Foot and Nail Fungus: Symptoms and Treatment!

When fungi find you, they will become your closest friends! However, there is no reason to panic, as fungi on feet and nails can be treated if we have patience and persistence! Many of us do not understand the initial symptoms and ignore them. But what are they and how we face them?

Foot fungi: Symptoms

• Bad smell. One of the first signs that something is wrong with your feet is the bad smell that makes her presence felt.
• Skin exfoliation. You will notice intense peeling on the skin mainly between the fingers and below them. In addition, you may notice the characteristic bubbles on your sole and the feet.
• Itching and burning sensation. One of the most common symptoms is the discomfort that we feel on our feet, such as intense itching, redness and burning sensation on soles and between the fingers.
• Wounds and stretch marks. If the fungal infection is not treated immediately, it is possible that wounds and stretch marks are likely to appear and be quite painful.

Nail Fungi: Symptoms

• Nail cracking. As the fungi destroy the nails, their edges begin to break, while peeling can be observed in them.
• Colour change. Very often the color of nails changes. Usually, they become more yellow, brown or even black, and appear more aged and distressed.
• Nail hardening. Mycosis in the nails results in their hardening and if not treated immediately deformation may occur.
• Bad smell. The growth and multiplication of fungi results in intense odor.
• Swelling. Very often fungal infection may cause swelling due to the development of inflammation. This can make it difficult to walk or cause pain.
• Nail loss. It can happen! If the fungus progresses, it is likely that the nail will fall due to the disintegration caused.

Foot and nail fungi: Treatment

Fungi on feet and nails are usually treated with a local antifungal that a specialist suggests. If the fungal infection is well advanced, it may require oral treatment.

It is very important that we keep our feet dry and allow them “breathe”. Fungi multiply very quickly in warm, humid environments. So avoid walking barefoot on wet floors or swimming pools, while taking care to dry your feet well, especially between the fingers.

It is ideal to use daily foot powder to absorb the slightest humidity. Also, make sure your foot is “breathing” by choosing the right sports shoes and cotton socks, thus reducing the chances of sweating.

Foot fungi: Natural treatment

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is widely used as a natural treatment for fungal infections. It is one of the most powerful antifungals of nature and you will find it in various forms. There are creams, sprays, and oils that you can try. Using it twice a day can reduce itching, swelling and burning, but it does not work the same in everyone (1).

Tea tree essential oil is quite strong and usually has to be dissolved in some base before use. However, if the expert watching you thinks it’s safe, it can be placed locally with a cotton swab on the nail or where the problem occurs twice a day. In addition, a very good solution is to dissolve some drops in lukewarm water and have a foot bath for several  minutes a day.

Grapefruit extract

In the same way as with tea tree oil, grapefruit extract can also be used alternately and placed locally with a cotton swab in the affected area twice a day. You will soon see the symptoms decrease. This property is due to its enhanced action against fungi.

The procedure to get rid of fungi can be time consuming and depending on the severity it may last from three to six months. Continue the treatment that your specialist will give you, even if you see the symptoms reduce. Keep your feet dry and clean and see the fungi farewell to you!

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Sources

1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/qa/how-can-i-use-tea-tree-oil-to-treat-athletes-foot-at-home