If the nails become discolored, 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 using ointments and drops for nail fungus.Advanced stages cannot be cured with external means.
Selection of fungicidal preparations
When choosing antifungal (fungicidal) drugs, first consider the type of fungus that has affected the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophytes of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.Only a laboratory examination of a nail scrape can accurately determine the pathogen.
A nail affected by a fungal infection changes color and yellow, brown or gray spots appear on it.The nail plate can become unnaturally thick, lose its shine and deform.With 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 active ingredients act directly on the affected area and effectively destroy mold and its spores.
Popular fungicidal preparations are drops for nail fungus on toes and hands - these products do not leave greasy marks on the skin and clothing, are quickly absorbed and have a high therapeutic effect.Most modern antifungal drops can combat several types of onychomycosis, so laboratory tests are not required before using these products and the drugs can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops against fungi
Patients and physicians have several requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.Treatment of onychomycosis lasts three months or more, so the drugs included in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicidal drops is a broad spectrum of action.The active ingredients must not only destroy several types of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also stop the reproduction 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 an important selection criterion.
You shouldn't self-medicate;A specialist will select the most suitable drops for treating toenail fungus based on the test results.
Some are not used to treat 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 on the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective method of combating nail fungus, but patients may experience some difficulties when using them.This is because the source of infection is under the nail plate and is therefore very difficult to reach.
In order for the drug to achieve its goal, the patient must follow some recommendations when using fungicidal drops.
Rules for using liquid antifungal drugs:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, feet and hands are steamed, dead epidermis and affected nail areas are cleaned.
- After cleaning, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edge of the nail plate is trimmed, the surface is cleaned with a nail file.
- Drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Be sure to treat the healthy skin around the damaged nail.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissue, you need to see a doctor - the drops may no longer help and the nail will have to be removed.For severe fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal medication.Treatment for onychomycosis can take several years;Some types of the disease cannot be coped with without the help of a specialist.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily become infected in public places - in bathrooms, 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 fungal infection, you must follow the following preventive measures:
- Do not go barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear other people's slippers.
- Use only your own towel.
- Have your own nail file handy if anyone in the family has onychomycosis.
- Use antifungal medications as a preventive measure after visiting water parks and swimming pools.
- Strengthen immunity.
Without appropriate treatment, onychomycosis leads to the destruction of the nail plate;The earlier antifungal therapy is started, the greater the chance of maintaining the beauty and health of the nails.