Discolored, pitted, and bumpy nails are common symptoms of people suffering from onychomycosis, a fungal nail disease. It is not easy to get rid of the fungus under the nails: in many cases, the treatment is complicated by polymycosis (simultaneous defeat by several varieties of the fungus), the high resistance of the pathogen, the entry of fungi into the bloodstream and lymphatic tract. . . Is there any chance to get rid of onychomycosis forever? If I have! You should consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Traditional treatments for onychomycosis
It is better to start the fight against the fungus immediately after the discovery of the problem, while the pathogen has not yet managed to attack the nails of all fingers and toes. At first, the infection affects only the edge of a nail, and then the entire nail. If left untreated, there is a possibility of damage and complete detachment of the nail plates on all fingers. It is much more difficult to treat a disease at an advanced stage than at an early one.
therapeutic nail polishes
At the first stage of onychomycosis, when the nail plate or its edge has changed color, the disease makes itself felt by thickening and keratinization of the nail: it becomes thick, begins to peel off and crumble. Immediately after detecting these symptoms, you should see a doctor. At the initial stage, therapeutic varnishes related to local therapy are successfully used to combat the fungus. Before starting the procedures, it is necessary to carry out an analysis to identify a specific pathogen.
To increase the therapeutic effect, before the varnish application procedure, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate by mechanical methods. It is necessary to remove the keratinized layers affected by the fungus carefully so as not to damage the diseased nail. Medicinal varnishes, penetrating deep into the tissues, contribute to the rapid destruction of the causative agent of onychomyosis. To increase the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to regularly treat the nails with varnish, until they are completely healed.
In addition to nail plates, fungi often affect the skin of the feet and palms. This is evidenced by such symptoms as burning, itching, a specific odor. Therefore, simultaneously with therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of feet with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
Creams and ointments have been shown to be an effective treatment for nail fungus, especially in its early stages. Unlike varnish, creams and ointments are easily erased from the nail surface, so you must ensure that the nail surface is covered with the active ingredient for a long period of time, otherwise the drug will not have time to penetrate deep into the nail. affected nails. To enhance the effect, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail surface with a file so that the active substance penetrates deeper into the nail.
tablets
If the fungus has affected more than 3 fingers, or the disease is at an advanced stage, doctors prescribe oral antifungal tablets. The intake of such drugs should be carried out as directed by a doctor and under the supervision of him: drugs of this group are toxic and have a negative effect on the internal organs. Such drugs are taken in cycles with a break. For the treatment of fingers, 2 cycles are required, toes - 3 cycles.
To increase the effect of tablets, it is better to combine their intake with local treatment with varnish or creams. This combined therapy promotes rapid recovery. To reduce the harmful effects of pills on the liver, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotectors. At the same time, measures should be taken to prevent secondary infection - treat shoes and other things with antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies to get rid of nail fungus.
Many are interested in the question: is it possible to get rid of nail fungus using folk methods? The answer is positive: in some cases, folk methods can get rid of nail fungus. Doctors do not recommend abusing self-medication - if the disease begins, it will be much more difficult to get rid of the fungus. The effectiveness of the following natural-based products has been proven: propolis tinctures, iodine, vinegar baths, etc. Such folk recipes are popular:
- Applications based on apple cider vinegar. Mix apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 1. Moisten a cotton pad with the resulting mixture, stick it to the affected area with adhesive tape. The disc must be kept for 3-4 hours, the procedure is carried out daily until complete recovery.
- Baths based on apple cider vinegar. Dilute 1 liter of vinegar in 3 liters of warm water, add a little potassium permanganate. The bath is taken daily for 30 minutes.
- Propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton pad with tincture, wipe the nails with it several times a day, both sick and healthy.
- Tea tree oil. Lubricate affected nails with oil. The procedure is carried out several times a day.
- Propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton pad with 20% propolis tincture, apply it to the affected area for several hours. The procedure is carried out daily, until the growth of a healthy nail plate.
- Iodine. Clean the nail surface of the keratinized layers, apply an iodine solution. It is recommended to treat healthy nails, the skin near the fingers. If a burning sensation is felt after applying the solution, it should be diluted. The solution is applied daily until complete curing.
- Celandine tincture. Dilute the infusion of celandine in a ratio of 1 to 1. Dip your fingers in a bath with a solution, hold for 20-25 minutes. The course of treatment lasts 20 days.
How to prevent fungus: tips from a dermatologist
A fungal infection that requires careful and qualified treatment turns into an unpleasant surprise. At risk are people who visit public places: baths, saunas, swimming pools, who have contact with people with fungal diseases. If there are patients at home, all preventive measures must be observed: do not wear someone else's shoes, clean daily with drugs that destroy fungus. Dermatologists give the following recommendations to prevent fungal infection:
- When visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools, and other public places where people walk barefoot, always wear your own change of shoes, preferably closed shoes.
- After visiting such places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between your toes.
- If your feet sweat, use powder or deodorant.
- Try to comply with hygiene requirements, change socks daily.
- Do not wear tight and someone else's shoes.
- When you try on new shoes at the store, wear new socks.