Many wonder how to cure nail fungus, but not everyone chooses the right solution for this problem and turns exclusively to traditional medicine. The use of homemade products can sometimes be useful, but it is better to trust specialists and not experiment with your own health.
Another misconception is the assumption that nail fungus is not a serious disease that needs to be treated right away, but this is far from the case. The fungus or onychomycosis manifests itself in connection with the spread of bacteria on the horny plaque, and if they do not prevent its spread, the infection will penetrate into all surrounding tissues and into the body. In this case, you will have to decide not how soon the nail fungus will heal, but how to save the limb and general health.
How does the fungus manifest itself?
In the initial stages, the infection is much easier to deal with. It is possible to do without the use of special therapeutic agents and prevent the destruction of the nail, which leads to the total or partial removal of the horny plaque.
In principle, anyone who pays attention to their feet and regularly cares for their toes can detect a fungal infection. This is evidenced by the following signs:
- The appearance of areas that differ from the natural color of the nail. What the changes will be depends on the type of infection. They can be light stripes or yellow or brown "dots". There is a possibility that other shades are formed, which should be a reason to find out the reason for the appearance of such changes;
- Fragility. If the toenail is crumbling, peeling, it is most likely time to decide how to cure the toenail fungus. In some cases, brittle nails are caused by other diseases, vitamin deficiencies and poor nutrition, so in any case, a consultation with a specialist will not hurt;
- Deformation of the corneal plate. The growth of bacteria, the absence of treatment leads to significant modifications of the nail, it is noticeably deformed. Not only does the appearance of the foot worse, but there are also discomfort when walking in shoes;
- Itching, pain in the affected area;
- Bad smell. It is very undesirable to bring the condition of the nails to the stage when a specific smell is already emitted, there are signs of suppuration, an inflammatory process. Such symptoms may indicate not only that it is time to cure nail fungus, but also take steps to save the body from the spread of infection.
The signs have different manifestations depending on the development of nail disease, which led to the proper classification of mycosis lesions:
- 1st stage. An initial grade, which can only be detected by a very attentive person or a specialist dermatologist. Minor color changes, slight itching may be present;
- II stage. The nail can be deformed, the color changes, the stratum corneum is partially destroyed. There is still an opportunity to cure nail fungus without surgery, but the delay will only aggravate the situation;
- III stage. It is considered one of the advanced degrees of fungal infection. It is no longer necessary to treat only the nail, but possibly the surrounding tissues, as well as the root itself, since at this stage the infection is very deep. Various inflammations, suppurations, etc. they can become concomitant factors. It is very dangerous to bring the condition of the legs to such an advanced stage, as the treatment will require significant physical and financial costs and there is no guarantee that the restored nail will be even.
What can be the treatment for a foot fungus?
Modern drugs on the market for medical products against various types of infections make it possible to effectively treat the fungus at home. Depending on the stage, type and extent of the infection, it is possible to choose the optimal drug.
In addition, certain drugs have a complex effect, their use allows you not only to solve the problem of how to cure nail fungus, but also how to stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate healing.
Of the many drugs that are actively advertised, have positive reviews, or are simply recommended for nail diseases, the following subgroups can be distinguished:
- Lucky. It is recommended to use varnish as an additional treatment, for example, during a period when it is not possible to use ointment, compress or other external means. There are varnishes that contribute to the gradual exfoliation of the affected area, which is necessary for a better penetration of the active compounds to destroy the infection. The main advantage of varnishes is the ability to mask the fungus, since a decorative varnish can be temporarily applied over the medicinal varnish. Reviews of such solutions are contradictory; it is not recommended to use varnish in advanced stages;
- Drops. The solutions are applied to the clean nail, or even after removal, so that the active compounds penetrate the site of infection. Prescribed together with other drugs, if there is significant damage to the nail;
- Ointments and creams. The most varied assortment of drugs are special ointments and creams. They differ not only in efficiency, complex of action, but also in price. As part of each drug, the active ingredients, concentration and possible side effects are indicated. Since bacteria that differ in the types of action (yeast, dermatophytes) can provoke the fungus, the methods of treating them should be chosen accordingly. There are ointments and creams of complex action, that is, their use is allowed for various infections. In addition to blocking the spread of infection, the ointment can help with better healing. The purpose of such drugs is varied, from the fact that it is advisable to use them to remove the nail and ending with the usual prevention. In this regard, it is better to visit a specialist before use, learn about the reviews, carefully read the instructions to get rid of the fungus in the near future;
- Band aids. They are mainly used for partial or complete nail removal. With advanced stages, such a procedure is necessary, since it is impossible to restore a diseased nail. The patch is impregnated with special substances that slowly dissolve the stratum corneum affected by the infection. After several applications, it is enough to clean the nail of the exfoliated particles and apply a medicinal ointment. All of this is easy to do at home;
- Oral preparations. If the infection has spread not only to one nail, but there is a risk that the infection will enter the body, then it is advisable to use special drugs. In practice, such treatment is prescribed mainly in stage III. In addition to antifungal suspensions or tablets, a complex of vitamins and minerals may be prescribed to maintain the functions of the whole body and enhance the properties of immunity.
In addition to home treatment, you can use hardware to get rid of the fungus. These include laser therapy, cosmetic procedures combined with the application of solutions to eliminate the source of infection, restore the nail naturally.
You can choose a drug to treat nail fungus on your own. This is facilitated by the media, advertising in pharmacies, advice from a pharmacist, reviews on the Internet. In order not to be mistaken, the best option is to go to the doctor. But even in this case, you can ask about an alternative treatment, since there are funds with a similar composition, but significantly different cost, complex of action on the disease.
If the drug is chosen correctly, improvements will be noticeable after a while. When pulsation, redness appears, onychomycosis already progresses in other areas, an unpleasant smell is noticed, then you should immediately contact a specialist. With such phenomena, further self-medication can be dangerous.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail fungus.
A few decades ago, there were no universal remedies for the complex treatment of a fungus, there was no way to find reviews about drugs, and then recipes of traditional medicine were mainly used. Iodine was especially popular, which remains an excellent preventive solution against the spread of infections from various sources. Of the most common methods to cure mycosis at home, there are:
- Hot baths. The solutions are prepared with a variety of components, but their action is mainly aimed at softening the affected area by disinfecting it. A good effect can be achieved with a bath of sea salt, diluted vinegar, celandine, weak potassium permanganate. Each of the options has a certain effect, there is a possibility of allergic reactions. Often, after such procedures, it is recommended to mechanically clean the nail (with a special brush, pumice stone), apply iodine or a special medical antifungal drug;
- Vinegar. It is believed that a vinegar solution copes well with such injuries, the main thing is to dilute the suspension in the correct proportions and not burn the already injured tissue;
- Compress. A variety of products are used for such procedures. This is a baking powder diluted with water, potatoes, garlic, chopped onions, aloe leaves, mouthwash, mountain ash, etc. When conducting such experiments, you need to understand a number of serious consequences, including an acquired allergy, burns, or the most innocuous result - no effect;
- Essential oils, herbal decoctions. Essential oil, particularly tea tree oil, is a natural antiseptic. It can be used during the treatment period, as well as as a preventive or cosmetic treatment for the feet. Marjoram, eucalyptus oil is also used;
- Salicylic acid can be used to combat onychomycosis, but mainly in the early stages of lesion development.
The feasibility of using self-prepared medicines at home is controversial. Since for some, such treatment ends successfully, while for others it leads to a long recovery not only of the nail, but also of general health.
Nail fungus prevention or how not to infect others
Knowing certain rules will help reduce the risk of a nasty nail infection, as well as protect loved ones and others from infection, if the question of how to treat mycosis is already being decided.
The basic rules for the protection and prevention of fungi include:
- Regular hygiene, individual washing facilities;
- Use of special slippers in public places (saunas, swimming pools);
- Strengthening the immune system. The weakened body cannot fight the infection and the infection spreads;
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of shoes, especially if the feet often sweat with them;
- The cleaning of the stockings, they should be changed daily, preference should be given to natural fabrics;
- Clean your feet well after procedures with water, high humidity causes the development of fungus;
- Wear only your own shoes, clothes;
- Periodic disinfection of tools for pedicure or manicure and, of course, only their individual use. If we compare professional offices, then special sterilizers are used for these purposes;
- Proper foot care. It is necessary not only to regularly clean the feet with special devices, but also to nourish the skin of the feet and nails. If possible, you should visit beauty salons where professional nail treatment is performed, additional nutrition of hot plates and skin.
These simple rules, precision, and attention to your health will help protect you from more problems with treating mycosis. Similar rules must be followed if the disease is already being treated. This will help prevent other people from getting infected and speed up the healing process.
If an infection with a fungus has occurred, it may not appear right away, sometimes after several months. It is important to detect the formation of a source of infection in a timely manner and to take measures that help maintain the health and beauty of the legs.