Have you ever had ringworm or do you know someone who has had it? These diseases, caused by fungi, are quite common. They usually do not cause pain, but require treatment, as they are contagious and can be aggravated, especially if combined with other health problems.
However, it is common to hear reports from patients who no longer know how to treat ringworm of the nail. Sometimes, they have been fighting the problem for 5, 10, 15 years, they even had treatment, but there was no result.
In these cases, a recurrent habit is to look for “solutions” on the internet or with family and friends who have already been through this. In general, there are many homemade suggestions as an “alternative” to proven medical treatments, which are often costly, in addition to requiring time and discipline.
But does ringworm home remedy really work? Let's understand a little more about this.
-> Also read: "Do you feel pain in your feet when you wake up?"
What is ringworm of the nail?
Ringworm is the nomenclature that receive various infections caused by fungi. These fungi, which we can't normally see without the aid of a microscope, feed on the keratin of our nails, skin or hair, and reproduce in favorable environments (usually with high temperature and humidity, and lack of light).
When these mycoses reach our nails and nearby tissues, they are called “onychomycosis”. Onychomycosis can affect both fingernails and toenails, especially in those who:
- It is over 40 years old, as the nails grow more slowly after that age;
- You play sports that injure your toenails;
- Have a weakened immune system, poor blood circulation or diabetes;
- Take antibiotics regularly or for a long time;
- Has frequent contact with soap and water.
And, according to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, the main signs of ringworm toenails are:
- Color variation (whitish, yellowish or darkened);
- Detachment or thickening;
- Deformity or destruction;
- Pain of variable intensity;
- Unpleasant odor.
Home Treatments for Nail Ringworm: Myths and Truths
Find out below some suggestions for home remedies for nail fungus that you will find on the internet and understand the dangers of replacing professional medical treatment:
- Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and, therefore, many suggest the topical application of pure food or in the form of an “ointment” or paste. However, direct skin contact with raw garlic can cause chemical burns and, in more sensitive people, allergic reactions such as dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis due to garlic has been reported by cooks and other food handlers. The amount of garlic, exposure time and skin sensitivity are the factors that define the intensity of the reaction.
- Lemon: also with a certain bactericidal and antifungal action, some suggest that the infected region should be soaked in lemon juice. However, there is no scientific basis to prove the juice's effectiveness.
On the contrary, it can damage the skin due to the acidity of the fruit. The skin in contact with lemon, if exposed to the sun or high temperatures, can suffer burns or stains.
- Apple cider vinegar: it is said that apple cider vinegar combats nail fungus by neutralizing the pH of the skin. However, what is known is that the acidic pH of vinegar kills the fungus in vitro, in the laboratory, but the same acidity is not usually achieved in people's nails. So maybe you just spend time and vinegar and still have ringworm in your nails.
- Tea tree oil: the idea is to add a few drops of this oil, which has antiseptic action, to an oil or body moisturizing cream and apply to the ringworm nail. However, it can cause serious side effects such as skin dehydration, itching, burning and redness.
In general, people tend to believe that because it is a natural product, there is no risk whatsoever. But home treatment, while natural, can cause irritation, allergies, and other worse side effects.
Not to mention that, even if it does not cause any adverse reaction, it may not have any results either, since there is no scientific proof of these “home remedies”.
In fact, the internet and the opinion of acquaintances will never be able to surpass laboratory tests and the diagnosis of a health professional.
Under proper guidance, the treatment of ringworm of the nail can take a few months, sometimes up to a year, but it will be an ultimate solution to the problem.
So now, let's understand how to treat nail ringworm properly. The first step in curing nail ringworm is to make the correct diagnosis.
How to Diagnose Nail Ringworm
The appearance and symptoms reported by the patient help to make an initial clinical diagnosis, but they are not sufficient to define the type of nail fungus and, even less, the appropriate treatment for the problem.
It is essential to perform a laboratory test to confirm nail mycosis, as there are some diseases such as psoriasis, tumors, thyroid disorders, hormonal and vitamin deficiencies in the elderly that may present signs similar to nail mycosis.
The absence of a precise diagnosis, carried out by a specialist, is one of the causes of treatment failure or disease recurrence.
This is because, in order to know how to treat nail mycosis, it is necessary to perform a mycological and culture examination, through the collection of nail samples. And the exam can only be performed by a professional.
How To Cure Nail Ringworm
From the diagnosis made – the sooner the better – the infecting fungus is identified, as well as the stage of onychomycosis.
And the treatment, which should ONLY be prescribed by specialists such as podiatrists and physicians, will depend on the patient's condition.
In general, to cure ringworm of the nail for good, it is not enough to just take medicine!
It is necessary to change some inappropriate habits and develop a healthy care routine such as cleaning shoes, avoiding the use of nail polish, removing the affected nail, sterilizing nail clippers, pliers and sandpaper in an autoclave.
The podiatrist can give the necessary guidance for your case, make the correct cut of the nail, removing the dead cells that may have accumulated – which are the food of the fungus that is causing the ringworm.
In addition, if you find it necessary, you can make a treatment plan involving Ozone Therapy or Laser Therapy.
The treatment time varies according to the condition and body of each person, but usually takes from 6 months to 1 year.
And, even if the nail seems cured, the treatment should be continued for as long as the specialist recommends. Sometimes the signs and symptoms disappear before the ringworm is fully resolved.
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