Faded, pitted, and bumpy nails are common symptoms for people suffering from onychomycosis, a nail fungus disease. It is not easy to get rid of the fungus under the nails: in many cases, treatment is complicated by polymycosis (simultaneous fight against several types of fungi), the high resistance of the pathogen, the penetration of fungi into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Are there any chances to get rid of onychomycosis forever? Yes there is! You must consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Traditional treatments for onychomycosis
It is better to start fighting the fungus as soon as the problem is discovered, before the pathogen has managed to hit the nails on all toes and fingers. Initially, the infection affects just the edge of a nail, and then the entire nail. If left untreated, there is a possibility of damage and complete detachment of the nail plates on all fingers. It is much more difficult to treat a disease at an advanced stage than at an early stage.
Therapeutic nail polishes
At the very first stage of onychomycosis, when the nail plate or its edge has changed color, the disease is manifested by thickening and keratinization of the nail: it becomes thick, begins to peel and crumble. Immediately after detecting these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. At the initial stage, therapeutic varnishes are successfully used in connection with local therapy to combat the fungus. Before starting the procedures, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to identify a specific pathogen.
To increase the therapeutic effect, before applying varnish, it is necessary to mechanically remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate. It is necessary to carefully remove the horny 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 healed.
In addition to the nail plates, fungi often affect the skin of the feet and palms. This is manifested by such symptoms as burning, itching, a specific smell. Therefore, at the same time as therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of feet with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
Creams and ointments have proven to be effective treatments for nail fungus, especially in the early stages. Unlike varnishes, creams and ointments are easily removed from the nail surface, so you need to ensure that the nail plate is covered with the active substance for a long time, otherwise the medicine will not have time to penetrate deep into the cuticle affected nails. In order to increase the effect, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized 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 in an advanced stage, the doctor prescribes oral antifungal tablets. Taking such drugs should be as directed by a doctor and under his supervision: drugs of this group are toxic, which have a negative effect on internal organs. Such drugs are taken in cycles with a break. For the treatment of fingers, 2 cycles are required, toes of the feet - 3 cycles.
To enhance the effect of tablets, it is better to combine their intake with local treatment with varnish or creams. This combination therapy promotes a speedy 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 for eliminating nail fungus
Many are interested in the question: is it possible to get rid of nail fungus with folk methods? The answer is positive: in some cases, folk methods can get rid of the fungus on the nails. Doctors do not recommend abusing self-medication: when you start the disease, getting rid of the fungus becomes much more difficult. The effectiveness of the following natural products has been proven: propolis tinctures, iodine, vinegar baths, etc. Such popular recipes are popular:
- Applications based on apple cider vinegar. Mix apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil in a 1 to 1 ratio. Moisten a cotton pad with the resulting mixture and attach it to the affected area with tape. The disk should be kept for 3-4 hours, the procedure is carried out daily until complete recovery.
- Baths based on apple cider vinegar. Dilute 1 liter of vinegar in 3 liters of warm water, add a little potassium permanganate. The bath is taken daily for 30 minutes.
- Propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton pad with tincture, wipe the nails with it several times a day - both sick and healthy.
- tea tree oil. Lubricate the affected nails with oil. The procedure is performed several times a day.
- Propolis tincture. Dampen a cotton pad with 20% propolis tincture and apply to the affected area for several hours. The procedure is carried out daily until the growth of a healthy nail plate.
- Iodine. Clean the nail plate from the keratinized layers, apply an iodine solution. It is recommended to treat healthy nails and skin near the fingers. If a burning sensation is felt after applying the solution, it must be diluted. The solution is applied daily until complete healing.
- Tincture of celandine. Dilute the infusion of celandine in a 1 to 1 ratio. Dip your fingers in a bath with a solution and hold for 20-25 minutes. The duration of treatment is 20 days.
How to prevent fungus: advice from a dermatologist
A fungal infection that requires careful and expert treatment will come as an unpleasant surprise. At risk are people who visit public places: baths, saunas, swimming pools, who are in contact with people suffering from fungal diseases. If there are patients in the household, then all preventive measures must be observed: do not wear someone else's shoes, wipe daily with drugs that destroy fungi. Dermatologists give the following recommendations to prevent fungal infection:
- Always wear your own change of shoes, preferably closed ones, when visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools and other public places where people walk barefoot.
- After visiting such places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between your toes.
- If your feet sweat, use talcum powder or deodorant.
- Try to follow hygiene rules, change socks daily.
- Do not wear unfamiliar and tight shoes.
- If you try on new shoes in the store, wear new socks.