How to restore nails after fungus on the feet and hands, at home?

Onychomycosis negatively affects the growth and structure of nails, provoking their destruction in general. Therefore, it is not enough to cure the infection - it is important to eliminate its consequences. It is not easy to restore a nail after a fungus, for this there are various auxiliary methods and means, which we will talk about in this article.

How do nails grow after a fungus?

Responsible for the resumption of cell division and the growth of the plates is the "matrix" - a part of the epithelial tissue that ensures the regrowth of the nail. If it is damaged, then even after competently organized therapeutic care, the plates on the arms and legs will never regain their former beauty, even appearance and smoothness.

Such manipulations take an enormous amount of time - it will take at least three months for a healthy nail to grow back after a cured fungal infection.

General recommendations for quick nail recovery

For the restoration of the nail plate, there is a whole range of measures that help to grow it in a normal state. The main task in this case is to comply with hygienic rules, which will allow not to violate the results from the previous therapy of onychomycosis.

What will be the restoration of the nail directly depends on the patient. Self-medication can aggravate the problem or cause a negative skin reaction. Therefore, it is important to consult with a specialist in advance and approach the solution of the problem comprehensively: combining cosmetic and traditional methods, nutrition to strengthen the immune system and antifungal therapy.

COSMETICAL TOOLS. Experts believe that it is possible to quickly grow a shiny and even nail, provided that its matrix is ​​preserved. On sale there are such restoration preparations as “Smart Enamel” and “Clinic Nail” varnish, special treatment strips, paraffin applications and all kinds of ointments.

All of them are enriched with vitamins, in particular E and A, which have a positive effect on nail growth and plate regeneration. In addition, many of them are used for the prevention of mycosis.

ETHNOSCIENCE. Unofficial sources claim that it is not at all necessary to spend a lot of effort and money in order to restore the shape of the nail - you can heal and grow it at home without the use of special medicines. However, doctors strongly disagree with this.

To combat nail fungus and improve the growth of the plate in traditional medicine, it is recommended to use oils, herbs and other natural ingredients. If a person is not allergic to substances included in the recipe list, the method will not do harm, but, on the contrary, will help strengthen and improve the condition of the nail. But self-medication does not need to be carried away, if only because there is a risk of re-infection.

So, what do folk healers offer us?

BATHROOMS. The sea salt and herbs added to them have a positive effect on the health of the nails. For 250 ml of hot, but not scalding water (its amount can be increased at your own discretion), you need to take 1 tsp. l. salt and 2 drops of tea tree oil. The feet are immersed in the bath for 20 minutes. The procedure is recommended to be performed shortly before bedtime. It has antibacterial, antifungal, regenerating and soothing effects.

MASKS. Special formulations are widely practiced in folk medicine, which are applied directly to the nail roller and help to quickly restore it. You can prepare such a mask from warm mashed potatoes, gelatinous mass, a mixture of olive and citrus oils, that is, any components enriched with vitamins and amino acids, thanks to which it grows better nail.

For example, a gelatin mask is popular. It contains natural collagen and keratin, which are endowed with healing and restorative effects in relation to damaged tissues. Gelatin is diluted with clean water according to the instructions - the mixture will need very little, applied in an even layer on the nail plates. Apply a plastic wrap on top. After 20 minutes, the mask is washed off.

NUTRITION. A balanced diet, which includes the following products, will help to restore beauty and health to your nails:

• citruses, tomatoes, currants and rose hips are sources of vitamin C;
• eggs, liver and carrots - suppliers of carotene;
• olive oil and herbs - powerful antioxidants;
• milk and dairy products - calcium-containing dishes.

Restoration of the nail after removing the plate

Unfortunately, sometimes the nail plate has to be removed completely, which is associated with an advanced form of the fungus, for example, candidiasis. In this case, many patients ask the question - is it possible to grow a nail and what needs to be done for its successful restoration?

I would like to note right away that this cannot be done in a short time. In the best case, the plates on the fingers grow back in 3 months, the plates on the legs - in six months. The duration of the regeneration process depends on the reasons listed in the following table.

Factors affecting nail restoration	Description
GENDER AND AGE	Any regenerative processes are better in the body of young people - up to 20 years old, as well as in pregnant and lactating women. In other patients, the growth of the nail plate does not exceed 4 mm per month.
SEASON	In spring and summer, nail restoration is most noticeable. In autumn and winter, it is important to take care of the limbs in terms of protection from low temperatures, which negatively affect plate growth and tissue regeneration in general.
STATE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM	The stronger the body's defenses, the faster any regenerative processes take place in it. Frequent respiratory and infectious-inflammatory diseases inhibit nail growth.
LOCALIZATION OF INFECTION	On the fingers, the plates grow twice as fast as compared to the lower limbs.
PLATE REMOVAL METHOD	If the nail is removed surgically, the recovery will take longer compared to laser or chemical methods. To enhance the process of tissue repair, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and avoid unnecessary stress on the injured limbs.

How can I speed up the recovery process?

In order to consolidate the obtained effect of the treatment, to avoid the recurrence of the pathology and restore the nail in full, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations listed below:

• Cover the plate with medicinal varnish. To do this, you need to purchase appropriate drugs at the pharmacy that purposefully nourish, protect and regenerate tissues.
• Do wraps and compresses. Essential oils of lavender, tea tree, grapes are enriched with vitamins and microelements that are necessary for nails during growth.

• Work around the house with gloves. Household chemicals and chlorinated water aggressively affect the growing nail plate. To minimize their harm, hands must be protected in advance.
• Eat properly. A diet enriched with essential micronutrients is one of the best sources of regeneration.

What if the nail is not growing?

Sometimes it happens. In this situation, the doctor may prescribe an additional examination aimed at identifying serious disorders and fungal infections. If the tests for onychomycosis are negative and there are no abnormalities, most likely we are talking about a weak immune defense or vitamin deficiency.

In this case, in order to solve the problem with the restoration of the plates, you need to drink a course of minerals and multivitamins, establish nutrition, and “feed” your nails with special varnishes and baths. All this was discussed above. If necessary, additional recommendations will be given by the attending physician.

What if the nail does not grow properly?

Correction methods are practiced not only for the problem of an ingrown nail, but also for plate deformation and improper growth. With their help, the appearance of the nail is normalized.

How is the correction carried out? Let's list the main techniques:

• Fraser staples, ZTO. They are small diameter metal elastic rods that create mechanical tension and affect the shape of the plate. They are made strictly according to the template of the nail and fixed on it, due to which the excess pressure on the surrounding tissues is relieved and the nail "gets used" to the correct direction of growth.
• Plates Oniklip, BS, Goldspung. They have a positive effect on the shape of the nail by creating the right tension. Aesthetic effect is achieved - the plate grows in the right direction.

• "Podofix". The method is based on the two previous ones, combining the advantages of braces and plates for correcting the shape and growth of the nail. The result from the use of "Podofix" is quite fast. A polymer gel is used to fix the device, which makes it invisible on the feet.

Regardless of which restoration method is chosen, it is important to be patient, especially if the nail affected by the fungus has been completely destroyed. We must not forget that there are no universal remedies and much depends on health, in particular, the state of the immune system. An integrated approach to solving the problem will help to grow strong and beautiful nails.