Toenail fungal disease can occur for a variety of reasons. Onychomycosis is fraught with many problems, ranging from an unpleasant appearance to a constant feeling of pain and itching. It is very easy to take, but not that easy to take care of. In this article we will talk about effective medications for toenail fungus.
About onychomycosis
Fungal diseases are of infectious origin and usually affect certain areas of the nails and skin. Onychomycosis can be contracted in family contact, that is, after the general use of socks, shoes, as well as in the pool, sauna, gym, and so on.
Toenail fungus symptoms come on gradually. The first signs can be noticed immediately:
- nails change color: they become gray, yellow, black, gray or white;
- begin to crumble;
- the plate is delaminated;
- the skin near the nail begins to itch;
- the affected areas hurt.
With the progression of the disease, keratinization of the nail and pronounced compaction are observed.
Those who treat the fungus should know that this infection is highly resistant. Even if the injury led to the removal of the nail, there is a possibility that repeated inflammation could develop from a small fire, which went unnoticed. Therefore, it is very important to carry out the treatment correctly so that in the future you do not worry about the consequences in the form of relapses. It is best to immediately consult a doctor, especially a mycologist. If there is no such specialist, a dermatologist can help you.
There are various treatments for nail fungus. Today in pharmacies you can find many preparations for toenail fungus - ointments, creams, tablets and varnishes. Doctors recommend doing oral medications and topical therapy at the same time. Then the treatment will be the most complete, as well as complex. It should be borne in mind that therapy will take a long time - about 2-4 months.
Nail fungus medication
The treatment regimen must be selected by the doctor. Self-medication is not worth it, since improper use of drugs can provoke the development of resistance to them in fungal agents, as well as lead to further progression of the disease. In addition, antifungal drugs are quite "strong" and have a number of contraindications. A wide range of drugs are used against onychomycosis:
- topical medications (creams, ointments, solutions, varnishes);
- medicines for oral administration (tablets, capsules).
Topical preparations
They are a medicine for external use against fungi. They are prescribed in the initial stage of onychomycosis, that is, when the fungus has infected less than 30% of the nail surface on 1-2 fingers.
The use of these medicines is associated with some peculiarities. In order for the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the structure of the nail and have a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to go through 2 stages:
- Removal of areas of the nail plate affected by the fungus. To do this, you need to steam your nails in a sodium soap solution for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove the softened top layer with a file and treat it with a disinfectant. The solution is prepared simply: add 1 tablespoon to 2 liters of water. L. baking soda and 5 g of laundry soap.
- Treatment with an antifungal fungicide preparation. Apply a remedy (ointment, gel, varnish) on the affected nail.
An antifungal drug in the form of a paint is popular. It should be applied to the affected area of the nail only 2 times a week. The course of treatment is up to the complete disappearance of the symptoms of onychomycosis.
Keratolics must also be distinguished among local preparations. It is a painless and inexpensive alternative to removing the affected nail hardware. With the help of these funds, you can soften the stratum corneum of the nail plate, which is subsequently rejected. These drugs should be used when the area of the fungus is greater than 40%. The method of application looks like this:
- steam your feet in a solution of soda and soap;
- sand the surface of the plate with a file;
- grease abundantly with the selected composition;
- cover the treated area with adhesive tape.
Such actions must be performed every 3-4 days. As a result, healthy nails should grow in place of diseased nails.
Oral medications
These are nail fungus medications, available in tablets or capsules for oral administration. These remedies for treatment are prescribed in advanced cases, when the fungus has infected more than 50% of the nail surface and is actively progressing further.
Oral medications for mushrooms are toxic and have many contraindications. In particular, they should not be drunk during pregnancy, lactation, kidney and liver diseases. To reduce the risk of side effects, such drugs are prescribed for short courses.
It is highly recommended that you check your medication dosage and course of treatment with your doctor. All cases are individual.
Folk remedies against nail fungus
Folk recipes against onychomycosis on toenails can help only in the initial stage of the disease. Antifungal properties are inherent in many plants, improvised remedies from the home first aid kit and the refrigerator.
The following folk remedies are popular:
- Iodine.It possesses pronounced antiseptic and fungicidal properties. The solution should be used to treat diseased nails and skin twice a day (1 drop per nail). Course: month. True, this method has disadvantages - the fingers turn yellow, sometimes a burn can occur.
- Tea mushrooms. . . Peel a piece of mushroom and chop it. Rub the gruel on the affected nails, do not rinse. Then, apply a bactericidal patch and wear tight socks. The procedure must be done three times until the diseased nail plate falls off and a new nail grows.
- Vinegar 9%. . . Wet your nails with acetic acid overnight and put on socks. Leave it until morning. You can also take a bath. Pour a glass of vinegar into a bowl of warm water and steam your nails for 15 minutes. Each procedure should be done daily until the symptoms of the fungus have subsided.
- Birch tar. . . With nail fungus, you need pure tar. If it isn't, then tar soap will do. The product should be rubbed into the nails, fixed with a compress and left overnight. Rinse in the morning. And so every day until full recovery.
- Celandine. . . Prepare the dry herb with 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then mix with water in a 1: 1 ratio. Keep your fingers in the resulting solution for 30 minutes. Do it every day.
- Onion peel. . . 4 tbsp. L. pour the onion skins with a glass of vodka, cover with a lid and leave to infuse in the dark for 2 weeks. The resulting tincture must be lubricated with 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. It is necessary to use this home remedy every day before going to bed, wearing socks.
Although many positive reviews about the use of these folk remedies can be found in the vastness of the network, their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. If you practice them, only in addition to drug treatment. Of course, the doctor should be warned about this.
Onychomycosis is a fungal nail disease that is difficult to get rid of. Only with an integrated approach to therapy is it possible to achieve a positive result. You shouldn't play "doctor" and come up with a treatment plan for yourself. Most drugs are contraindicated and can cause side effects. The best way to treat the fungus can only be suggested by a specialist. The medicines described above and their analogues are suitable for the treatment of onychomycosis that occurs on the fingers not only of the feet, but also of the hands.