How to get rid of toenail fungus. Which antifungal drugs are most effective? Medicines for external and oral use. Let's consider everything in more detail.
Toenail and fingernail fungus is a common and intractable infectious disease caused by pathogenic fungal spores. Most often, the skin of the feet and the nails of the toes and hands are infected. The most effective treatment is in the early stages of the disease, when the area and depth of the infection are small.
When the first signs of damage are detected (itching, redness of the skin, thickening and layering of the nails), it is necessary to start treating the disease immediately. Modern medicine offers a wide range of effective drugs designed to combat various types of nail fungus: antifungal varnishes, solutions, sprays, effective ointments and oral agents.
Antifungal drugs are selected by a specialist.
The most effective drugs for nail fungus
The pharmaceutical industry provides consumers with a wide variety of effective antifungal agents. But in each individual case, a doctor's consultation is necessary, since only a specialist can correctly determine the type and extent of the spread of the fungal infection.
In addition, antifungal agents (both for local use and for internal use) are powerful antibiotics and have a number of side effects and contraindications. Self-medication, misdiagnosis can aggravate the course of the disease, lead to the development of resistance of various forms of fungi to drugs and even greater progression of infection.
Modern remedies for the treatment of nail fungus have a fungicidal and fungistatic effect, that is, they not only completely destroy the fungus, but also stop the further development and growth of fungal cells, thereby providing a long-term positive effect of treatment.
Often the feet and nails are affected by fungal infections, which include different types of fungi and bacteria. In this case, a good treatment effect can be achieved by alternating external antifungal agents in combination with oral drugs.
Highly effective agents have a broad-spectrum antifungal effect, which allows them to be used for the treatment of nail fungus caused by various types of fungal infection.
Varnishes against nail fungus
If you start the treatment of mycosis on time, when the damage to the nails is not too common, you can achieve a positive effect with local treatment means - antifungal varnishes and solutions against nail fungus.
Antifungal varnishes have a very effective antifungal effect, they penetrate well into the structure of the nail, the effect inside the affected tissues continues even 7-10 days after application. The concentration in the body is negligible after prolonged use. Effective for nail damage no more than 2/3.
Antifungal drugs for external use
If the fungus has infected not only the nails, but also the skin of the feet or hands, it is recommended to apply topical creams and ointments on the affected areas, among which the most popular and effective are:
Creams or gels with the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride are effective. Drugs have an active fungicidal and fungistatic effect on a number of fungi: molds, dimorphites, dermatophytes, yeasts. The gels are absorbed faster and penetrate the skin better.
Oral antifungal drugs
The advanced stages of mycomycosis are difficult to treat and the use of external drugs alone is not enough. In such cases, it is necessary to use oral drugs, which very effectively affect the course of the disease, infect the fungus from the inside and prevent further development of the disease. A special positive result can be achieved by applying a complex treatment in the form of tablets and ointments.
In most cases, nail fungus pills can have a toxic effect on the human body, affecting the internal fat-containing organs: liver and kidneys. But, at the same time, these drugs have a powerful therapeutic effect, effectively destroy various types of fungi, contributing to a complete recovery. Therefore, all oral medications must be taken strictly as directed by a specialist doctor (mycologist), taking into account possible side effects.
Antifungal drugs should be taken with great care, strictly observing the dosage prescribed by the doctor and the duration of the course of treatment. If side effects appear, the drug should be stopped immediately and a doctor consulted. Patients with various disorders of renal and hepatic function should be taken with extreme caution.
The need to treat mycosis and its prevention
Fungal spores are very persistent, the affected areas are difficult to treat, the course can last from 2 to 4 months. Treatment should not be stopped, since even a small focus, under favorable conditions, gives rise to the development of a new infection. Even after complete recovery, it is necessary to follow the rules of hygiene, avoid contact with other people's shoes.
For preventive purposes, it is recommended to treat feet and shoes with antifungal sprays or other effective means, especially after visiting public places: swimming pools, saunas, beaches, showers in sports facilities.
Only comprehensive treatment in combination with preventive measures will help defeat the fungus forever.