If the nails change color, split and peel, this indicates the development of onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail plates.When the first signs of the disease appear, its development can be stopped with the help of ointments and drops against nail fungus;advanced stages cannot be cured by external means.
Selection of fungicide preparations
When choosing antifungal drugs (fungicides), first of all, consider the type of fungus that affected the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis are dermatophytes of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.Only laboratory testing of a nail scraping can accurately determine the pathogen.
A nail with a fungal infection changes color and yellow, brown or gray spots appear on it.The nail plate can become abnormally thick, lose its shine and become deformed.For an 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.
Popular fungicidal preparations include drops against nail fungus on toes and hands - these products do not leave greasy marks on the skin and clothing, are quickly absorbed and have high therapeutic activity.Most modern antifungal drops can fight several types of onychomycosis, so laboratory tests are not required before using these products, and drugs can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops against fungus
Patients and doctors have several requirements when it comes to antifungal drops, the first being safety.Treatment of onychomycosis lasts three months or more, so medicinal substances included in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicide drops is a wide spectrum of action.The active components should not only destroy several varieties of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also stop the proliferation of their spores (this ability is called 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 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 for the treatment of onychomycosis;they are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, drops are used in parallel with other medications to prevent the spread of mycotic lesions to the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to combat nail fungus, but patients may experience certain difficulties when using them.This is due to the fact that the source of infection is under the nail plate, where it is very difficult to reach.
In order for the drug to reach the target, the patient must adhere to certain recommendations when using fungicidal drops.
Rules for using 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 cleaning, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edge of the nail plate is cut, the surface is cleaned with a nail file.
- Drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Make sure to treat healthy skin around the damaged nail.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissues, you should consult a doctor - the drops may no longer be useful and the nail will have to be removed.In case of serious fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal drugs.Treatment for onychomycosis can take several years;it is impossible to cope with certain types of diseases without the help of a specialist.
Onychomycosis prevention
Nail fungus can easily become infected in public places - baths, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related changes.In older people, 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, you should follow these preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear other people's slippers.
- Use only your own towel.
- Have your own nail file if a family member has onychomycosis.
- After visiting water parks and swimming pools, use antifungal agents for preventive purposes.
- Strengthen immunity.
Without proper treatment, onychomycosis leads to the destruction of the nail plate;The earlier antifungal treatment is started, the greater the chances of maintaining the beauty and health of the nails.