If the color of the nails changes, they break 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 by using anti-fungal ointments and drops;advanced stages cannot be cured by external means.
Selection of fungicide preparations
When choosing anti-fungal (fungicidal) drugs, first of all, consider the type of fungus affecting the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophytes of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.The causative agent can only be accurately determined by laboratory examination of nail scrapings.
The color of the nail affected by the fungal infection changes, yellow, brown or gray spots appear on it.The nail plate can thicken unnaturally, lose its shine, and deform.For the initial fungal infection, external agents are used - ointments or drops.The advantage of these dosage forms compared to drugs intended for internal use is the lack of toxic effects on the liver and other organs.External agents act directly on the affected area, effectively destroying molds and their spores.
Popular antifungal products include toe and hand nail fungus drops - these products do not leave greasy marks on the skin and clothes, are quickly absorbed and have a high therapeutic effect.The majority of modern antifungal drops are able to combat several types of nail fungus, so there is no need for laboratory tests before using these products, the drugs can be purchased without a prescription in pharmacies.
The best drops against fungi
Patients and doctors have many requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.The treatment of onychomycosis lasts for three months or more, so the medicinal substances in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicidal drops is a broad spectrum of effects.The active components must not only kill several types of dermatophyte fungi (they have 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 should not self-medicate;based on the test results, a specialist selects the most suitable drops for the treatment of nail fungus.
Some are not used to treat onychomycosis;prescribed for fungal skin lesions.In the case of nail fungus, the drops are used in parallel with other medicines to prevent the fungal lesions from spreading to the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to fight nail fungus, but patients may experience some difficulties when using them.This is due to the fact that the source of the infection is located under the nail plate, where it is very difficult to reach.
In order for the drug to reach its goal, the patient must follow some recommendations when using antifungal drops.
Rules for using liquid antifungal agents:
- Before applying the medicinal product, the feet and hands are steamed, the dead skin layer and the affected areas of the nail are cleaned.
- After cleaning, the skin and nails are dried.
- Cut off the edge of the nail plate and clean its surface with a nail file.
- Drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Be sure to treat healthy skin around the damaged nail.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissue, you should consult a doctor - the drops may no longer help, and the nail should be removed.In case of severe fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal drugs.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years;it is impossible to cope with certain types of the disease without the help of a specialist.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily become infected in public places - baths, swimming pools, gyms.About one-third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related changes - in the elderly, immunity decreases, so dermatophytes easily settle on the nail plate, and the person becomes a source of infection for his family.
In order to prevent nail fungus infection, you should follow the following preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear other people's slippers.
- Use only your own towel.
- Have your own nail file if someone in the family has nail fungus.
- Use antifungal agents for prevention after visiting water parks and swimming pools.
- Strengthening immunity.
Without proper treatment, onychomycosis leads to the destruction of the nail plate;the earlier the antifungal treatment is started, the greater the chance of preserving the beauty and health of the nails.