If the nails change color, split and peel, this indicates the development of onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail plates.When the first signs of the disease appear, its development can be stopped using ointments and drops for nail fungus;Advanced stages cannot be cured with external means.
Selection of fungicide preparations.
When choosing antifungal drugs (fungicides), first of all, consider the type of fungus that has affected the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophytes of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.Only laboratory testing of a nail scraping can accurately determine the pathogen.
A nail affected by a fungal infection changes color and yellow, brown or gray spots appear.The nail plate may become abnormally thick, lose its shine, and become deformed.For initial fungal infection, external agents are used: ointments or drops.The advantage of these dosage forms over drugs for internal use is the absence of toxic effects on the liver and other organs.The external agents act directly on the affected area, effectively destroying mold fungi and their spores.
Popular fungicidal preparations include drops against fingernail and toenail fungus;These products do not leave greasy marks on the skin or clothing, are quickly absorbed and have high therapeutic activity.Most modern antifungal drops can combat various types of onychomycosis, so laboratory tests are not necessary before using these products and the drugs can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops for fungus.
Patients and doctors have several requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.The treatment of onychomycosis lasts three months or more, so the medicinal substances included in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicide drops is a wide spectrum of action.The active components should not only destroy various varieties of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also stop the proliferation of their spores (this ability is called fungistatic effect).
Patients also pay attention to the cost of antifungal drugs: long-term treatment requires the purchase of several packages;For some buyers, price becomes one of the important selection criteria.
You should not self-medicate;A specialist will select the most suitable drops for the treatment of toenail fungus based on the test results.
Some are not used to treat onychomycosis;They are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, drops are used in parallel with other medications to prevent the spread of fungal lesions to the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to combat nail fungus, but patients may experience some difficulties using them.This is due to the fact that the source of infection is located under the nail plate, where it is very difficult to reach.
In order for the drug to hit its target, the patient must follow some recommendations when using fungicidal drops.
Rules for the use of liquid antifungal agents:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, the feet and hands are steamed, the dead epidermis and the affected areas of the nail are cleaned.
- After cleansing, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edge of the nail plate is trimmed and the surface is cleaned with a nail file.
- Drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Be sure to treat the healthy skin around the damaged nail.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissue, you should see a doctor;The drops may no longer help and the nail will need to be removed.For severe fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal medications.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years;It is impossible to cope with some types of diseases without the help of a specialist.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily become infected in public places: bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related changes: in older people, immunity decreases, so dermatophytes are easily deposited on the nail plate and the person becomes a source of infection for his family.
To prevent nail fungal infection, it is necessary to follow these preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear other people's slippers.
- Only use your own towel.
- Have your own nail file if anyone in your family has onychomycosis.
- After visiting water parks and swimming pools, use antifungal agents for preventive purposes.
- Strengthen immunity.
Without proper treatment, onychomycosis causes the destruction of the nail plate;The sooner antifungal therapy is started, the better the chances of maintaining the beauty and health of the nails.