Faded, cracked and bumpy nails are common symptoms for people suffering from onychomycosis, a fungal nail disease. It is not easy to get rid of the fungus under the nail: in many cases the treatment is complicated by polymycosis (simultaneous defeat of several types of fungi), high resistance to pathogens, entry of fungi into the bloodstream and lymphatic tract. Is there a chance to get rid of onychomycosis forever? If I had! It is necessary to consult a doctor, and strictly follow his instructions.
Traditional treatments for onychomycosis
It is better to start the fight against fungus immediately after discovering the problem, while the cause has not yet managed to hit the nails on all toes and toes. Initially, the infection affects only the edge of one nail and then the entire nail. If left untreated, there is a possibility of damage and complete separation of the nail plates on all fingers. It is much more difficult to treat the disease at an advanced stage than at an early stage.
Therapeutic nail polishes
Already in the first stage of onychomycosis, when the nail plate or its edge changes color, the disease is felt by thickening and keratinization of the nail: it becomes thick, begins to peel and crumble. Immediately after discovering these symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor. In the initial phase, therapeutic varnishes related to local therapy are successfully used in the fight against fungi. Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to identify a specific pathogen.
In order to increase the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate by mechanical methods before the varnish application procedure. Careful removal of keratinized layers affected by the fungus is necessary so as not to injure the diseased nail. Medicinal varnishes, penetrating deep into the tissues, contribute to the rapid destruction of the cause of onychomyosis. To increase the therapeutic effect, nails need to be regularly treated with varnish, until they completely heal.
In addition to nail plates, the fungus often affects the skin of the feet and palms. This is evidenced by symptoms such as tingling, itching, specific odor. Therefore, at the same time with therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of the feet with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
Creams and ointments have been shown to be effective in treating nail fungus, especially in the early stages. Unlike nail polish, 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 drug will not have time to penetrate deep into the affected nail. To enhance the effect, the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate need to be removed 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, doctors prescribe oral antifungal tablets. The intake of such drugs should be carried out according to the instructions of the doctor and under his supervision: drugs of this group are toxic and have a negative effect on internal organs. Such drugs are taken in cycles with a break. 2 cycles are needed for the treatment of the toes, 3 cycles of the toes.
To increase the effect of tablets, it is better to combine their intake with local treatment with varnish or creams. This combination therapy promotes rapid recovery. To reduce the harmful effects of tablets on the liver, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotectors. At the same time, measures should be taken to prevent secondary infection - treat shoes and other things with antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies for removing fungus on the nails
Many are interested in the question: is it possible to get rid of nail fungus by folk methods? The answer is yes: in some cases, folk methods can get rid of nail fungus. Doctors do not recommend the abuse of self-medication: if you start the disease, it will be much harder to get rid of the fungus. The effectiveness of the following products on a natural basis has been proven: tinctures of propolis, iodine, vinegar baths, etc. Such popular recipes are popular:
- Application based on apple cider vinegar. Mix apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 1. Moisten a cotton pad with the resulting mixture, fasten it to the affected area with adhesive tape. The disc should be kept for 3-4 hours, the procedure is performed 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 your 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. Moisten a cotton pad with 20% propolis tincture, apply it on the affected area for several hours. The procedure is performed daily, until the growth of a healthy nail plate.
- Iodine. Clean the nail plate of keratinized layers, apply iodine solution. It is recommended for treating healthy nails, skin near the fingers. If a burning sensation is felt after application of the solution, it must be diluted. The solution is applied daily until complete healing.
- Celandine tincture. Dilute the infusion of celandine in a ratio of 1 to 1. Immerse your fingers in a bath with the solution, hold for 20-25 minutes. The course of treatment lasts 20 days.
How to prevent fungus: advice from a dermatologist
A fungal infection that requires careful and skillful treatment becomes an unpleasant surprise. At risk are people who visit 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 must be respected: do not wear other people's shoes, wipe them daily with drugs that destroy fungi. Dermatologists give the following recommendations to prevent fungal infection:
- When visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools and other public places where people walk barefoot, always wear your own change of footwear, preferably indoor.
- After visiting such places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between your toes.
- If your feet are sweating, use talcum powder or deodorant.
- Try to adhere to hygiene requirements, change socks daily.
- Do not wear other people's and tight shoes.
- When you try on new shoes in the store, wear new socks.