Faded, pitted and uneven nails are common symptoms for people suffering from onychomycosis, a fungal nail disease. It is not easy to get rid of the fungus under the nails: in many cases, the treatment is complicated by polymycosis (simultaneous defeat of several varieties of the fungus), high resistance of the pathogen, the entry of fungi into the bloodstream and lymphatic tract . Are there any chances of getting rid of nail fungus forever? Yup! It is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Traditional treatments for nail fungus
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. At first, the infection affects only the edge of one nail and then the entire nail. If left untreated, there is the possibility of damage and complete detachment of the nail plates on all fingers. It is much more difficult to cure an advanced disease than an early one.
Therapeutic nail polishes
In the very first stage of onychomycosis, when the nail plate or its edge has changed color, the disease makes itself felt by thickening and keratinization of the nail: it becomes dense, begins to flake and crumble. Immediately after these symptoms are detected, you should see a doctor. At the initial stage, therapeutic paints related to local therapy are successfully used to combat the fungus. Before starting the procedures, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to identify a specific pathogen.
To increase the therapeutic effect, before the procedure of applying the varnish, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate by mechanical methods. It is necessary to carefully remove the keratinized layers affected by the fungus in order not to injure the diseased nail. Medicinal paints, which penetrate deep into the tissues, contribute to the rapid destruction of the causative agent of onychomyosis. To increase the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to regularly treat the nails with varnish, until they are completely healed.
In addition to the nails, fungi often affect the skin of the feet and palms of the hands. This is evidenced by symptoms such as burning, itching, a specific smell. Therefore, simultaneously with therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of the feet with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
As an effective treatment for nail fungus, especially in its early stages, creams and ointments have proven themselves well. Unlike varnish, creams and ointments are easily wiped off 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 medicine will not have time to penetrate deep into the nail. nail affected nail. To enhance the effect, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate with a file so that the active substance penetrates deeper into the nail.
Tablets
If the fungus has affected more than 3 fingers or the disease is at an advanced stage, doctors prescribe oral antifungal tablets. Taking 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 a break. For the treatment of fingers, 2 cycles are required, toes - 3 cycles.
To increase the effect of tablets, it is better to combine their intake with local treatment with paints or creams. This combination therapy promotes rapid recovery. To reduce the harmful effects of pills on the liver, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotectors. At the same time, measures should be taken to prevent secondary infection: treating shoes and other things with antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies for getting 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 the fungus on the nails. Doctors advise against abusing self-medication - if you start the disease, it will be much more difficult to get rid of the fungus. The effectiveness of the following natural-based products has been proven: propolis tinctures, iodine, vinegar baths, etc. Such folk recipes are popular:
- Apple cider vinegar applications. Mix apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 1. Moisten a cotton swab with the resulting mixture, fix it on the affected area with adhesive tape. The disk must be stored for 3-4 hours, the procedure is carried out daily until complete recovery.
- Apple cider vinegar baths. Dilute 1 liter of vinegar in 3 liters of warm water, add a little potassium permanganate. The bath is taken every day for 30 minutes.
- Tincture of propolis. Moisten a cotton swab with dye, wipe your nails with it several times a day, both sick and healthy.
- Tea tree oil. Lubricate the affected nails with oil. The procedure is carried out several times a day.
- Tincture of propolis. Moisten a cotton swab with 20% propolis tincture, apply it to the affected area for several hours. The procedure is done daily, until a healthy nail plate grows.
- Iodine. Clean the nail plate from keratinized layers, apply iodine solution. It is recommended to treat healthy nails, skin near the fingers. If you feel a burning sensation after applying the solution, you need to dilute it. The solution is applied daily until complete healing.
- Tincture of celandine. Dilute the infusion of celandine in a ratio of 1 to 1. Dip your fingers in a bath with a solution, keep for 20-25 minutes. The course of treatment lasts 20 days.
How to prevent fungus: advice from a dermatologist
A fungal infection that requires careful and qualified treatment becomes 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 family, it is necessary to observe all preventive measures: do not wear someone else's shoes, wipe every day with drugs that destroy fungi. Dermatologists give the following recommendations for preventing fungal infections:
- When visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools and other public places where people walk barefoot, always wear your change of shoes, preferably closed.
- After visiting these places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between the toes.
- If your feet sweat, use talcum powder or deodorants.
- Try to comply with hygiene requirements, change your socks every day.
- Don't wear someone else's and tight shoes.
- When you try on new shoes in the store, put on new socks.