The question of how to cure nail fungus is asked by many people, but not everyone chooses the right solution to this problem and turns exclusively to traditional medicine. The use of homemade products is sometimes useful, but it is better to trust an expert and not experiment with your own health.
Another mistake is the assumption that nail fungus is not a serious disease that should be immediately addressed, but this is far from the problem. Fungus or onychomycosis manifests itself in connection with the spread of bacteria on the horny plate and if they do not prevent its spread, then the infection will spread to all the surrounding tissues and into the body. In this case, you should decide not on how quickly the nail fungus should be cured, but how to save the limbs and overall health.
How the fungus appears
In the early stages, it is easier to deal with the infection. It is possible to eliminate the use of special therapeutic agents and prevent the destruction of the nail, which leads to complete or partial removal of the horny plate.
In principle, anyone who observes their feet and takes care of their toes on a regular basis can detect a fungal infection. This is evidenced by the following signs:
- The appearance of different areas with the natural color of the nails. What changes depends on the type of infection. These can be light or brown stripes, yellow "dots". There is a possibility of the formation of other colors, which must be a reason to find out the reason for the appearance of such changes;
- Fragility. If the toenails are crumbling, flaking, most likely it is time to decide how to cure nail fungus. In some cases, brittle nails are caused by other diseases, vitamin deficiencies and poor nutrition, therefore, however, expert consultation will not be painful;
- Deformation of the horn plate. Bacterial growth, the absence of treatment causes significant nail modification, it looks deformed. Not only does the appearance of the feet worsen, but there is also discomfort when walking in shoes;
- Itching, pain in the affected area;
- Smelly. It is highly undesirable to bring the condition of the nail to a level when a certain odor is already emitted, there are signs of suppuration, an inflammatory process. Such symptoms may already indicate not only the time to cure nail fungus, but also to take steps to save the body from the spread of infection.
The symptoms have different manifestations depending on the development of nail disease, which leads to the appropriate classification of mycosis lesions:
- Level 1. Early degree, which can only be detected by a very caring person or a dermatologist. Minor discoloration, itching may occur;
- Phase II. The nail can be deformed, the color changes, the stratum corneum is partially destroyed. There is still a chance to cure nail fungus without surgery, but procrastination will only worsen the situation;
- Stage III. It is considered an advanced stage of fungal infection. It is no longer necessary to only treat the nail, but perhaps the surrounding tissue, as well as the roots themselves, because at this stage the infection is very deep. Various inflammations, respiration, etc. can be equivalent factors. It is very dangerous to take the condition of the feet to a higher level, as treatment requires substantial physical and financial costs and there is no guarantee that the restored nails will be evenly distributed.
What could be the treatment of fungus on the feet
Modern medicines available in the market for medical products against various types of infections make it possible to treat fungus at home effectively. Depending on the stage, type and degree of infection, it is possible to choose the optimal medication.
In addition, certain drugs have a complex effect, the use of which allows You not only to solve the problem of how to cure nail fungus, but also how to stimulate cell regrowth and accelerate healing.
Of the many drugs that are actively advertised, have positive reviews or are only recommended for nail disease, the following subgroups can be distinguished:
- Lucky. It is recommended to use varnish as an additional treatment, for example, in periods when it is not possible to use ointments, compresses or other external means. There are varnishes that contribute to the gradual exfoliation of the affected area, which is necessary for better penetration of active compounds to destroy the infection. The main advantage of varnishes is the ability to cover mold, because decorative varnishes can be applied temporarily on medicinal varnishes. Reviews of such a solution are contradictory; it is not recommended to use varnish at an advanced stage;
- Get down. The solution is applied to the cleaned nail, or even after removing it, so that the active compound penetrates into the site of infection. Prescribed together with other drugs, if there is significant damage to the nails;
- Ointments and creams. The most varied types of medicine are special ointments and creams. They differ not only in terms of efficiency, complexity of action, but also price. As part of each medication, the active ingredient, concentration and possible side effects are indicated. Since bacteria that differ in the type of action (yeast, dermatophytes) can provoke fungi, methods to deal with them must be chosen accordingly. There are ointments and creams of complex action, the use of which is allowed for various infections. Along with blocking the spread of infection, ointments can aid in better healing. The purpose of such drugs varies, from the fact that it is recommended to use them to get rid of nails, and ending with the usual prevention. Accordingly, it is better that you consult a specialist before using it, get reviews, read the instructions carefully to get rid of the fungus in the near future;
- AIDS. They are used primarily for partial or complete nail removal. With advanced stages, such a procedure is necessary, as it is impossible to restore a sore nail. These patches are impregnated with a special substance that slowly dissolves the infected stratum corneum. After several uses, simply clean the nails from flaky particles and apply a medicated ointment. All this is easy to do at home;
- Oral preparations. If the infection spreads not only on one nail, but there is a risk of infection entering the body, then it is recommended to use special drugs. In practice, such treatment is mainly prescribed at stage III. In addition to antifungal suspensions or tablets, vitamin-mineral complexes can be prescribed to maintain the function of the whole body, enhancing 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 use of solutions to eliminate the source of infection, restoring nails in a natural way.
You can choose a remedy for the treatment of fungus that appears on its own on the nails. This is facilitated by the media, advertisements in pharmacies, advice from pharmacists, reviews on the Internet. In order not to be mistaken, the best option is to see a doctor. But in this case, you can ask about alternative treatments, because there are funds with similar composition, but different in terms of cost, complex of action against the disease.
If the drug is chosen correctly, then improvement will be seen after some time. When throbbing, redness appears, onychomycosis is already running in other areas, the unpleasant odor becomes noticeable, then you should immediately contact a specialist. With such a phenomenon, further self -treatment can be harmful.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail fungus
Decades ago, there was no universal remedy for the complex treatment of fungi, there was no way to find out reviews about medicines, and then recipes from traditional medicine were used. Iodine is very well known, which is still an excellent method of prevention against the spread of infections of various origins. The most common methods of curing mycosis at home, there are:
- Take a warm shower. The solution is prepared with various components, but its action is primarily aimed at softening the affected area, disinfecting. A good effect can be achieved with a bath of sea salt, dilute vinegar, celandine, weak potassium permanganate. Each option has a specific effect, there is a possibility of allergic reactions. Often, after such a procedure, it is recommended to clean the nails mechanically (with a special brush, pumice stone), use iodine or special medical antifungal drugs;
- Vinegar. It is believed that a vinegar solution can cure such wounds, the main thing is to dilute the suspension in the right proportions and not to burn the already injured tissue;
- Compressing. Various products are used for the procedure. This is a baking powder diluted with water, potatoes, garlic, chopped onions, aloe vera leaves, mouthwash, mountain ash and so on. While performing such an experiment, you need to understand some of the serious consequences, including allergies, burns, or the most harmless outcome - no side effects;
- Essential oils, herbal ingredients. Essential oils, especially tea tree oil, are natural antiseptics. It can be used during the treatment period, as well as as a preventive or cosmetic treatment on the feet. Marjoram, eucalyptus oil is also used;
- Salicylic acid can be used to combat onychomycosis, but especially in the early stages of lesion development.
Eligibility to use home -prepared medications is controversial. Because for some people, such treatment ends successfully, while others lead to short -term nail recovery, but also health in general.
Prevent nail fungus or how not to infect others
Knowledge of certain rules will help reduce the risk of unpleasant nail infections, as well as protect loved ones and others from infection, if the question of how to treat mycosis is already decided.
The basic rules for protection against fungi and prevention include:
- Regular cleanliness, individual washing facilities;
- Use of special slippers in public places (sauna, swimming pool);
- Strengthens the immune system. The weak body cannot fight infection and the infection spreads;
- Clean and disinfect shoes regularly, especially if the feet often sweat in them;
- Hygiene socks, they should be replaced daily, priority should be given to natural fabrics;
- Wipe your feet thoroughly after the procedure of water, high humidity provokes the development of fungus;
- Use only your own shoes, clothes;
- Periodically disinfection of tools for pedicures or manicures and, of course, only their own use. If we compare professional offices, then special sterilizers are used for this purpose;
- Proper foot care. Not only cleans the feet with special tools, but also nourishes the skin of the feet and nails. If possible, you must visit beauty places where professional nail treatments, nutritional supplements on horn plates and skin are done.
These simple rules, accuracy and attention to your health will help protect you from further problems with mycosis treatment. Similar rules must be followed if the disease has already been treated. This will help prevent others from getting infected and speed up the healing process.
If an infection with the fungus has already occurred, then it may not appear immediately, sometimes after a few months. It is important to detect the formation of infection foci in a timely manner and take measures that will help maintain the health and beauty of the feet.