Mycosis: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

Baths in hot water, with salt, theapple vinegar and a few drops of oil. Or in lemon juice. natural remedies There is no shortage of treatments against mycoses and they should be used before moving on to drugs. Mycoses, which develop when pathogenic fungi overcome the human body's resistance, can be found in various locations: skin, hair, epidermis, and even some internal organs, such as the lungs. But the preferred location for mycoses is the nails So much so that in medicine it is called "nail fungus or mycosis." And in particular, toenails, where the humidity between shoes and socks creates conditions that are very favorable to the spread of pathogenic fungi. Other very common mycoses are those of the skin, hair and fur (togne and athlete's foot).

Index of topics

Cause

Le causes The main causes of mycosis are numerous, often environmental and sometimes due to external factors such as stress, a weakened immune system, and drug abuse. Furthermore, poor hygiene, humidity, and high temperatures can promote the proliferation of fungi and thus contagion. In fact, the places where they are most likely to be contracted are gyms, swimming pools, and beaches. Diabetics are particularly at risk of mycosis, but clothing can also be a cause, particularly tight or poorly breathable clothing.

Types of mycosis

The most important classification of the various types of mycosis is the one that distinguishes this pathology based on its location. Therefore, mycosis can be:

Superficial. On the nails, hair, skin, mouth, throat: the infection, in any case, is limited to the surface.
SubcutaneousIt affects deeper layers of the skin, tissues, and muscles. It's a rather rare form of mycosis and difficult to diagnose.
DeepHere, the target of the infection is an internal organ: the lungs, heart, or brain. These mycoses are also rare, but they affect people with a weakened immune system or those hospitalized for serious illnesses. For these mycoses, only medically prescribed treatments exist; natural remedies are not available.

Subjects at risk

Those most at risk for fungal infections fall into various categories. First and foremost, there are the very young, who frequent swimming pools and other places where this type of infection is more likely to occur, often with little precaution. Or the elderly, who don't follow proper prevention measures. Especially at risk are: diabetics and people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Finally, people who use certain medications: cortisone, immunosuppressants, antibiotics.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mycosis are clear and help to intervene.

The nails they become thicker and begin to crumble, causing pain, itching and discomfort.
The nail it deforms.
The fabrics near the nail they become inflamed.
The foil of the nails becomes dull.
Skin mycoses They cause irritation, redness, itching, flaking, blisters and swelling.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of fungal infections must be made by a dermatologist. It's important to consult a specialist as soon as abnormal spots appear, who will then make a diagnosis based on observation of the infected areas, such as nails, hair, skin, and body hair, as well as evaluating the symptoms that have appeared. For more in-depth diagnoses, fragments of the affected areas are examined under a microscope to identify the presence of fungal cells. In more severe cases of fungal infections, a histological examination of skin samples taken from the patient may also be performed, again upon the dermatologist's recommendation.

Remedies

Mycosis is a skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungi that usually thrive in moisture. Redness, burning, itching, small red pustules, and blisters are symptoms of this disease, which can affect any part of the skin but is typically concentrated on the feet and ankles. handsHow can you fight fungal infections with natural remedies? And how can you avoid them, especially if you're prone to this condition? Let's look at them in order, starting with prevention and moving on to treatment.

Prevention

Change your linen oftenThe first step to prevent fungal infections, which, as we've said, are caused by humidity, is to change your underwear frequently, especially your socks. Keep this in mind: in hot weather and with your foot overly covered, it's easy for socks to become damp, which encourages the growth of infectious fungi.
Wash your hands often and not onlyWithout obsession, hands should always be kept clean and washed frequently with water and just a touch of soap (preferably natural). The same goes for intimate areas, which are most exposed to moisture: in some cases, simple antimicrobial and antifungal cleansers can be helpful.
Use your own towelsIt's not advisable to share towels; it increases the risk of contagion. It's best, even at home, for everyone to have and use only their own towels.
When the irritation is strongIf the irritation is severe, it's best to consult a dermatologist to avoid further problems. Your doctor will likely recommend a microscopic analysis of a skin sample to determine an effective treatment.
Always keep your feet clean and dry. For example, after swimming, dry them with a hair dryer. And if your socks are damp from the rain, change them.
Nails should also be kept dry, clean and not too long.
Socks should always be breathable and should be changed once a day. And as for shoes, it's a good idea to alternate closed-toe and open-toe shoes whenever possible.
Don't cut the skin under your nails, as this can allow germs to enter.
If you go to swimming pools, saunas, or spas, always wear slippers and never walk barefoot.

What happens if you don't treat your fungus?

If left untreated, the first thing that happens is for the fungus to spread. The fungus spreads from the initial point and tends to cover the entire nail, if not other nails as well. This increases discomfort and pain, and makes treatment more complicated. However, with proper treatment, the fungus should last two to five weeks. No longer.

Are fungal infections contagious?

Nail fungus and ringworm they are contagiousAnd for this reason, it's necessary to somehow isolate the infected person, in terms of personal hygiene. They shouldn't share towels, sheets, pillowcases, combs, or brushes with anyone. Not even personal underwearOther items that should not be shared include nail clippers and scissors.

How to treat fungal infections naturally

Natural remedies for mycosis include the use of hot water and certain substances, which, without any side effects, can be very effective.

Bath in hot waterIt works very well as a natural remedy, especially if you add a handful of salt and a few drops of tea tree oil, a true antimicrobial, to the tub.
Lemon juice bathSoak your hands and feet in it or rub it directly onto the nail. Alternatively, pour 7 drops into the container of the enamel, along with a finely chopped clove of garlic and three drops of colorless iodine tincture. Let it sit for a week. Then apply for at least two. The results will be visible quickly.
Apple cider vinegar and salt bathCleaning the affected area can help, as can applying an oily lotion made by mixing olive oil with a few drops of thyme and oregano essential oils, which have antibacterial properties.
Baking soda with waterMix baking soda with water. Using a cotton ball, scrub the surface of your nails thoroughly, and if possible, the inside as well. Let it sit and rinse.
Prepare a garlic infusionBoil 5 cloves in water. Let it cool and soak your feet or hands for 15 minutes, repeating the process for 4 weeks. Similarly, boil 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of thyme for 5 minutes. Let it cool and apply the mixture with a cotton ball.
Use spices in cookingCloves have well-known pain-relieving and antifungal properties. For nails, you can use the pure essential oil, massaging it in gently. For skin that's more delicate, dilute the essential oil in olive oil and apply it topically to the affected areas several times a week. You'll notice improvements immediately.

Mycosis: causes, remedies, and prevention