The question of how to cure nail fungus is asked by many, but not everyone chooses the right solution to this problem and turns exclusively to traditional medicine. Using homemade products can sometimes be helpful, but it’s better to trust the experts and not 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 that is far from the case. Fungi or onychomycosis are manifested in connection with the spread of bacteria on the corneal plate and if they do not prevent their spread, the infection will penetrate into all surrounding tissues and into the body. In that case, you will have to decide not on how quickly the nail fungus should be cured, but on how to save the limb and overall health.
How the fungus manifests
In the initial stages, it is much easier to deal with the infection. It is possible to get rid of the use of special therapeutic agents and prevent the destruction of the nail, which leads to complete or partial removal of the corneal plate.
In principle, anyone who pays attention to the feet and regularly looks after the 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, yellow "dots". There is a likelihood of creating other nuances, which should be a reason to discover the reason for the appearance of such changes;
- Fragility. If the toenail crumbles, peels, then it is most likely time to decide how to cure the nail fungus. In some cases, brittle nails are caused by other diseases, vitamin deficiencies and poor nutrition, so in any case, expert consultation will not hurt;
- Deformation of the horny plate. The growth of bacteria, the absence of treatment leads to significant modifications of the nail, it is noticeably deformed. Not only does the appearance of the feet worsen, but there is also discomfort when walking in shoes;
- Itching, pain in the affected area;
- The stench. It is extremely undesirable to bring the condition of the nails to the phase when a certain smell is already released, 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 take steps to save the body from spreading the infection.
The signs have different manifestations, depending on the development of nail disease, which led to the appropriate classification of mycosis lesions:
- Phase 1. An initial degree that can only be detected by a very careful person or a dermatologist. Minor discoloration, slight itching possible;
- Phase II The nail can be deformed, the color changes, the stratum corneum is partially destroyed. There is still a chance that the fungus on the nails will heal without surgery, but a delay will only make the situation worse;
- Phase III. It is considered to be one of the advanced stages of fungal infection. It is no longer necessary to treat only the nail, but perhaps the surrounding tissues, as well as the root itself, because at this stage the infection is very deep. Various inflammations, fertilizations and so on can become accompanying factors. It is very dangerous to bring the condition of the feet into such an advanced stage, because 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 fungus on the feet
Modern medicines on the market of medical products against various types of infections allow effective treatment of fungi at home. Depending on the stage, type and extent of the infection, it is possible to choose the optimal drug.
In addition, certain drugs have a complex effect, their use allows you not only to solve the problem of how to cure nail fungus, but also how to stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate healing.
From many drugs that are actively advertised, have positive reviews or are simply recommended for nail diseases, the following subgroups can be distinguished:
- Lucky. It is recommended to use varnish as an additional treatment, for example, in the period when it is not possible to use ointment, dressing or other external means. There are varnishes that contribute to the gradual peeling of the affected area, which is necessary for better penetration of active compounds to destroy the infection. The main advantage of varnishes is the ability to mask the fungus, because a decorative varnish can be temporarily applied over the medicinal varnish. Reviews of such solutions are contradictory; the use of varnish in advanced stages is not recommended;
- Drops. The solutions are applied to the cleaned nail or even after removal, so that the active compounds penetrate the site of infection. It is prescribed together with other medications, if there is significant nail damage;
- Ointments and creams. The most diverse range of medications are ointments and special creams. They differ not only in efficiency, complexity of action, but also in price. The active ingredients, concentration and possible side effects are indicated as part of each drug. Since bacteria that differ in their types of action (yeast, dermatophytes) can cause fungi, methods of dealing with them must be chosen accordingly. There are ointments and creams of complex action, ie their use is allowed for various infections. In addition to blocking the spread of infection, ointment can help heal better. The purpose of such drugs is different, from the fact that it is desirable to use them to remove nails, and ends with the usual prevention. In this regard, before use it is better to visit a specialist, find out the reviews, carefully read the instructions to get rid of the fungus in the near future;
- Patches. They are mainly used for partial or complete nail removal. In the advanced stages, such a procedure is necessary, because it is impossible to restore the diseased nail. The patch is impregnated with special substances that slowly dissolve the stratum corneum affected by the infection. After a few applications, it is enough to clean the nail from peeling particles and apply a healing ointment. All of this is easy to do at home;
- Oral preparations. If the infection has spread not only to one nail, but there is a danger that the infection will enter the body, then it is advisable to use special medications. In practice, such treatment is generally prescribed in phase III. In addition to antifungal suspensions or tablets, a vitamin-mineral complex can be prescribed to maintain the functions of the whole body, improving the properties of immunity.
With home remedies, you can get rid of fungus and hardware. This includes laser therapy, cosmetic procedures combined with the application of solutions to remove the source of infection, restoring the nail in a natural way.
You can choose the medicine for the treatment of fungi that have appeared on the nails yourself. This is facilitated by the media, advertising in pharmacies, pharmacist advice, reviews on the Internet. In order not to make a mistake, the best option is to visit a doctor. But even in this case, you can ask about an alternative treatment, because there are funds with a similar composition, but significantly different in price, with a complex effect on the disease.
If the drug is chosen correctly, the improvements will be noticeable after a while. When there is pulsation, redness, onychomycosis progresses in other areas, the unpleasant odor becomes noticeable, then you should immediately contact a specialist. With such phenomena, further self-medication can be dangerous.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail fungus
A few decades ago, there were no universal medicines for the complex treatment of fungi, there was no way to find out reviews about medicines, and then recipes from traditional medicine were mostly used. Iodine was especially popular, which is still an excellent preventive solution against the spread of infections of various origins. The most common methods of treating mycosis at home are:
- Hot baths. Solutions are prepared with various components, but their action is mainly aimed at softening the affected area, disinfection. 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 mechanically clean the nail (with a special brush, blue), apply iodine or a special medical antifungal drug;
- Vinegar. It is believed that the vinegar solution copes well with such lesions, the main thing is to dilute the suspension in the right proportions and not to burn already injured tissue;
- Wraps. Various products are used for such procedures. This is a baking powder diluted with water, potatoes, garlic, chopped onion, aloe leaves, mouthwash, mountain ash and so on. When doing such experiments, you must understand a number of serious consequences, including acquired allergies, burns or the most innocuous result - no effect;
- Essential oils, herbal decoctions. The 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 foot treatment. Marjoram, eucalyptus oil is also used;
- Salicylic acid can be used to fight onychomycosis, but mainly in the initial stages of lesion development.
The feasibility of using self-medication at home is controversial. Because for some such treatment is successfully completed, while for others it leads to long-term recovery not only of the nail, but also of health in general.
Prevent nail fungus or how not to infect others
Knowing certain rules will help reduce the risk of unpleasant nail infection, as well as protect loved ones and other people from infection, if you are already deciding on the treatment of mycosis.
Basic rules for fungal protection and prevention include:
- Regular hygiene, individual washing machines;
- Use of special slippers in public places (saunas, swimming pools);
- Strengthening the immune system. The weakened body is unable to fight the infection and the infection spreads;
- Cleaning and periodic disinfection of shoes, especially if the feet often sweat in them;
- The cleanliness of socks, they should be changed daily, preference should be given to natural fabrics;
- Wipe your feet thoroughly after water treatments, high humidity causes the development of fungus;
- Use only your own shoes, clothes;
- Periodic disinfection of pedicure or manicure tools and, of course, only their individual use. If we compare professional offices, then special sterilizers are used for these purposes;
- Proper foot care. It is necessary not only to regularly clean the feet with special devices, but also to additionally nourish the skin of the feet and nails. If possible, visit beauty salons where professional nail treatment is carried out, additional nutrition of horny plates and skin.
These simple rules, accuracy and attention to your health will help you protect yourself from further problems with mycosis treatment. Similar rules must be followed if the disease is already being treated. This will help prevent infecting other people and speed up the healing process.
If a fungal infection has occurred, it may not appear immediately, sometimes after a few months. It is important to detect the formation of foci of infection in a timely manner and take measures to help maintain the health and beauty of the feet.