The fungal disease of toenails - onychocomycosis - is caused by dermatophyte fungi and microsporia.In a study on leg diseases carried out in 2003, 16 European countries recognized it as the most common.
The fungus can affect the free edge of the nail, the sides, the back fold and the entire nail plate.Depending on the severity of the disease, onychocomycosis is distinguished:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic.
Changes in the color and structure of the nail can be small or significant, up to its complete destruction.
The pharmaceutical industry produces effective treatments for nail fungus.These are tablets, varnishes, sprays, ointments and solutions.At the same time, traditional medicine recipes are used, which have accumulated extensive experience in the treatment of mycoses.
With all the variety of medicines and home remedies, it is not possible to start self-medication.After diagnosis, a mycologist or dermatologist will recommend the best way to treat nail fungus.In approximately 50% of cases, patients present with non-fungal deformation of the nail plate.
What you need to know before starting fungal treatment
The main route of transmission of the infection is contact.Fungal spores reproduce well in warm, humid environments.Therefore, you can become infected with onychomycosis:
- through the patient’s personal belongings – shoes, towels, socks;
- in bathhouses, saunas, swimming pools, on beaches - wherever people walk barefoot;
- in pedicure rooms where sanitary and hygienic requirements are not met.
The reason the infection penetrates directly into human cells is a decrease in local and general immunity.These are:
- chronic diseases - diabetes, blood diseases, gastrointestinal tract;
- nail injuries, foot abrasions;
- past viral illnesses;
- taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressant medications;
- HIV, immunodeficiency.
A fungal infection, having penetrated the “open gate”, begins an active life.Aggravate the course of the disease:
- hyperhidrosis of the feet - increased sweating;
- constant use of tight shoes made of low-quality materials;
- lack of personal hygiene.
Before starting treatment and choosing a remedy for nail fungus, you need to analyze the causes of the disease.Joint therapy and elimination of factors provoking the development of onychocomycosis can really help.This disease is known for frequent relapses.
Tests before starting treatment for nail fungus
During the consultation, the dermatologist examines the infected area, determines changes in the color and structure of the nails and the nature of the lesion.He collects tissue samples for analysis by scraping with a special instrument.
The type of pathogen is determined by microscopy or inoculation into a nutrient medium.The sample is treated with a special compound and examined under a microscope.The analysis takes from 15 minutes to a day.When sowing, a piece of infected tissue is placed for germination under favorable conditions for 25 to 30 days.
The external manifestations of onychocomycosis are similar to the symptoms of other diseases: psoriasis, keratoderma, onychodystrophy and lichen planus.Laboratory diagnosis determines:
- presence of fungus;
- its type;
- quantitative characteristics of the infection;
- drug sensitivity.
Urine and blood tests are prescribed to identify the stage of the disease, infection of internal organs and possible side effects of medications.After treatment, the tests are repeated.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are highly accurate in determining the pathogen.This type of research determines the type of fungus in case of mild external manifestations of the disease, helps to select an effective and effective medicine and speeds up recovery.
Preparatory procedure for treatment
For the treatment to bring benefits and maximum effect, it is necessary to prepare your nails for treatment with medication.To do this, the affected areas of the nail plates are cleaned and removed mechanically or with a keratolytic plaster.
Mechanical processing is carried out using tweezers or files.The stickers soften the affected areas of the nail in a painless and non-traumatic way.After that, they are removed with scissors or a blunt scalpel.
Bifonazole is used as a keratolytic agent to remove affected nails.The ointment included in the kit is applied to the nail plate and covered with a bandage or adhesive plaster.After a day, the softened areas are cleaned and the procedure is repeated until the affected areas are completely removed.At the same time, treatment with local antimycotics is started.
Important.Good preparation of the nail plates allows medications to penetrate deep into the nails and destroy the fungal mycelium.
Medical medicines and treatment
All medicines for the systemic treatment of fungal nail diseases must be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor and following the instructions.Antimycotics often have side effects, age restrictions and contraindications.They must be taken into account.
Modern medicines for treating nail fungus are available in the form of tablets, ointments, varnishes, gels, solutions and sprays.The most effective result is achieved with the combined use of oral and local medications.
The following effective medications have been used successfully:
Medicines in tablets - Terbinafine, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole.The active ingredients show high activity against pathogenic fungal species.The recommended dosage is indicated in the instructions for the medicine.The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, usually from 1.5 to 18 months.The use of pulse therapy is effective - taking high doses of the drug at short intervals with an interval of 3 weeks.
Ointments, creams – Naftifine Hydrochloride, Terbinafine, Clotrimazole.The active components of the preparations have fungistatic and fungicidal properties, that is, they prevent the growth and reproduction of fungi and destroy the mycelium.The products are applied to clean, dry nails 2 to 3 times a day.Good results are obtained when combined with tableted medicines.
Gels, solutions, serums - Terbinafine, etc.The antifungal component accumulates in keratinized cells, kills the fungus and its spores.
Antifungal nail polishes
One of the best treatments for nail fungus is antifungal nail polish.Covers the surface with a thin airtight film, blocking oxygen access to the affected area.
The active components of the drug penetrate deep into the tissues, accumulate and destroy the pathogen.The coating is durable and does not crumble.Some varnishes can be applied as decorative.This is an additional advantage if the treatment takes place in the summer.
Varnishes have a good therapeutic effect;they contain active ingredients - terbinafine, amorolfine, ciclopirox.Apply to clean, dry nails 1 to 2 times a week for 1 to 12 months.They have contraindications.
Folk remedies for home fungus treatments
Home remedies are good for cleaning and disinfecting nails with onychomycosis.With regular use, fungal threads and spores are destroyed.
By combining traditional recipes and drug therapy, you can achieve effective results.
One of the dangerous remedies for nail fungus is vinegar.Used in the form of baths, rubs and glycerin-based ointments.
Regular rubbing with iodine and celandine juice kills the causative agents of onychomycosis.
They have an anti-inflammatory effect and are very soothing baths with baking soda, tea tree oil or lavender.
Compresses made from onion or garlic pulp with vegetable oil fight fungal nail infections well.
Birch tar, a product of the distillation of birch resin, is known for its powerful antimycotic effect.
Important.Folk remedies for treating nail fungus may have contraindications.You should consult your doctor before using them.
How to avoid the need for treatment
To avoid contracting a fungal infection and the need for treatment, it is necessary to follow preventive measures:
- avoid contact with other people's personal belongings;
- wear shoes in changing rooms, saunas, showers and beaches;
- strengthen the immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle;
- do not develop chronic diseases;
- choose comfortable, high-quality shoes.
If symptoms of onychomycosis are detected, do not self-medicate.It is necessary to consult a doctor, undergo an examination and undergo treatment with effective remedies against nail fungus.