Faded, pitted and bumpy nails are common symptoms in people with onychomycosis, a fungal nail disease. It is not easy to get rid of a fungus under the nail: in many cases, the treatment is complicated by polymycosis (the simultaneous defeat of several types of the fungus), the high resistance of the pathogen, the entry of fungi into the bloodstream, andlymphatic system. Is there a chance you will get rid of onychomycosis forever? Yes there is! You should consult your doctor and follow your instructions strictly.
Traditional treatments for onychomycosis
It is better to start fighting the fungus immediately after discovering the problem, while the pathogen has not yet been able to hit the nails on all our toes and toes. The infection first affects only the edge of one nail and then the entire nail. If left untreated, there is a risk of damage and complete detachment of the nail plates on all fingers. It is much more difficult to treat an illness at an advanced stage than at an early stage.
Therapeutic nail polishes
In the very first stage of onychomycosis, when the color of the nail plate or edge changes, the disease feels like a thickening and keratinization of the nail: it thickens, peels and crumbles. Seek medical attention immediately after experiencing these symptoms. In the initial stage, therapeutic varnishes associated with local therapy are successfully used to control the fungus. An analysis should be performed to identify a specific pathogen before starting procedures.
In order to increase the therapeutic effect, the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate must be removed by mechanical methods before the varnishing process. The keratinized layers affected by the fungus should be carefully removed to avoid damaging the patient’s nails. Medicinal varnishes that penetrate deep into the tissues contribute to the rapid destruction of the pathogen of onychomyosis. To enhance the therapeutic effect, the nails should be regularly varnished until they are completely healed.
In addition to nail plates, fungi often affect the skin of the feet and hands. This is evidenced by symptoms such as burning, itching, a peculiar odor. Therefore, at the same time as therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of the feet with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
Creams and ointments have proven to be effective treatments for nail fungus, especially in its early stages. Unlike varnishes, creams and ointments can be easily removed from the surface of the nail, so you need to make sure that the nail plate is covered with the active ingredient for a long time, otherwise the medicine will not have time to penetrate deep into the nail. affected nails. To enhance the effect, the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate should be removed with a file to allow the active ingredient to penetrate deeper into the nail.
Tablets
If the fungus has affected more than 3 fingers or the disease is at an advanced stage, doctors will prescribe oral antifungal tablets. The administration of such drugs should be performed according to the instructions and supervision of the doctor: drugs belonging to this group are toxic and have a negative effect on the internal organs. Such drugs are taken in cycles with a break. It takes 2 cycles to treat the toes and 3 cycles to treat the toes.
To increase the effect of the tablets, it is better to combine their intake with topical treatment with varnishes or creams. This combination therapy promotes rapid recovery. To reduce the harmful effects of the tablets on the liver, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotectors. At the same time, measures need to be taken to prevent secondary infection - to treat shoes and other things with antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies for getting rid of nail fungus
Many people are interested in the question: is it possible to get rid of nail fungus by folk methods? The answer is positive: in some cases, folk methods can get rid of nail fungus. Doctors do not recommend abusing self-healing: if you start the disease, it will be much harder to get rid of the fungus. The following natural-based products have been shown to be effective: propolis tinctures, iodine, vinegar baths, etc. Such popular recipes are popular:
- Apple cider vinegar based applications. Mix apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil in a 1: 1 ratio. Dampen a cotton ball with the resulting mixture and secure it to the affected area with adhesive tape. The plate should be kept for 3-4 hours, the procedure should be performed 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 should be taken for 30 minutes a day.
- Propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton ball with tincture and wipe your nails several times a day - both sick and healthy.
- Tea tree oil. Lubricate the affected nails with oil. The procedure is performed several times a day.
- Propolis tincture. Dampen a cotton ball with 20% propolis tincture and apply to the affected area for several hours. The procedure should be performed daily until healthy nail plate grows.
- Iodine. Clean the nail plate from the keratinized layers, apply iodine solution. For healthy nails, treatment of the skin near the fingers is recommended. If you feel a burning sensation after applying the solution, it should be diluted. The solution is applied daily until complete recovery.
- Celandine tincture. Dilute the infusion of celandine 1: 1. Immerse your fingers in a solution bath, hold for 20-25 minutes. The treatment process lasts 20 days.
How to prevent the fungus: advice from a dermatologist
A fungal infection that requires careful and professional treatment becomes an unpleasant surprise. Those who visit public places: baths, saunas, swimming pools and those who come into contact with people with fungal diseases are at risk. If there are patients in the household, all precautionary measures must be followed: do not wear other shoes, wipe them daily with drugs that kill fungi. Dermatologists give the following recommendations for the prevention of fungal infections:
- In saunas, baths, swimming pools and other public places where they walk barefoot, always wear their own slippers, preferably closed.
- Wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between your toes, after visiting such places.
- If your feet sweat, use rocking powder or deodorant.
- Try to follow hygiene requirements, change socks daily.
- Do not wear anyone else's or tight shoes.
- When trying on new shoes at the store, wear new socks.