Treating nail fungus: symptoms, remedies and tips ✓

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Nail fungus - an unpleasant subject that many of us would rather avoid. But just like an unwelcome visitor who just won't leave, ignoring it is rarely the best strategy. Nail fungus , medically known as onychomycosis , is stubborn but not invincible.

With the right knowledge and a suitable remedy, you can get rid of the unwanted nail fungus and restore your nails to their healthy state.

In this guide we will show you how to recognize nail fungus, how to treat nail fungus and how long the treatment of nail fungus takes.

Nail fungus - how do you recognize it?

What exactly is nail fungus?

Nail fungus is an infection caused by various types of fungi. These literally nest in your nails. Fungi love warm, moist environments - just like in your shoes, for example.

Nail fungus can affect both fingernails and toenails , although toenails are much more commonly affected. A nail fungus infection often starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail and can then spread further and further.

Fungal infection leads to discoloration or thickening of the nail. In more serious cases, the nail may even fall off.

Which pathogens are responsible for nail fungus?

There are 3 main groups of pathogens related to nail fungus:

Filamentous fungi: The dermatophyte usually occurs on a free part of the nail and in connection with the first nail changes.
Yeast fungus: This form of nail fungus rarely occurs on toenails. However, it is more common in nail fungus on fingernails.
Mold: This form of fungal infection on nails is also more common on fingernails.

What is nail fungus

Recognizing nail fungus: Typical symptoms

Nail fungus can manifest itself in different ways. It is important to recognize the symptoms early in order to start nail fungus treatment as soon as possible.

Here are some typical signs that may indicate a nail fungus infection :

Discoloration: Your nail may turn yellowish, greenish or white. Nail discoloration is often the first visible sign of nail fungus.
Thickening: The nail may become thicker and change shape. It may also become irregular or wavy.
Brittleness: Brittle fingernails or brittle toenails can also be a sign of nail fungus. If the nail fungus is not treated, the nail can also detach from the edges as the infection progresses.
Pain: Although nail fungus is often painless, in some cases it can cause pain or discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes.
Unpleasant odor: In some cases, an infected nail may give off an unpleasant odor.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you may have nail fungus.

It is important that you do not delay and start treatment or see a doctor as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading further.

How do you get nail fungus?

Nail fungus is a common condition and there are many ways you can become infected . The fungi that cause nail fungus are found everywhere in our environment - in the soil , on our skin and in the air .

They thrive particularly well in warm, humid environments such as:

swimming pools,
Shower,
Fitness studios
and especially in the bathroom at home.

If you walk barefoot in such areas, the risk of infection increases many times over.

Other possible sources where nail fungus can form are:

shoes that are too tight
sporting activities due to excessive stress on shoe abrasion caused by fast movements
diabetes
genetic factors
Injuries to the nail
Rental shoes
Tail feet

Expert note: It is important to know these risk factors and possible sources of nail fungus causes in order to take measures to prevent or treat it.

Fight nail fungus

Nail fungus can be stubborn, but with the right treatment and a little patience, you can fight it successfully. There is no secret tip for treating nail fungus, as it depends on the severity of the infection.

There are various remedies and methods against nail fungus:

of treatments that are applied directly to the nail,
to oral medications,
and even surgical procedures.

Which treatment method is best for you depends not only on the severity of the infection but also on your general health.

Where does nail fungus come from

Treating nail fungus with nail fungus varnish

Nail fungus varnish is a common method of treating nail fungus. It is applied directly to the infected nail and contains active ingredients that kill the fungus. Nail fungus varnish can be an effective method of fighting nail fungus, especially in the early stages of the infection.

There are also various tinctures and sprays for nail fungus that work in a similar way to nail fungus polish. They contain antifungal agents that kill the fungus and promote the growth of new, healthy nails .

Nail fungus treatment with ointments and creams

Ointments are another option for treating nail fungus. They contain antifungal agents that are applied directly to the infected nail. There are also special urea ointments that help soften the thickened nail so that the antifungal agents can penetrate more easily.

Nail Care Pen for the treatment of nail fungus

Another companion on the way to healthier nails can be the Nail Care Pen from Health Routine . This practical tool contains 100% natural ingredients , including

Tea tree oil, which contributes to the antibacterial effect
and aloe vera, which contributes to the elasticity of the nail bed.

Overall , the Nail Care Pen offers cosmetic care to accompany therapy for nail fungus and offers cosmetic support in reducing nail discoloration .

A big advantage is that it is quick and easy to use ! Dosing is easier and more precise than with a varnish or ointment. It can also be easily carried in your bag. This way you can carry out your treatment anytime, anywhere.

Tablets against nail fungus

In more severe cases , it may be necessary to also use oral medications to treat nail fungus. These medications work systemically to fight the fungus from the inside out.

They are usually very effective , but can also have side effects . Oral medications for nail fungus should therefore only be used under medical supervision .

Laser treatment for nail fungus removal

Laser treatments are a newer method of treating nail fungus. They use light energy to kill the fungus without damaging the surrounding nail or skin. This method is primarily used when other treatments have not been successful.

Nail fungus treatment through surgery

In extreme cases , when the nail fungus is very advanced or other treatments are ineffective, it may be necessary to surgically remove the infected nail .

This allows the underlying fungus to be treated directly and makes room for a new, healthy nail to grow. However, surgery is one of the last options considered to treat nail fungus.

You can find even more tips and information about nail fungus in our e-book - download now:

Is nail fungus dangerous?

Nail fungus is usually not life-threatening , but it can still cause considerable inconvenience and discomfort . In addition to the cosmetic problems caused by discolored and thickened nails, nail fungus can also cause pain and discomfort.

This can be very unpleasant, especially if the fungus affects the toenails and interferes with walking or wearing shoes.

In some cases, nail fungus can also cause difficulty gripping when the fingernails are affected. In addition, an untreated nail fungus infection can cause the nail to become deformed or fall off completely.

For people with a healthy immune system, nail fungus is usually more of a nuisance than a dangerous disease .

However, in people with weakened immune systems , such as the elderly or people with certain chronic diseases such as diabetes or HIV, nail fungus can be more serious .

It is therefore important to take nail fungus seriously and treat it early . This way you can avoid possible complications and also prevent yourself from infecting other people.

What happens if you don’t treat nail fungus?

“Does nail fungus go away on its own?” is certainly one of the most frequently asked questions. However, if nail fungus is not treated , it can spread further and infect other nails.

It can also cause permanent damage to your nails, causing them to permanently change their shape and growth. In severe cases, the surrounding tissue can also become infected with the fungus .

It is a common misconception that nail fungus goes away on its own. In fact, nail fungus requires targeted treatment to be completely cured.

How long does it take for nail fungus to go away?

The duration of nail fungus treatment can vary greatly and depends on various factors , such as

the severity of the infection
and the chosen treatment method.

However, it usually takes several weeks to months until the nail fungus is completely cured.

It is important to be patient and to continue treatment consistently , even if the symptoms have already subsided . This way you can ensure that the fungus is completely eliminated and does not return.

Preventing nail fungus: 5 tips

Nail fungus can be uncomfortable and affect the health of your nails, so it makes sense to take steps to prevent it in the first place.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can follow to minimize your risk of developing a fungal nail infection.

Avoid nail fungus: tips

Here are five tips to prevent nail fungus:

Keep feet dry: Fungi love moist environments, so it's important to keep your feet as dry as possible. Dry your feet thoroughly after showering or bathing, especially between the toes.

Also avoid wearing heavy, non-breathable shoes that make your feet sweat.
Wash and change socks: Always wear clean socks and change them regularly, especially if you have been sweating. It is also a good idea to wear socks made of natural materials such as cotton or wool.

These can absorb moisture better than synthetic materials.
Wear flip-flops: Communal showers and swimming pools are real hotspots for fungal infections. Protect your feet by wearing flip-flops or slippers when using these areas.
Walk barefoot a lot: Walking barefoot allows your feet to breathe and reduces the moisture that fungus needs to grow. When it is safe and appropriate, leave your shoes off and enjoy the feeling of freedom on your feet.
Change your shoes: If possible, change your shoes daily to give them a chance to dry completely before wearing them again. This can be especially helpful if you tend to have feet that sweat quickly.

Conclusion

Healthy and beautiful nails are aesthetically pleasing and leave a good impression. Unfortunately, nail fungus can ruin our plans.

However, if you suffer from athlete's foot or nail fungus in general, this problem is not unsolvable. The key to healthy nails lies in persistence and the willingness to take care of your own health.

The Nail Care Pen from Health Routine can be your practical companion on this journey. With its convenient format, easy application and natural ingredients, it is a powerful tool in your daily nail care arsenal.

So, take your health into your own hands and get to know the Nail Care Pen with the aim of making your nails healthy and strong.

FAQ

Can you treat foot and nail fungus at the same time?

Yes, it is possible and even recommended to treat foot and nail fungus simultaneously. This helps prevent cross-contamination and thus re-infection - be it from the feet to the hands or vice versa.

Nail fungus won’t go away: what to do?

If your nail fungus does not go away despite treatment, you should see a doctor. You may need stronger treatment, such as tablets or another medication.

In severe cases, it may also be helpful to have the affected nail surgically removed.

Is nail fungus actually contagious?

Yes, nail fungus is contagious. It can be spread from person to person, especially in moist environments such as communal showers or swimming pools.

The fungus can also spread from an infected nail to other nails, so you should start treatment early.

Which doctor treats nail fungus?

The treatment of nail fungus usually falls under the responsibility of a dermatologist, i.e. a skin doctor. A dermatologist specializes in diseases of the

Skin,
Hair
and nails and can determine the appropriate treatment for your nail fungus.

In some cases, a podiatrist, a foot health specialist, may also be helpful in treating nail fungus. If you are unsure who should treat your nail fungus, your GP can refer you to an appropriate specialist.

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