Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that attacks the nails, mainly those of the feet. According to recent estimates, 30% of the population is affected at least once in their lifetime by mycosis, making them more in men than women.

What are the causes of onychomycosis?

The cause of onychomycosis is the presence of a fungus that develops and multiplies on the nails, attacking them and altering the natural state in depth. The fungi that cause the infection of the called dermofiti, that is of the fungi that live on the skin and in normal conditions do not cause any problem. However, when the body enters a particular state, such as a decline in the immune system, the mushrooms begin to multiply uncontrollably, giving rise to infections.

The preferred conditions for dermatophyte fungi to live and multiply are moist warm places, which is why the infection mainly affects the toenails. In fact, the shoes create a damp environment and tend to heat, particularly when wearing non-breathable shoes and socks made of synthetic materials, which lead the foot to sweat considerably. The main fungi that cause onychomycosis belong to the genera Candida, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Aspergillus.

Onychomycosis: how it manifests itself

Identifying onychomycosis is very easy. The main symptom of the pathology is the chromatic alteration of the nail. At its extremity it appears of a color that goes from white to yellow, sometimes with brown, green or black spots. If the fungus has penetrated deeply, a thickening of the nail bed will occur or the crumbling of the nail bed. Change is not just chromatic. In fact, the nail will be more fragile, friable, deformed and painful. In severe cases, the infection can also cause onycholysis, that is the detachment of the nail.

Aloe vera and onychomycosis

Onychomycosis can attack the nails in different ways. The pathology is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Those suffering from severe onychomycosis should seek advice from the doctor who will indicate the most appropriate treatment, usually antifungal enamel or topical medications.

If you suffer from mild or moderate mycosis, you can treat the problem with aloe vera. Aloe is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial. It helps to fight infections caused by fungus and bacteria in a completely natural way and without side effects.

The best method to combat onychomycosis with aloe is to make daily compresses. It is very easy to take care of your nails with this natural remedy.

Before making the compress, wash the feet with disinfectant, then dip a sterile gauze in the aloe vera gel and apply it on the nail for a few minutes, letting the product act. The pack must be carried out every day. Opt for pure gel, so that the effect is amplified, 10 ml of aloe per day is sufficient.

When you cannot wear socks and shoes, let the foot breathe and always dry the skin well after washing it.