If the nails change color, split and peel, this indicates the development of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails.When the first signs of the disease appear, its development can be stopped using ointments and drops for nail fungus;advanced stages cannot be treated by external means.
Selection of fungicidal preparations
When choosing antifungal drugs (fungicides), first of all, take into account the type of fungus that has affected the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis are dermatophytes of the Trychophyton genus, followed by fungi of the Epidermophyton genus.Only laboratory tests performed on nail scrapings can accurately determine the pathogen.
A nail affected by a fungal infection changes color and yellow, brown or gray spots appear on it.The nail plate can become unnaturally thick, lose its shine and become deformed.For the initial fungal infection, external agents are used: ointments or drops.The advantage of these dosage forms over drugs for internal use is the absence of toxic effects on the liver and other organs.External agents act directly on the affected area, effectively destroying mold and its spores.
The most popular fungicidal preparations include drops against nail fungus on the toes and hands: these products do not leave greasy traces on the skin and clothes, are quickly absorbed and have high therapeutic activity.Most modern antifungal drops can fight different types of onychomycosis, so laboratory tests are not needed before using these products, and the drugs can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription.
The best drops for mushrooms
Patients and doctors have different requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.Treatment of onychomycosis lasts for three months or more, so the medicinal substances included in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicidal drops is a broad spectrum of action.The active components must not only destroy several varieties of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also stop the proliferation 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 most important selection criteria.
You should not self-medicate;a specialist will select the most suitable drops for treating toenail fungus based on the test results.
Some are not used to treat onychomycosis;are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, the drops are used along with other medications to prevent the spread of fungal lesions to the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to fight nail fungus, but patients may encounter 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 achieve the goal, the patient must adhere to certain recommendations when using fungicidal drops.
Rules for the use of liquid antifungal agents:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, the feet and hands are steamed, the dead epidermis and the affected areas of the nail are cleaned.
- After cleansing, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edge of the nail plate is cut, the surface is cleaned with a nail file.
- The drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Be sure to treat the healthy skin around the damaged nail.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissue, you need to consult a doctor - the drops may no longer help and the nail will have to be removed.For severe fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal drugs.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years;it is impossible to cope with some types of diseases without the help of a specialist.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily infect in public places: bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related changes: in older adults, immunity decreases, so dermatophytes easily settle on the nail plate, and the person becomes a source of infection for his family.
To prevent nail fungus infection, you need to follow these preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear other people's slippers.
- Use only your own towel.
- Carry a nail file with you if anyone in your family suffers from onychomycosis.
- After visiting water parks and swimming pools, use antifungal agents for preventive purposes.
- Strengthen immunity.
Without adequate treatment, onychomycosis leads to the destruction of the nail plate;the earlier antifungal therapy is started, the greater the chances of maintaining the beauty and health of the nails.