If the nail changes color, splits and peels, this indicates the development of onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail plate.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 by external means.
Selection of fungicide preparations
When choosing an antifungal drug (fungicidal), first of all, take into account 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 tests of nail scrapings can accurately determine the pathogen.
Nails affected by fungal infections change color and yellow, brown or gray spots appear on them.The nail plate can become unusually thick, lose its luster, and become deformed.For early fungal infections, external agents are used - ointments or drops.The advantage of this dosage form compared to drugs for internal use is the absence of toxic effects on the liver and other organs.External agents act directly on the affected area, effectively destroying mold fungi and their spores.
Popular fungicide preparations include drops against nail fungus on toes and hands - these products do not leave greasy marks on the skin and clothes, are quickly absorbed, and have high therapeutic activity.Most modern antifungal drops can fight some types of onychomycosis, so laboratory tests are not required before using these products, and drugs can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops for fungus
Patients and doctors have several requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.Treatment of onychomycosis lasts from three months or longer, so the medicinal substances included in the preparation should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicide drops is a broad spectrum of action.The active component must not only destroy some types of dermatophyte fungi (having a fungicidal effect), but also stop the reproduction of their spores (this ability is called a 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 cannot self-medicate;the specialist will choose the most suitable drops to treat toenail fungus based on the test results.
Some are not used for the treatment of onychomycosis;they are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, drops are used in parallel with other drugs to prevent the spread of mycotic lesions on the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to combat nail fungus, but patients may experience some difficulties when 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 medicine to reach its target, the patient needs to follow some recommendations when using the fungus drops.
Rules for the use of liquid antifungal agents:
- Before using the medicinal composition, the feet and hands are steamed, the epidermis dies and the affected nail area is cleaned.
- After cleaning, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edge of the nail plate is trimmed, 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 need to consult a doctor - the drops may no longer help and the nail will have to be removed.For severe fungal infections, doctors prescribe internal antifungal drugs.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years;it is impossible to overcome some types of diseases without the help of specialists.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily be infected in public places - shower, swimming pool, gym.About a third of patients are susceptible to this disease due to age-related changes - in older people, immunity decreases, so dermatophytes easily settle on the nail plate, and the person becomes a source of infection for his family.
To prevent nail fungus infection, you need to follow the following preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Do not wear other people's slippers.
- Use only your own towels.
- Have your own nail file if someone in the family has onychomycosis.
- After visiting water parks and swimming pools, use antifungal agents for preventive purposes.
- Strengthens immunity.
Without proper treatment, onychomycosis leads to the destruction of the nail plate;the earlier antifungal therapy is started, the greater the chance of maintaining the beauty and health of the nails.