Faded, perforated and wavy nails are common symptoms for people with onychomycosis, a fungal nail disease. It is not easy to get rid of the fungus under the nails: in many cases, treatment is complicated by polymicosis (simultaneous defeat by several types of fungi), high pathogen resistance, the entry of the fungus into the bloodstream and lymphatic vessels. Is there any chance of getting rid of onychomycosis forever? Yes I am! You need to consult a doctor, and follow his instructions strictly.
Traditional treatment 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 hit the nails on all the toes and fingers. Initially, the infection only affects the edges of one nail, and then the entire nail. If left untreated, there is a possibility of complete damage and detachment of the nail plate on all fingers. It is more difficult to treat the disease at an advanced stage than at an early stage.
Therapeutic nail polish
In the first stage of onychomycosis, when the nail plate or its edges have changed color, the disease makes itself felt by thickening and keratinization of the nail: it becomes thick, begins to peel and crumble. Immediately after these symptoms are detected, you should see a doctor. In the early stages, therapeutic varnishes associated with local therapy were successfully used to combat the fungus. Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to identify specific pathogens.
To enhance the therapeutic effect, before the procedure for applying varnish, it is necessary to remove the keratin layer on the nail plate by mechanical methods. It is necessary to remove the keratin layer affected by the fungus carefully so as not to injure the diseased nail. Medicinal varnishes, penetrating deep into the tissue, contribute to the rapid destruction of the causative agent of onychomyosis. To enhance the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to treat nails with varnish regularly, until they are completely healed.
In addition to nail plates, the fungus often affects the skin of the feet and palms. This is evidenced by symptoms such as burning, itching, certain odors. Therefore, simultaneously with therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy pathogens: disinfection of shoes, socks, foot treatment with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
As an effective treatment for nail fungus, especially in the early stages, creams and ointments have proven themselves. Unlike varnishes, creams and ointments are easily removed from the nail surface, so you need to make sure that the nail plate is covered with the active ingredient for a long time, otherwise the drug will not have time to penetrate deep into the affected nail. To increase its effect, it is necessary to remove the keratin layer on the nail plate with a file so that the active ingredient penetrates deeper into the nail.
Tablet
If the fungus has affected more than 3 fingers, or the disease is at an advanced stage, the doctor prescribes oral antimycotic tablets. The intake of such drugs should be carried out as directed by a doctor and under his supervision: drugs in this group are toxic, which have a negative effect on internal organs. Such drugs are taken in cycles with breaks. For the treatment of fingers, 2 cycles are required, toes - 3 cycles.
To enhance the effect of the tablet, it is better to combine its intake with local treatment with varnish or cream. This combination therapy promotes speedy recovery. To reduce the harmful effects of the pill on the liver, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotectors. At the same time, measures should be taken to prevent secondary infections - to treat shoes and other objects with antifungal medications.
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 fungus on nails. Doctors do not recommend abusing self-medication: if you start the disease, it will be more difficult to get rid of the fungus. The effectiveness of the following natural -based products has been proven: propolis tincture, iodine, vinegar bath, etc. Such popular recipes:
- Application based on apple cider vinegar. Mix apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 1. Wet a cotton pad with the resulting mixture, apply it to the affected area with adhesive tape. Discs should be stored for 3-4 hours, the procedure is performed daily until complete recovery.
- Apple cider vinegar -based bath. Dilute 1 liter of vinegar in 3 liters of warm water, add a little potassium permanganate. Baths are taken daily for 30 minutes.
- Colored propolis. Wet a cotton pad with tincture, wipe the nails with it several times a day - both sore and healthy.
- The essential oil. Lubricate the affected nails with oil. This procedure is performed several times a day.
- Colored propolis. Wet a cotton pad with 20% colored propolis, apply to the affected area for a few hours. This procedure is performed daily, until the growth of healthy nail plates.
- Iodine. Clean the nail plate from the keratin layer, apply iodine solution. It is recommended to treat healthy nails, skin near the fingers. If a burning sensation is felt after using the solution, it must be diluted. The solution is applied daily until completely cured.
- Colored celandine. Dilute the infusion of celandine in a ratio of 1 to 1. Dip your fingers in a bath with the solution, keep for 20-25 minutes. The course of treatment lasts for 20 days.
How to prevent fungus: advice from a dermatologist
Fungal infections that require careful and skillful treatment come as 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 in the household, all preventive measures must be observed: do not wear other people's shoes, wipe daily with a drug that destroys the fungus. Dermatologists give the following recommendations to prevent fungal infections:
- When visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools and other public places where people walk barefoot, always wear your own changing shoes, preferably covered shoes.
- After visiting such places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between the toes.
- If your feet are sweaty, use talcum powder or deodorant.
- Try to adhere to hygiene requirements, change socks every day.
- Don’t wear other people’s shoes and be tight.
- When trying on new shoes at the store, wear new socks.