedure, he opens a craft bag with sterile instruments in front of you and treats your cookies and feet with an antiseptic!

Share with me in the comments, was the article helpful and interesting? Does your master treat his hands with an antiseptic before a manicure?

Fungus on nails after shellac and gel polish

Contents of the article

Modern ladies use the privileges of nail technology to delight themselves with impeccable manicure.Nail coating has become a real art. Intricate designs with rhinestones do not lose their beauty for weeks.

The edge of the growing nail spoils the look of perfect decor. Beauties are in a hurry to update the design. The usual varnish has long lost its relevance due to its fragility. Easier to apply shellac, acrylic or gel polish, which can be worn two or three. Girls are unaware that exhausting procedures stress nails.

Advantages and disadvantages of gel polish, shellac

The invention of permanent varnishes was a real breakthrough in the beauty industry.Women managed to forget the time when the manicure had to be corrected every evening. Gel varnishes were liked by masters and millions of clients. Manicure has ceased to be the privilege of the owners of strong marigolds. New nail art technology has made many girls happy. Beauty has ceased to “demand sacrifices.” Among other benefits, gel polish presented the following opportunities:

• Keeps its original appearance for up to two to three weeks;
• Resistant to aggressive environments;
• Allows you to have marigolds of any length;
• High strength.

The shortcomings of new technologies, like other discoveries, were not immediately apparent. The rainbow reality was clouded by negative consequences, many of which required painstaking restoration of nails after shellac. Beauty, even artificial, “demanded sacrifices.”

Gel polish, acrylic and shellac – find the differences

It would be a mistake to consider shellac and gel polish products of different categories. The first took its name from the leading manufacturer brand, Shellac.The composition of these products is almost identical and absolutely safe for nails. There is a slight difference in the method of adhesion to the nail plate, which explains the differences in the preparatory part of the procedure. The old varnish is removed only after prolonged exposure to acetone, which slightly softens the film. If the shellac peels off easily, then the gel and acrylic have to be grinded off with a nail file.

The widely advertised safety and protective properties are completely neutralized by an aggressive nail polish removal procedure:

• Prolonged exposure to acetone dehydrates the cuticle and nail plate.Dry nails become brittle, easily exfoliate;
• Mechanical action completely destroys the protective layer, injures the cuticle, opening access to pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Long-term isolation, subsequent traumatic effects do not pass without leaving a trace. The opened marigolds look lifeless, completely devoid of natural thickness, smooth structure. At the moment of revelation, they ask me if this should be so.

The guarantee of health in compliance with technology

In the hands of a professional nail master, nails do not suffer from super-resistant manicure.It is important to know what should not happen during the procedure in order to maintain a healthy plate:

• Overly diligent grinding;
• Skin trauma with subsequent bleeding;
• Using a metal stick to remove old gel;
• Use of low-quality tools, tools;
• Excessive UV lamp power.

Most of the negative consequences are observed in clients of inexperienced craftsmen. Here tactfulness is inappropriate to the detriment of health and budget.An urgent need to change the master if:

• Increased manicure causes discomfort;
• New gel quickly cracked;
• Uneven gel thickness, depressions and bumps;
• Coating partially peeled off in the early days.

A one-off failure is rarely critical if action is taken in time.

Only a highly qualified specialist is able to apply a high-quality decorative coating so that before the next visit the nail plate has time to grow back by a quarter.

Constant renewal of fabrics along with the right technology allows not to sacrifice health to beauty.

A good manicure can be done by a good master without interruption for recovery. Otherwise, you will have to go through a long recovery of nails after gel polish.

Restoration of nails after shellac

Do not rush to a new manicure if the nail shows spots of a different color, notches or bumps. Symptoms like these require urgent resuscitation.Recovery procedures can be performed in the salon or at home.

The most popular and effective resuscitation methods are:

• Smart enamel . A popular remedy with vitamin A and ultrafruit acid. Smart enamel transfers a lot of nutrients to the nail plate. This explains the high effectiveness of the product, especially after nail extension. Smart enamel protects against pathogens, fungi;
• Specimen IBX System. An innovative agent that stimulates tissue growth, penetrates into the deep layers of the nail plate. The only tool that allows you to get an immediate result, like nail restoration after extension;
• Oil based nutrient . They usually include jojoba oil, vitamins F, A. Oil is rubbed into the fingertips daily;
• Paraffin baths are often recommended by cosmetologists as a rejuvenating treatment for the skin of the hands.Paraffin effectively removes harmful substances from the skin, increases the elasticity of nails. Hands are dipped in molten paraffin several times. The procedure takes half an hour.

It is better to combine no more than two methods until the nail plate is completely renewed. In the future, it is necessary to maintain restorative therapy to reduce the stress of persistent manicure.

Folk methods of nail restoration

There are many home methods of nail strengthening, practiced by more than one generation of fashionistas.Most popular:

• Salt baths . A 15-minute sea salt hand bath is done several times a week. The solution is rich in minerals, has a disinfectant property due to the presence of iodine;
• Oil baths effectively moisturize the skin, cuticles and nails. A couple of drops of vitamin A are added to warm oil. After the procedure, thermal gloves are put on the hands;
• Iodine and garlic can be found in every home. They are used topically by rubbing the nails before bed.

There is no one way that helps everyone equally. Nails deteriorate for a variety of reasons. They become especially vulnerable during the off-season and cold season.

Restoration of nails after pregnancy and childbirth in a nursing mother using gel and shellacs should be done quickly, since the female body undergoes colossal changes during childbirth and after birth. Loss of calcium and other substances leads to deterioration of the condition of nails and hair.Folk remedies, balanced nutrition will help to correct the situation. It is better to refuse cosmetic, pharmacological preparations when breastfeeding.

It is impossible to postpone caring procedures. A child requires a lot of attention and this will not change with age. It is enough to give yourself half an hour a day to catch up. Vitamin greens, natural broths and regular nutrition will accelerate the recovery of a depleted body.

Restoration of injured nails

Contusion is often confused with fungal infection due to changes in the structure and color of tissues.The fact is that a severe injury can permanently deform the nail plate, if correct restoration is not carried out. Mechanical trauma rarely goes unnoticed due to pain.

Quickly cool the injury site. A crack or chip is disinfected with iodine. If the hematoma is still formed, then it is removed by puncturing the nail with a needle. Leaving the bruise unattended, a tuberous nail plate is obtained.

Uncomfortable shoes sometimes cause nail injury. The most advanced injuries require surgical intervention with a prolonged course of restorative treatment.

How to recognize a nail fungus

According to statistics, nail fungus occurs at least once in a lifetime in 40% of the world’s population. And, if earlier it was believed that this disease was the scourge of unsanitary conditions, now the situation has changed. There are many forums on the Web where fashionistas-neat women are perplexed about where the nail fungus came from. Experts classify clients of cosmetic procedures as a risk group.

Affecting nails, the fungus appears in the form of colored spots, stripes.Often, the first foci appear in the cuticle area. Weakening of the protective functions makes the skin vulnerable to purulent infections. The nail tissue becomes loose, there is a loss of flexibility, stratification, spontaneous separation of small scales and particles.

The nail fungus needs to be treated as it quickly spreads to other parts of the body and body.

Only a dermatologist is able to accurately recognize nail fungus. The doctor will definitely send a tissue scraping for research even before prescribing a course of treatment.A large army of pathogens has different sensitivity to drugs. This is why the ointment that healed another patient will probably not work for you.

How to cure nails of fungus

Fungi take a very long time to heal. Therefore, it is better not to self-medicate so as not to waste time. Folk remedies are suitable only at the earliest stage of the disease:

• Coffee trays are prepared only from natural coffee;
• Honey-vinegar mixture is prepared by mixing 10 grams of vinegar, 100 grams of aloe, 30 grams of aromatic oil, 10 grams of honey.The mixture is insisted in a dark place for three days. Lubricate the nail plate once a day;
• Garlic Butter Mix is made from garlic and butter. The components are mixed in equal proportions. Rubbed into the damaged nail plate.

The main thing is to observe the rules of personal hygiene, use gloves and a disposable instrument. Metal tweezers, scissors, nail files must be treated with a disinfectant. The damaged tissue is removed to achieve a greater therapeutic effect.

Video. How not to ruin your nails with gel polishes.

How is it manifested and how is it treated?

Onychomycosis (or, as it is popularly called, nail fungus) is a lesion of the nail plates with pathogenic fungi. There are many causative agents of the fungus, and in a quarter of cases they can act together – for example, the nails of the hands can simultaneously attack dermatomycetes and yeast-like fungi. Skin fungus is found on its own much less often than nail fungus, but it can develop in parallel with it, because disease-causing fungi are very viable.They not only easily “travel” through the body, but are also transmitted through household items, so during the period of self-isolation it is important to pay special attention to your body so as not to infect your family. Of course, a fungal infection of the skin and nails is not a fatal disease, but nevertheless it can ruin your life in a big way. What causes it, how it manifests itself and how to treat a fungal infection, we will tell in the article.

What can cause a fungal infection

Some people think that a skin or nail fungal infection is a companion of unclean people, but this is not at all the case.It can appear in everyone, because quite a few factors lead to it. The most common causes of fungal infection are:

• Wearing tight shoes . The warm, humid environment creates excellent conditions for the development of pathogenic fungi. In this case, the risk group is people whose occupation does not allow changing clothes at work in light breathable shoes – security officials, athletes, miners and others.
• Injuries to nails and skin .We know from childhood that any wound must be disinfected so that an infection does not get into it. The same is with the fungus: even the smallest damage to the nail plate or skin “attracts” pathogens.
• Violation of blood supply in the fingers . It usually affects overweight people, fast food lovers, smokers and anyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle. The lack of blood supply robs cells of nutrients and makes them easy prey for the fungus.
• Various diseases . Diabetes mellitus and all kinds of hormone problems also often contribute to the development of fungal infections on the legs and other parts of the body.
• Immunocompromised . When the body’s all forces are thrown into fighting the disease or recovering from it, the resources to resist the fungus may not be enough.
• Old age . Fungal infection in the elderly is a consequence of age-related changes in the body. These are stagnation of salts, weakening of ligaments and joints, and much more.

It is worth remembering that representatives of the older generation are hardened by difficulties and often do not pay attention to such a “trifle” as a fungus. Therefore, when you see alarming signs in your elderly relative, it is better to immediately take control of his treatment, and not wait until he decides to go to the doctor himself.

Signs of a fungus

Symptoms of a fungal infection are quite obvious, so they are hard to miss. Fungal infections of the toenails and hands are easily recognized by the following signs:

• Delamination .Fungus-affected nails become brittle, brittle and lose their integrity.
• Color change . The nail affected by the fungus turns from pale pink to yellowish, brownish or even grayish.
• Detachment of the nail plate . Perhaps the most unpleasant manifestation of the fungus, because even with a weak effect, the exfoliated nail can come off. It is difficult to restore the plate, not to mention the fact that being left without a nail is very painful.
• Burning and itching . It is also a clear symptom of a fungal infection of the nail plates, which usually manifests itself upon contact with water and direct sunlight, as well as exposure to the nail. With the advanced stage of the fungus, burning and itching can be constant.
• Inflammation of the skin around the nail . Often the fungus does not want to remain only on the plate and begins to “capture” the adjacent areas. Therefore, fungal infections of the skin around the nails are very common.The inflamed areas may ache, throb and swell slightly.

For signs of fungal skin infection, these include:

• Itching and burning . Here the picture is the same as with nails, because both types of fungus are caused by the same pathogenic microorganisms.
• Peeling, redness of the skin in the lesions . No matter how much you want, it is better not to comb the skin affected by the fungus, otherwise it can lead to rather deep wounds.
• Bubbles or ulcers .It is also better not to touch them again, and even more so not to open them yourself.
• Inflammation and redness . This is a standard skin reaction to various types of irritants.

It is easy to argue that there are many skin infections and the symptoms listed above may signal not a fungus, but another disease. Moreover, as we have already said, a fungal infection of nails occurs several times more often than its “skin” version. However, we also mentioned that these diseases can run in parallel – especially often, skin fungus manifests itself in inflammation around the nails and between the fingers.Therefore, at the first signs of a fungal infection of the nail plates, you should carefully examine your body for other foci. It is impossible not to treat the fungus – in addition to the above physical inconveniences and aesthetic unattractiveness, it is a good “gateway” for other, more dangerous infections.

Treatment for a fungal infection

How to cure a fungal infection? To begin with, it is worth understanding that this is a disease that you need to see a doctor with. Fungal infection is dealt with by a dermatologist or physician of narrow specialization – a mycologist.After examination and all analyzes, doctors will be able to confirm the presence of the fungus and prescribe therapy based on the “location” of the infection, its phase of development and the general condition of the patient.

Adherents of traditional medicine will say that this is superfluous – they say, the Internet is full of recipes for various baths based on propolis, soda, celandine, ammonia and so on. However, you should not count on them too much. Firstly, the effectiveness of such solutions has not been proven, and secondly, if a fungal infection on the hands or feet proceeds in parallel with another skin disease, the baths can only aggravate the situation.Therefore, it is better to give preference to pharmacology.

There are several types of agents for the treatment of fungal infections. In the pharmacy, you can find special varnishes for covering nails affected by fungus. Their composition, as a rule, includes the substance amorolfine, which destroys fungal colonies and their spores. However, it has the proper effect if pathogenic microorganisms live only in the upper layers of the nail plate – varnishes do not penetrate deep into the tissue. Therefore, it is highly likely that in a few days the fungus will be visible again, and the nails will have to be “tinted” constantly.Against a fungal infection of the skin, varnishes, of course, cannot be used. In this case, it is worth giving preference to special creams that are aimed at fighting the fungus. By the way, most antifungal creams act not only on the cause, but also relieve the symptoms of infection – inflammation, itching, burning, and so on.

According to experts, solutions are best for treating fungal infections on the nails of the hands and feet. Unlike varnishes, their components get into all layers of the plate and destroy the fungus.In addition, some solutions help to avoid relapses of the disease, of course, if you do not stop using them after the first improvements. You can also use solutions in combination with ointments. Even if the fungus is localized only on the nails, this will be a good prevention to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from spreading to the skin. In the case of a fungal infection of the skin and nails, complex treatment is absolutely necessary.

Of course, the manifestation of a fungal infection is not the most pleasant event in a person’s life.As we already said, there are still enough prejudices around the fungus, and many people are embarrassed to admit such a problem even to the closest people. Of course, this is a personal matter for everyone, but the relatives of the sick person who live with him in the same apartment are obliged to know about this. Why – no need to explain. But if we ignore emotions, the fungal infection is not so terrible and passes rather quickly – the main thing is to choose the right drug.

symptoms, signs and causes of nail fungus

People are unaware of the existence of certain diseases, but many have heard of nail fungus.We try not to go to a public pool or sauna without slippers, when trying on shoes in a store, we put on socks and worry if itching occurs in the feet area. But even with such awareness, not everyone can avoid the appearance of this ailment: according to statistics, about 35% of the population suffers from a fungal infection [1].

In the article, we will analyze the causes of the onset of the fungus and the symptoms of the disease at each stage of its development, after which we will tell you what measures can be taken if you notice the manifestations of the infection.

What nail fungus looks like

The scientific name for nail damage caused by parasitic fungi is onychomycosis. Although the fungus can also develop on the skin (dermatomycosis), the infection poses a serious threat, precisely when it gets under the nail plate, since this is a favorable environment for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms. At first, the disease is harmful only in the lesion focus, but at an advanced stage, allergic reactions, intoxication of the body and even malfunctions of internal organs can develop.Fortunately, modern medicine allows you to quickly and without complications get rid of the fungus even before serious problems begin.

Symptoms of nail fungus at first may be subtle and have a number of similarities with other diseases, so only a doctor can determine for sure what exactly the patient is sick with. But as the disease develops, the picture becomes more and more obvious. Consider what the fungus of toenails and nails looks like at various stages of the disease.

• At first, the destruction of the nail plate is insignificant.The first signs of nail fungus may be discoloration, cloudiness, and the appearance of small white dots and streaks. The nail becomes more brittle and begins to exfoliate. The skin around the plate can be red, flaky, and itchy. Having noticed such initial symptoms of nail fungus, you should immediately consult a doctor – an early start of therapy will allow you to quickly cope with the infection.
• Further, hyperkeratosis develops (thickening of the stratum corneum). The nail becomes thicker, denser, irregularities appear.
• Then the nail plate loosens, loses its strength – so much so that the top layer can be removed with a light scraper. With the further development of the disease, the nail plate gradually moves away from the cuticle, the skin around it swells and becomes inflamed.
• At an advanced stage of infection, the nail gradually collapses and sometimes completely leaves the finger. At the same moment, internal disturbances in the body can be observed, caused by the parasitism of the fungus on our body.

The fungus can be treated at any of the aforementioned stages, but the later the sick person seeks a doctor, the longer it will take for therapy (not to mention the risk of losing a nail).It is worth tightening – and instead of three months, recovery may take a year. Therefore, masking the “defect” with varnishes or covering up with clothes and hoping that everything will go away on its own is an extremely bad idea.

Reasons for the development of the disease

So, we found out how the fungus on the nails manifests itself, now let’s talk about the reasons for its occurrence. First of all, it is worth identifying risk groups, since external factors are not always the cause of the development of the disease. Fungi in one or another quantity live on our body, without interfering with us, but sometimes the situation changes dramatically, especially if the body is weakened.

In this case, even people with good health can become infected with the fungus. To do this, it is enough not to follow simple rules of hygiene and not take care of your shoes. There are also certain external conditions when the risk of catching an aggressive “alien” increases markedly, even if the person is clean.

So, for example, areas of high humidity are favorable places for the growth of fungus – baths, swimming pools and public showers . That is why it is not recommended to walk there barefoot.

Visiting beauty salon , the client runs the risk of contracting an infection – due to poorly processed instruments. And the fair sex can also face this disease due to regular nail extensions. With continuous use of acrylic and gel, the nail gradually becomes thinner and may crack. It is important to periodically switch to regular varnish, or even to give up the coating altogether, in order to give the nails “rest” and recover.

At the same time, it is possible to become infected with the fungus at home, if one of the family members has this disease.The causative agents of onychomycosis can “live” on carpets, towels, bed linen. The household method of infection is perhaps the most insidious – it is almost impossible to absolutely avoid sharing things.

People with excessive sweating of feet should dry and treat their shoes as often as possible, as a humid environment is a paradise for pathogenic fungi. The same applies to those who go in for sports – sweating increases with intense exertion.

Tips

To eliminate wet shoes as a source of illness, you can use a few tricks. For example, don’t wear the same pair for two days in a row. At work, you should use a change of footwear and take extra socks with you in case some become too wet due to the heat or other reasons.

One of the causes of nail fungus is also wearing uncomfortable tight shoes , especially for a long time.That is why onychomycosis is a fairly common ailment among military personnel.

You can also get infected through another person’s shoes , if you wear them on bare feet or too thin a toe. This also applies to trying on in stores, and guest slippers, and bowling boots.

In addition, the risk of developing the disease increases in the presence of lesions on or near the nail plate (cracks, chips, wounds).

Although one of the reasons for contracting a fungal infection is a violation of hygiene rules, it should not be assumed that all patients with this ailment are unclean.When the body is weakened, keeping feet and shoes clean will no longer help. When the first signs of toenail or fingernail fungus are found, it is important to go to the doctor right away: an early start of treatment with correctly selected drugs is the key to getting rid of the disease.

How to protect your nails from fungal diseases – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Shoes soaked in the rain, tight and warm shoes, reduced immunity – all this increases the risk of onychomycosis.

Mushrooms attack in autumn

Unpleasant cracks on the leg between the toes and yellow toenail? You may have contracted the fungus.About 10% of the world’s population suffers from this microscopic enemy, and over the past 10 years, the number of victims of onychomycosis (or nail fungus) has more than doubled.

Both men and women are equally victims of it. But the risk of getting sick increases with age. For example, after 70 years, every second person suffers from onychomycosis.

Fortunately, children are exposed to infection much less often, since babies’ nails grow much faster than adults, and the fungus, on the contrary, develops rather slowly.

Where can you get a fungus? Yes, most likely from their own loved ones.

Recent studies have found that it is in the family that the nail fungus is most often infected, even if it consists of two people. The risk group includes people who have increased sweating, weakened immunity, flat feet. Too narrow shoes can provoke the disease: in them, the skin of the foot and nails are more prone to injury. Stockings and socks made of synthetic fibers, poor ventilation in autumn and winter shoes creates a humid microclimate for the feet.Frequent hand contact with household detergents and cleaning products injures the nails on the hands, and the fungus just prefers weakened and damaged nail plates, a healthy nail is practically invulnerable to fungal infection. Here are the main causes of onychomycosis:

Cracks and scratches in the skin, trauma to the nail, constantly wet feet.

Presence of diseases: diabetes mellitus, AIDS, obesity, lowered immunity. The risk of getting sick increases if the vascular tone of the legs is disturbed, for example, with heart failure or varicose veins.

Taking antibiotics, oral contraceptives.

The disease occurs first on the skin of the feet, more often in the interdigital folds. A parasite fungus that has settled on the skin is capable of poisoning the life of anyone.

Over time, the affected area captures the nails not only on the legs, but also on the hands. Sooner or later, another person will step on the fallen skin scales and become infected.

Externally, the appearance of nail fungus may look as follows: the color and thickness of the nails changes, the nails begin to crumble or collapse.

Where the infection is found

You can pick up the fungus both in public places (the floor in the dressing rooms of gyms, in the bathhouse, swimming pools, a nail / pedicure salon, in a hotel, on the beach), and in your own home.

Shared shoes at home in a family, in the country or at a visit, walking barefoot, household items and furnishings (towels, rugs, coverings) – these are the factors that determine the transmission of fungus between members of the same family, their relatives and friends.

The most effective way to fight nail fungus is primary prevention.It is better to avoid infection than to heal for a long time. To avoid getting infected with nail fungus, follow these simple rules:

1 Never use someone else’s shoes and do not share your shoes with others, even close people.

2 Do not use the same manicure accessories on diseased and healthy nails.

3 If possible, disinfect all objects that have come into contact with the patient’s feet and hands.

4 Do not go barefoot in public places, and it is better not to do this at home.

5 When visiting the bathhouse, sauna or swimming pool, use closed rubber slippers that protect against splashes. On the beach, too, go only in slippers.

6 After the pool, take a shower.

7 Never visit saunas and swimming pools if cracks appear on your soles.

8 After visiting public places, treat the skin of the feet with boric alcohol or some antifungal ointment, cream, gel or spray.For prophylaxis, almost any antifungal agents or alcoholic solutions of antiseptics are suitable.

9 Do not wear rubber boots or uncomfortable shoes that rub your feet for a long time.

10 Do not overuse synthetic socks or tights, change them daily.

See a doctor immediately!

At the first suspicion that you have contracted a fungal infection, you should consult a mycologist or dermatologist.The doctor will not only conduct an examination, assess the thickness, structure of the nail, but also make tissue scrapings for analysis. Only in this way will he be able to determine the presence of the fungus, its type and prescribe the correct treatment.

If onychomycosis is left untreated, it can lead to nail loss. The infection damages the entire body. The fungus releases toxic substances, provoking allergic reactions and decreased immunity.

It is necessary to clearly know that in the early stages it is quite easy to get rid of the infection. If the disease is not started, local treatment can be carried out: cut off the affected areas of the nail, cover the remaining nail with an antifungal varnish, lubricate with antifungal ointments, of which there are many today.

Remember that the longer the fungus lives on your nails, the harder it is to lime. In the later stages, when several years have passed after infection (and the toenails of the big toes are affected), fungal diseases are difficult to treat.

What you need to know

• It is necessary to sound the alarm at the first signs of skin fungus. Fungal infections on the skin are easier and faster to treat than on the nails. It is enough just a week to lubricate the affected areas with one of the antifungal agents, which are in abundance in any pharmacy.
• Fungus can also affect hair, although the most common are nail fungi.
• Sometimes a change in the appearance of nails is not associated with a fungus, but is caused by the condition of internal organs: cardiovascular and pulmonary insufficiency, kidney or liver dysfunction. The nails can turn yellow after taking strong medications. Damage to the nails is also caused by lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis, and finally nail injuries. But most often, the appearance of the nails still changes from a fungal infection.

Folk recipes

Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies is rarely effective. Nevertheless, here are two recipes.

1. Apply a piece of kombucha to the affected nail and bandage your finger. This will soften the nail and make it easy for you to cut. Repeat the procedure until the nail is completely soft. Then steam your legs thoroughly and lubricate with this mixture: take one part of vinegar essence, two parts of glycerin, two parts of 96 percent alcohol.Prepare the garlic oil: grate the garlic and pour sunflower oil heated to sixty degrees (the oil should cover the garlic) – mix everything and let it brew for a couple of days in a tightly sealed container. Soak a cotton swab in this oil, apply it to a sore nail and re-bandage. Put on a plastic bag on top – this way you will not stain the bedding, since such treatment must be done before going to bed. The course of treatment is 10-15 days.

2. Wash your feet well before bed.Soak a cotton swab in 9% vinegar and place it on your nail. Wrap the finger on top with plastic and fix it with a plaster. In the morning, repeat the procedure. Wash your feet a day after this treatment. Tidy up your nails – where to trim, where to clean. Repeat the procedure several times on the sole.

How manicure can cause nail disease

Nails, like hair, are an indicator of general health. Sometimes their appearance can indicate the onset of a pathological process in the body, while there are no alarming symptoms as such.However, nail diseases can be independent processes. Toenails are especially affected. “Voice of Cherepovets” talked with Tatiana Korzinkina, a dermatovenerologist at the regional dermatovenerologic dispensary No. 2. The doctor, in particular, told how and where you can catch the fungus.

Pink and smooth. “Fungal diseases often affect the nail plates of the lower extremities, since the legs are the most favorable environment for the growth of pathogenic bacteria,” explains the doctor.- You cannot start this disease or put up with it. It is imperative to treat. Since the consequences can be the most unpleasant. For example, after a damaged nail, pathological processes in soft tissues can begin. ”
The doctor recalled that a healthy nail has:
– a flesh-pink color,
– a smooth surface without roughness,
– a homogeneous structure, without seals and thinning,
– an integral shape – does not exfoliate at the ends.

Affecting fungus. “Damage to the nail manifests itself in the form of a change in the appearance and shape of the nail, loss of natural transparency, thickening of the nail plate, the appearance of yellow spots, longitudinal grooves. Nails can crumble, flake. At the same time, they can grow in, hurt, and when the form is neglected, they can separate from the bed. ”
The main causative agents of the disease are trichophyton rubrum molds, which cause, for example, onychomycosis, and fungi of the genus Candida.
The fungus can damage not only nails, but also toes and feet.The defeat can begin with interdigital folds on the legs – the skin becomes dry, all cracks and lines of folds on the skin are clearly visible. After some time, peeling becomes more obvious, the entire foot and toenails are involved in the infection.
There are three types of lesions:
1. Normotphic – the nail plate is simply changed in color, the normal shape is preserved.
2. Hypertrophic – there is a thickening of the nail plate and a change in color: the nail becomes yellow or gray.Soreness may occur when walking.
3. Atrophic – the nail plate becomes significantly thinner, voids are formed in it, the nail can be reduced and fall off.

Nail burn. “You can get infected where it is warm and humid: in a sauna, steam bath, shower, swimming pool,” says the dermatologist. – There is a risk of infection when trying on shoes if you do this without an individual sock or footprint. If guests are offered their own shoes or wear someone else’s, then infection is possible. The disease can also be the result of an injury – hit, stumbled.Abrasions and cracks can be gateways for infection. ”
In addition, there are factors that contribute to the onset and development of the disease precisely on the legs:
_ increased sweating of the feet,
_ poor-quality shoes (narrow, stuffy and airtight, bad last, etc.),
_ the use of socks, tights, etc. synthetic materials.
– Can a manicure or pedicure cause nail damage?
– Maybe, but it does not appear immediately. Recently, a burn of the nail bed has become more and more common, since UV lamps are used to cure the gel.It does not manifest itself immediately. But on the next visit to the manicure master, it turns out that the nails began to peel off, gray cavities appeared under the nails. This, as a rule, indicates a burn of the nail bed, which is a provoking moment for the development of a fungal disease. That is, fungal spores can get into these cavities. Such manifestations cannot be ignored.

No disruption. “If the lesion is more than one third of the nail plate, then antifungal systemic therapy is prescribed, that is, the intake of antifungal drugs by mouth in combination with local agents.And if the lesion is only marginal, then it is enough to use antifungal varnishes, ointments. The course of treatment for nails on the hands lasts three months, on the legs – up to a year, ”explains Tatyana Aleksandrovna.
If the plates are thickened, they crumble, it is advisable to carry out hardware processing before treatment – to grind off the surface layer of the nail so that the medicine penetrates better.
Along with the treatment carried out, it is necessary to process shoes, clothes, towels, bed linen. It is important to pay attention to the treatment of surfaces in the house – floors, carpets, especially in the bathroom and restroom.
“Some patients are afraid to go to the doctor, thinking that they are still ripping off their nails. Yes, it was in practice, but for a very long time. Now this is not practiced. An injured nail plate is even worse than a fungal infection. Trauma is the gateway to infection. ”

Inna Anokhina, newspaper “Voice of Cherepovets”

ways of infection and methods of treatment

Full description

Fungal infections on the nails of the hands or onychomycosis are caused by specific fungi, mainly Trichophyton rubrum or red trichophyton.The danger of infection with fingernail fungus also lies in the fact that the pathogenic microorganism is not localized in only one place, the boundaries of the focus of infection are constantly expanding, and the fungus itself is able to spread throughout the body with the flow of the blood and lymphatic channels.

The fungus that causes the infection is able to penetrate into the epithelial tissue under the nail plate through microcracks and wounds on the nail, and from there spread to other areas, thus increasing the area of ​​infection on the skin.

The course of this infectious disease is also complicated by constant relapses that occur in case of unscrupulous treatment, non-observance of personal hygiene rules and prolonged neglect of developing pathologies inside the body. Doctors confirm the presence of a relapse in more than 20% of people who have suffered from a fungal infection of the nail plate of the hands.

The fungus, although it is quite resistant to environmental changes, temperature changes and various stress factors, is capable of reproduction only under suitable conditions, which include sufficient moisture and heat, a certain pH level (optimal condition is alkaline environment).The fungus also grows well in dark, closed places where there is no direct sunlight and air currents.

Transmission of fingernail fungus is most often carried out from an infected person to a healthy person, but it must be remembered that through physical contact, the fungus is transmitted only if you regularly do not follow basic principles of hygiene and if your immune system is too weakened. For this reason, dermatologists often diagnose hand nail fungus in people infected with HIV, in whom the body’s resistance is rather weak against the onslaught of pathogens of various infections.

Factors that contribute to the appearance of fungus on the nail plates of the hands are frequent stressful situations at home and at work, non-observance of the daily biorhythms of the body, which includes lack of sleep, as well as a large amount of fatty, fried, spicy and salty foods in the daily diet, neglect daily hygiene rules, frequent wearing of closed shoes, poor-quality processing of manicure tools.

Representatives of the fairer sex are fans of various cosmetic procedures for care, for example, building or gluing artificial nails.The source of onychomycosis can often be hidden under artificial nails, since they block direct air access to the nail plate and nail bed, which provides an optimal environment for the growth of the fungus. If artificial nails remain on the nail plate for a rather long period, the fungus can expand the boundaries of parasitism, moving to other nails and nearby epithelial tissues.
Frequent intake of aggressive medications, for example, antibiotics, contraceptives, diuretics and hormonal drugs, significantly reduce the body’s resistance to various infections, which can also provoke the development of fungus on the nail plates of the hands.

Reduce the body’s ability to fight off attacks of pathogenic microflora, diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, as well as violations of the hormonal background and the integrity of integumentary tissues. Especially often doctors find fingernail fungus in people suffering from diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney failure, prone to the appearance of various dermatological diseases.

Since fungal spores remain on the personal belongings of an infected person, it is highly undesirable to use shared towels, wardrobe items, washcloths, bed linen and shoes.It is important to remember that a fungal disease of toenails can also cause an infection on the nail plate of the hand, so it is important to prevent infection and consult a dermatologist in time.

The symptomatology of infection with a fungal infection is quite similar to such ailments as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, pachyonychia and Norwegian scabies, so it is better to entrust the diagnosis of the disease to an experienced doctor, completely excluding self-medication.

Symptoms of hand nail fungus infection do not appear immediately, as the disease has a certain incubation period lasting from 14 days to several months.To prevent the further development of the fungus even in the initial stages, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist for preventive purposes at least once every six months.
The characteristic signs of a parasitic fungus on the nail plate of the hands are changes in the color of the nail from pale pink to white or yellow in the case of localization of the fungus on the surface of the epidermis, the green color of the nail plate indicates infection with mold fungi, and purple, dark brown and black reveals the activity of yeast-like fungi Candida.

Under the nails, when infected with a fungus, keratinized cells accumulate, forming hard coarse masses, which is externally manifested by a thickening of the structure of the nail and an increase in the nail bed.

The nail can bend inward, forming a small fossa, and can also bend outward, thickening, which occurs in response to the development of inflammatory reactions on nearby tissues. Thickening of the nail is called hyperkeratosis and is a hallmark of an infectious disease.

The nail plate usually continues to grow, but already with subsequent delamination, which looks like a nail, consisting of several layers. With an advanced form of the disease, the nail plates can also be separated from the nail bed, but no more than half. The skin under the nails is usually porous and loose, divided by transverse and longitudinal grooves. The edges of the nail are jagged and the epithelial tissue around the nail bed itches and flakes.

Treatment of the nail plate fungus of the hands consists of general and local therapy.In this case, it is not worthwhile to apply both general and local treatment at the same time, since the method of treatment depends on the severity and stage of development of the disease. Mild to moderate infectious fungal diseases are successfully treated with topical preparations such as creams, varnishes, lotions, sprays and gels. Tablets, antibiotics and laser therapy are used for moderate to severe disease, when local drugs do not give the desired effect. With especially advanced forms of an infectious disease, the nail can be removed surgically.

Creams, lotions, varnishes, gels and sprays are basic products for combating nail plate fungus. They are quite mild for our body, rarely cause allergic reactions, they are not characterized by the presence of contraindications.

The most common varnishes for the effective elimination of nail fungus are Loceril, Cycloperox, Batrafen and Demicten. Dermatologists often prescribe topical nail polish therapy to patients because they are able to remain on the nail plate for a fairly long period, which provides maximum effectiveness of the funds, and are also able to penetrate the nail into the nail bed and nearby tissues, reducing the spread of fungal infection.It is recommended to use it no more than once every 6-7 days.

Also, experts advise people suffering from fungus of the nail plate of the hands to pay attention to the therapeutic creams Lotseril, Nizoral and Microspor. You need to use creams 2-3 times a day directly on the affected area of ​​the nail and epidermis.

Medicines and drugs against fungal infections are usually developed on the basis of itraconazole, terbinafine, naftifine, ketaconazole and fluconazole.