Fungal toenail disease can occur for a variety of reasons. Onychomycosis is associated with a number of problems, from a nasty appearance to a constant feeling of pain and itching. It is very easy to catch, but not so easy to heal. In this article, we will talk about effective drugs against nail fungus.
About onychomycosis
Fungal diseases are infectious in origin and usually affect certain areas of the nails and skin. Onychomycosis in household contact, i. e. after general use of socks, shoes, as well as in the pool, sauna, gym, etc.
The symptoms of nail fungus appear gradually. The first signs are immediately noticeable:
- the color of the nails changes: they turn gray, yellow, black, gray or white;
- they begin to crumble;
- the plate is detached;
- the skin near the nail begins to itch;
- the affected areas hurt.
As the disease progresses, keratinization of the nail as well as pronounced compaction are observed.
Those who treat the fungus know that this infection is extremely resistant. Even if the lesion led to the removal of the nail, there is a possibility that recurrent inflammation may develop from a small focus that was not even noticed. Therefore, it is very important to perform the treatment correctly so that you do not have to worry about the consequences in the form of relapses in the future. It is better to see a doctor immediately, especially a mycologist. If there is no such specialist, a dermatologist can help.
There are different ways to treat onychomycosis. Today, pharmacies can find a number of preparations against nail fungus: ointments, creams, tablets and varnishes. Doctors advise you to practice both oral medications and topical therapy at the same time. So the treatment will be the most complete as well as more complex. It should be borne in mind that the therapy lasts a long time - about 2-4 months.
Medicinal treatment of nail fungus
The treatment regimen should be selected by the physician. Self-medication is not worth it, as improper use of drugs can provoke the development of resistance to them in fungal agents and lead to further progression of the disease. In addition, antifungal drugs are quite "potent" and have a number of contraindications. A wide range of drugs are used against onychomycosis:
- topical drugs (creams, ointments, solutions, varnishes);
- oral medications (tablets, capsules).
Topical preparations
Medicines for external use against fungi. They are prescribed in the early stages of onychomycosis, i. e. when the fungus has infected less than 30% of the nail surface with 1-2 fingers.
The use of these drugs has certain peculiarities. In order for the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the structure of the nail and have a therapeutic effect, they must go through 2 stages:
- Removal of areas of the nail plate affected by the fungus. To do this, steam the nails in a baking soda solution for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove the top softened layer with a file and treat with a disinfectant. Prepare the solution simply: add 1 tablespoon to 2 liters of water. l. baking soda and 5 g of washing soap.
- Treatment of antifungal fungicide. Medication (ointment, gel, varnish) should be applied to the affected nail.
An antifungal drug in the form of a varnish is popular. Only apply to the affected area of the nail twice a week. Treatment lasts until the symptoms of onychomycosis completely disappear.
Keratolics should also be distinguished between topical preparations. A painless and inexpensive alternative to hardware removal of affected nails. You can use these foundations to soften the stratum corneum of your nail plate, which will later be rejected. These drugs should be used when the area of the fungus exceeds 40%. The way the application looks like this:
- steam your feet in a solution of soda and soap;
- sand the surface of the plate with a file;
- apply liberally to the selected composition;
- cover the treated area with adhesive tape.
Such operations should be performed every 3-4 days. As a result, healthy nails need to grow instead of diseased nails.
Oral drugs
These antifungal drugs are available in tablets or capsules for oral administration. These therapeutic drugs are prescribed in advanced cases where the fungus has infected more than 50% of the surface of the nail and is actively progressing.
Oral medications for mushrooms are toxic and have many contraindications. In particular, you should not drink during pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney and liver disease. To reduce the risk of side effects, such drugs are prescribed for short courses.
It is strongly recommended that you check with your doctor about the dosage of medications and the course of treatment. Each case is unique.
Folk remedies for nail fungus
Folk recipes for onychomycosis on nails can only help in the early stages of the disease. The antifungal properties are found in many plants, impromptu remedies from the home first aid kit and the refrigerator.
The following folk remedies are popular:
- Iodine.It has pronounced antiseptic, fungicidal properties. The solution should be used to treat the patient's nails and skin twice a day (1 drop per nail). Course: month. True, this method has disadvantages - the fingers turn yellow, sometimes burns can occur.
- Tea mushrooms. . . Peel a small piece of mushroom and chop. Rub the cavity into the affected nails, do not rinse. Then apply a bactericidal patch and put on tight socks. The procedure should be performed three times until the patient’s nail plate falls off and new nails grow.
- Vinegar 9%. . . Moisten your nails with acetic acid overnight and put on your socks. Leave until morning. You can also do baths. Pour a glass of vinegar into a bowl of warm water and simmer your nails for 15 minutes. All procedures should be performed daily until the symptoms of the fungus subside.
- Birch tar. . . Onychomycosis requires a clean tar. If not, tar soap will do. The product should be rubbed into the nails, fixed with compression and left overnight. Rinse in the morning. And so every day until full recovery.
- Bloodweed. . . Boil dry grass with 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then mix with water 1: 1. Keep your fingers in the resulting solution for 30 minutes. Do it daily.
- Onionskin. . . 4 tablespoons. l. pour onion peel with a glass of vodka, cover with a lid and leave to infuse for 2 weeks in a dark place. The resulting tincture should be applied to the nails 4 times a day.
- Lavender oil, tea tree oil and olive oil.Mix in equal proportions, apply the composition to the affected nail plate. You should use this home remedy every day before going to bed in socks.
Although you can find many positive opinions about the use of these folk remedies across the network, their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. If you exercise them, they are only in addition to medication. Of course, the doctor should be warned about this.
Onichomycosis is a fungal nail disease that is difficult to get rid of. Only an integrated approach to therapy can achieve a positive result. You should not play a "doctor" and make a treatment plan for yourself. Most medications are contraindicated and can cause side effects. The best way to treat a fungus can only be recommended by a specialist. The drugs and analogs described above are useful in the treatment of onychomycosis that occurs not only on the feet but also on the fingers of the hand.