The question of how to cure nail fungus is asked by many, but not everyone chooses the right solution for this problem and turns exclusively to traditional medicine. The use of homemade products can sometimes be useful, but it is better to trust specialists and not to experiment with your own health.
Another misconception is the assumption that nail fungus is not a serious disease that needs to be treated immediately, but it is far from it. The fungus or onychomycosis manifests itself in connection with the spread of bacteria on the horny plaque and if they do not prevent their spread, the infection enters all surrounding tissues and the body. In this case, you will need to decide not when the nail fungus should be cured, but how to save the limb and overall health.
How does the fungus manifest itself
In the early stages it is much easier to treat the infection. It is possible to dispense with the use of special therapeutic agents and prevent the destruction of the nail, resulting in the complete or partial removal of the horny plaque.
In principle, anyone who takes care of their feet and regularly takes care of their toes can detect a fungal infection. This is evidenced by the following signs:
- The appearance of areas that differ from the natural color of the nail. What the changes will be depends on the type of infection. These can be light stripes or brown and yellow "dots". There is a probability of the formation of other shades, which should be a reason to find out the reason for the appearance of such changes;
- Fragility. If the nail is crumbling, flaking, then most likely it is time to decide how to cure nail fungus. In some cases, brittle nails are caused by other diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and poor nutrition. Therefore, in any case, a specialist consultation will not hurt;
- Deformation of the horny plaque. The growth of bacteria, the absence of treatment leads to significant changes in the nail, it is visibly deformed. Not only the appearance of the foot worsens, but there is also discomfort when walking with shoes on;
- Itching, pain in the affected area;
- Bad smell. It is highly undesirable to bring the condition of the nails to the stage when a specific odor is already emitted, there are signs of suppuration, an inflammatory process. Such symptoms may already indicate not only that it is time to cure nail fungus, but also to take measures to save the body from the spread of infection.
The signs have different manifestations depending on the development of the nail disease, which has led to the appropriate classification of fungal lesions:
- 1st step. A first degree, which can only be detected by a very attentive person or a specialist dermatologist. Minor color changes, slight itching are possible;
- Stage II. The nail may be deformed, the color changes, the stratum corneum is partially destroyed. It is still possible to cure nail fungus without surgery, but delay will only make the situation worse;
- III stage. It is considered to be one of the advanced degrees of fungal infection. It is no longer necessary to treat only the nail, but possibly the surrounding tissues, as well as the root itself, because at this stage the infection is very deep. Various inflammations, suppurations, etc. can become concomitant factors. It is very dangerous to bring the condition of the legs to such an advanced stage, since the treatment will require significant physical and financial costs, and there is no guarantee that the restored nail will be uniform.
What can be the treatment of a fungus on the feet
Modern drugs in the market of medical products for various types of infections allow the fungus to be effectively treated at home. Depending on the stage, type and extent of infection, it is possible to choose the optimal drug.
In addition, some drugs have a complex effect, their use allows you not only to solve the problem of healing nail fungus, but also to stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate healing.
Among the many drugs that are actively advertised, have positive reviews or are simply recommended for nail diseases, the following subgroups can be distinguished:
- Fortunate. It is recommended to use varnish as an additional treatment, for example, during a period when it is not possible to use an ointment, compress or other external means. There are varnishes that contribute to the gradual exfoliation of the affected area, which is necessary for better penetration of the active compounds to destroy the infection. The main advantage of varnishes is the ability to mask the fungus, since decorative varnish can be temporarily applied over medicinal varnish. Critics of such solutions are contradictory; it is not recommended to use varnish at advanced stages;
- Drops. Solutions are applied to the cleaned nail, or even after removing it, so that the active compounds get into the site of infection. Prescribed in combination with other drugs, if there is significant damage to the nail
- Ointments and creams. The most diverse assortment of drugs consists of special ointments and creams. They differ not only in efficiency, complexity of action, but also in price. Within the scope of each drug, the active ingredients, strength and possible side effects are indicated. Since bacteria that differ in types of action (yeast, dermatophytes) can cause the fungus, the methods for treating them should be chosen accordingly. There are ointments and creams with a complex action, that is, their use is allowed for various infections. In addition to blocking the spread of infection, the ointment can help with better healing. The purpose of these drugs is varied, from the fact that it is advisable to use them to remove the nail, and ending with the usual prevention. In this regard, it is better to consult a specialist before use, consult reviews, carefully read the instructions in order to get rid of the fungus in the near future;
- Dressings. They are mainly used for partial or complete nail removal. With advanced stages, such a procedure is necessary, since it is impossible to restore a diseased nail. The patch is impregnated with special substances that slowly dissolve the stratum corneum affected by the infection. After several applications, it is enough to clean the nail from the exfoliated particles and apply a medicinal ointment. All of this is easy to do at home;
- Oral preparations. If the infection has spread not only to a nail, but there is a risk of infection entering the body, it is advisable to use special drugs. In practice, such treatment is mainly prescribed in stage III. In addition to antifungal suspensions or tablets, a vitamin-mineral complex can be prescribed to maintain the functions of the whole body, improve the properties of immunity.
In addition to home treatment, you can use materials to get rid of the fungus. These include laser therapy, cosmetic procedures combined with the application of solutions to remove the source of infection, restore the nail in a natural way.
You can choose a drug for the treatment of fungus that has appeared on the nails yourself. This is facilitated by the media, advertising in pharmacies, advice from a pharmacist, reviews on the Internet. In order not to be mistaken, the best option is to consult a doctor. But even in this case, you can ask about alternative treatment, since there are funds of a similar composition, but significantly different in cost, a complex of action on the disease.
If the drug is chosen correctly, the improvements will be noticeable after some time. When pulsation, redness appears, onychomycosis is already progressing in other areas, an unpleasant smell becomes noticeable, then you should immediately contact a specialist. With such phenomena, continued self-medication can be dangerous.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail fungus
A few decades ago, there were no universal remedies for the complex treatment of a fungus, there was no way to find reviews of drugs, then the recipes of traditional medicine were mainly used. Iodine was particularly popular, which remains an excellent preventive solution against the spread of infections of various origins. Some of the most common methods of curing yeast infection at home are:
- Hot baths. Solutions are prepared with a variety of components, but their action is primarily aimed at softening the affected area and disinfecting it. A good effect can be achieved with a bath of sea salt, diluted vinegar, celandine, weak potassium permanganate. Each of the options has a certain effect, there is a possibility of allergic reactions. Often, after such procedures, it is recommended to clean the nail mechanically (with a special brush, pumice stone), apply iodine or a special medical antifungal drug;
- The vinegar. It is believed that a vinegar solution is well resistant to such lesions, the main thing is to dilute the suspension in the right proportions and not to burn the already injured tissue;
- Compresses. A variety of products are used for such procedures. It is a baking powder diluted with water, potatoes, garlic, chopped onions, aloe leaves, mouthwash, rowan, etc. When doing such experiences, you need to understand a number of serious consequences, including acquired allergy, burns, or the most harmless result - no effect;
- Essential oils, herbal decoctions. Essential oil, especially tea tree oil, is a natural antiseptic. It can be used during the treatment period, as well as as a preventive or cosmetic treatment of the feet. Marjoram, eucalyptus oil is also used;
- Salicylic acid can be used to fight onychomycosis, but mainly in the early stages of lesion development.
The feasibility of using self-prepared medications at home is controversial. Since for some such treatment is successfully completed, while for others it leads to a prolonged recovery not only of the nail, but also of health in general.
How to prevent nail fungus or how not to infect others
Knowledge of certain rules will help reduce the risk of an unpleasant infection of the nails, as well as protect relatives and other people from infection, if the question of how to treat yeast infection is already being decided.
The basic rules for protection against fungus and prevention include:
- Regular hygiene, individual washing facilities;
- Use of special slippers in public places (saunas, swimming pools);
- Strengthen the immune system. The weakened body is not able to fight the infection and the infection spreads;
- Periodic cleaning and disinfection of shoes, especially if the feet sweat often;
- The cleanliness of the stockings, they should be changed every day, preference should be given to natural fabrics;
- Thoroughly wipe your feet after water procedures, high humidity provokes the development of fungus;
- Use only your own shoes, clothes;
- Periodic disinfection of tools for a pedicure or manicure and, of course, only their individual use. If we compare professional offices, special sterilizers are used for these purposes;
- Good foot care. It is necessary not only to regularly clean the feet with special devices, but also to nourish the skin of the feet and nails. If possible, you should visit beauty salons where professional nail treatment, additional nutrition of horny plaques and skin is carried out.
These simple rules, precision and attention to your health will help protect you from other problems associated with the treatment of yeast infection. Similar rules should be followed if the disease is already being treated. This will help prevent other people from getting infected and speed up the healing process.
If a fungus infection has occurred, it may not appear immediately, sometimes after several months. It is important to timely detect the formation of a focus of infection and take measures that will help maintain the health and beauty of the legs.