Faded, pitted, and bumpy nails are common symptoms in people with onychomycosis, a fungal nail disease. It is not easy to get rid of the fungus under the nails: in many cases, treatment is complicated by polymycosis (simultaneous defeat by several varieties of fungi), high resistance of the pathogen, entry offungi in the blood and lymphatic pathway. Are there any chances to get rid of onychomycosis permanently? Yes I have! You should consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Traditional treatments for onychomycosis
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 affect the nails of all the toes and fingers. At first, the infection only affects the edge of a nail, then the entire nail. If left untreated, there is a risk of damage and complete detachment of the nail plates of all fingers. It is much more difficult to treat a disease at an advanced stage than at an early stage.
Therapeutic nail polish
At 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 thick, begins to peel and peel off. crumble. Immediately after detecting these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. At the initial stage, therapeutic varnishes related to local therapy are successfully used to combat the fungus. Before starting the procedures, it is necessary to conduct an analysis in order to identify a specific pathogen.
To increase the therapeutic effect, before the varnish application procedure, it is necessary to remove the keratinized upper layers of the nail plate by mechanical methods. It is necessary to carefully remove the keratinized layers affected by the fungus so as not to injure the diseased nail. Medicinal varnishes, penetrating 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 cured.
In addition to the nail plates, fungus often affects the skin of the feet and palms. This is expressed in symptoms such as burning, itching, a specific smell. Therefore, simultaneously with treatment, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of 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. Unlike varnish, creams and ointments are easily wiped off the surface of the nail, so you need to make sure that the nail plate is covered with the active substance for a long time, otherwise the drug will not have thetime to penetrate deep into the affected nails. To enhance the effect, it is necessary to remove the keratinized upper 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 under the guidance of a doctor and under his supervision: drugs of this group are toxic and have a negative effect on internal organs. These drugs are taken in cycles with a break. For the treatment of fingers, 2 cycles are required, toes of the feet - 3 cycles.
To increase the effect of tablets, it is better to combine their intake with local treatment with varnishes 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 - to treat shoes and other things with antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies to get 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, traditional methods can eliminate the fungus on the nails. Doctors do not recommend 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 products of natural origin has been proven: propolis tinctures, iodine baths, vinegar. . . These popular recipes are popular:
- Apple cider vinegar applications. Mix apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 1. Moisten a cotton ball with the resulting mixture, attach it to the affected area with adhesive tape. The disc should be kept 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 daily for 30 minutes.
- Tincture of propolis. Moisten a cotton ball with tincture, wipe the nails 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 ball with 20% propolis tincture, apply it to the affected area for several hours. The procedure is carried out 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 a burning sensation is felt after applying the solution, it should be diluted. The solution is applied daily until complete healing.
- Celandine tincture. 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 cure 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 frequent public places: baths, saunas, swimming pools, who are in contact with people with fungal diseases. If there are patients in the household, all preventive measures should be observed: do not wear someone else's shoes, wipe them daily with drugs that destroy fungi. Dermatologists give the following recommendations to prevent fungal infections:
- When visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools and other public places where people walk barefoot, always wear your own spare shoes, preferably closed shoes.
- After visiting such places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between the toes.
- If your feet sweat, use talcum powder or deodorants.
- Try to observe hygiene requirements, change socks every day.
- Don't wear someone else's shoes and tight.
- When trying on new shoes in the store, wear new socks.