Onychomycosis: Nail Fungus
Popularly known as nail fungus, onychomycosis generally affects adults and is rare in childhood. It is an infection that affects the nail plates and surrounding tissues. Caused by yeast, non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi and dermatophyte fungi. – a type of filamentous fungus that uses keratin as a nutritional source. This type of fungus can also cause mycoses in other areas of the skin tissue.
The changes caused by onychomycosis can cause embarrassment, impacting the social life, work and psychosocial relationships of many people who suffer from it, as they feel ashamed of the aesthetic appearance of their nails. The impact of onychomycosis on quality of life, by systematically reviewing the current available literature to evaluate randomized clinical trials, reveals a psychological and psychosocial impact in up to 92% of people (Gupta, Aditya K. and MAYS, R. Rachel – October 2018 PUBMED).
Characteristics of Nail Mycosis
Its clinical manifestations may present changes in the thickening of the plate and detachment in its bed, leaving it hollow and facilitating the accumulation of material under the nail. There may be occurrences of white spots. – leukonychia –, deformities, unpleasant odor and, in some variations, can cause inflammation around the blade, with precipitation of edema, discomfort, elevation of local temperature, itching and erythema.
Its variations are characterized in different clinical forms:
-
- Distal and Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis (DSNO), Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis (PSO), White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO), Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis (TDO). Annals of Dermatology vol. 78 no. 3 Rio de Janeiro May/June 2003;
- Onychomycosis Endonix (OE), VARELLA BRUNA, Maria Helena (OM);
- Onychoatrophy, Onychogryphosis, Onychophosis, FERREIRA, Eidimara – 2017.
Hot and humid environments favor a culture medium for fungi, typical of closed shoes, which in addition to causing trauma, provide the feet with heat and humidity. However, some other factors can facilitate or act as contamination mechanisms.
It is always important to remember that this is a contagious infection and that some hygiene precautions are very important: avoid predisposing mechanisms, do not share personal objects. – mainly cuticulation –, avoid walking barefoot in public and humid environments, in addition to taking care with irritating, corrosive and/or dubious agents, etc.
Among palliative therapeutic care, the use of essential and vegetable oils, in aromatherapy, can contribute to disinfection and regeneration, as they have some chemical properties that give them regulatory and inhibitory actions, favoring the reestablishment of dysfunctions caused in the tissues around the nail and the control of the excessive proliferation of some fungi.
Patience is needed when treating nail fungus
Nail fungus treatments are generally lengthy and require discipline and dedication from those undergoing treatment, due to the slow growth of the nail plates, which can take up to 12 months to fully renew. Above all, therapeutic discipline is required. It is also extremely important to have a diagnosis from a specialist doctor to identify the pattern of nail infection and the corresponding treatment, since the infection can be caused by different types of microorganisms and, therefore, to be able to complement the therapeutic actions of essential and vegetable oils.
The synergy of essential oils is of fundamental importance, since nail fungus is not caused only by a specific type of fungus, which implies a variety of characteristics as explained above. Among the essential oils and the carriers/actives of their properties – vegetable oils –, I would like to highlight:
Melaleuca Alternifolia – Known worldwide for its inhibitory, antimicrobial and healing properties. According to research, it contains among its components a monoterpene, Terpinen-4-ol, which acts to induce the loss of the microorganism’s cell membrane, interfering with its integrity and physiology.
Thymus Vulgaris Flowers/Leaf Oil – Several studies cite the inhibitory properties of some specific types of fungi and yeast under the action of the compounds Thymol and Carvacrol, present in this essential oil.
Eugenia Caryaphyllus – It presents characteristics that can favor therapeutic actions in the care of onychomycosis, it has Eugenol in its composition (fungicide and antibacterial spectrum). “Its bactericidal action is due to its high penetrability in the cytoplasmic membrane, promoting its rupture and increasing its non-specific permeability, thus generating an extravasation of the cellular content and subsequent death of the bacteria”. Affonso, RS et. al.
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil – Rich in Vitamin E (tocopherol), Omega 3 (linolenic acid), Omega 6 (linoleic acid) and Omega 9 (oleic acid), which give this oil antioxidant, moisturizing, emollient and skin regenerating properties, helping to improve the condition of the tissue around the nail plate (nail).
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil – This oil is widely used in therapeutic applications because it contains a high amount of fatty acids and vitamins. – omega 6, omega 9, vitamins A, E and C –, which give it properties that promote the regeneration of skin tissue and mitigate the effects of free radicals on the skin and its appendages.
Suggestions for Weekly Complementary Protocols
Preparation for Nail Fungus 1
Clean the area with Eucalyptus Body Soap, from the Fito Capillus line, dry the area and complete the cleaning with 70% alcohol. Wait for it to dry completely before applying the blend of oils on the nail plate and its contours. Estimated residence time: 10 minutes.
Blend
5 ml of Grape Seed Vegetable Oil;
2 ml of Rosehip Vegetable Oil;
1 drop of Tea Tree Essential Oil;
1 drop of Thyme Essential Oil;
1 drop of Clove Leaf Essential Oil.
Click here and learn more about essential and vegetable oils Alkymia di Grandha.
In some situations, the presence of yeast can cause disorders in the tissues surrounding the nails, including inflammatory processes, pain, edema, flaking, etc. Treating these symptoms together with the inhibition of microorganisms, in addition to favoring the reestablishment of these dysfunctions, will also provide well-being to the patient.
Preparation for Nail Fungus 2
Use the same hygiene practices as in the previous protocol.
Blend
4 ml of Grape Seed Vegetable Oil;
2 ml of Rosehip Vegetable Oil;
2 ml of Avocado Vegetable Oil – anti-inflammatory;
1 drop of Tea Tree Essential Oil – antifungal;
1 drop of Thyme Essential Oil;
1 drop of Clove Leaf Essential Oil;
1 drop French Lavender Essential Oil – anti-inflammatory;
1 drop of Sicilian Lemon Essential Oil – tonic, refreshing, antiseptic and local analgesic.
The addition of French Lavender and Sicilian Lemon essential oils to the synergy of this protocol makes it also anti-inflammatory, tonic, refreshing, analgesic and local circulatory stimulant.
IMPORTANT: Do not expose the area treated with this synergy to sunlight, as Sicilian Lemon Essential Oil has phototoxic properties.
Preparation for Nail Fungus 3
This is a suggestion for maintaining treatment between weekly sessions. Use the same hygiene practices as in the previous protocol.
Dilute 2 drops of essential oil in 200 ml of mineral water, soak the gauze in this solution, apply to the affected area and leave for 3 minutes. Then, wet the gauze again and repeat the process 2 more times.
Solution
200 ml of mineral water;
1 drop of Tea Tree Essential Oil;
1 drop of Palmarosa Essential Oil;
Replace Palmarosa with French Lavender if there is damage to the tissues around the nails.
References:
dermatologia.net/cat-doencas-da-pele/micose-das-unhas/
microbiologia.ufrj.br/portal/index.php/pt/destaques/novidades-sobre-a-micro/297-saiba-mais-sobre-as-mycoses-de-unha
drauziovarella.uol.com.br/doencas-e-sintomas/onicicomicose-micose-de-unha/
sbd.org.br/dermatologia/unhas/doencas-e-problemas/micose/93/
scielo.br/pdf/rsbmt/v40n5/a22v40n5.pdf
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30410887/
scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0365-05962003000300006&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=pt
tede.upf.br/jspui/bitstream/tede/1324/2/2017EidimaraFerreira.pdf, https://drauziovarella.uol.com.br/doencas-e-sintomas/onicomicose-micose-de-unha/
ufsj.edu.br/portal-repositorio/File/coqui/TCC/Monografia-TCC-Regiamara_R_Almeida-20151.pdf
