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 by using ointments and drops for nail fungus;the advanced stage cannot be cured by external means.
Selection of fungicidal preparations
When choosing antifungal (fungicidal) drugs, first of all, take into account the type of fungus that has affected the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophytes from the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi from the genus Epidermophyton.Only a laboratory examination of a nail scraping 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 become deformed.For the initial fungal infection, external means are used - ointments or drops.The advantage of these dosage forms compared to 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 molds and their spores.
Popular fungicidal preparations include drops against nail fungus on fingers and hands - these products do not leave greasy marks on the skin and clothes, are quickly absorbed and have high therapeutic activity.Most modern antifungal drops can fight against several types of onychomycosis, so no laboratory tests are required before using these products, and the drugs can be bought in pharmacies without a prescription.
Best drops for fungus
Patients and doctors have several requests for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.The treatment of onychomycosis lasts from three months or longer, so the medicinal substances contained in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicidal drops is a wide spectrum of action.The active components must not only destroy several types of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also stop the proliferation of their spores (this ability is called a fungistatic effect).
Patients also pay attention to the price of antifungal drugs - long-term treatment requires the purchase of several packages;for some buyers, price becomes one of the important selection criteria.
Do not self-medicate;based on the results of the tests, the specialist will choose the most suitable drops for the treatment of nail fungus.
Some are not used to treat onychomycosis;are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, drops are used in parallel with other drugs to prevent the spread of mycotic lesions to the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to fight nail fungus, but patients may have certain difficulties when using them.This is due to the fact that the source of the infection is located under the nail plate, where it is very difficult to reach.
In order for the drug to hit the target, the patient must follow some recommendations when using fungicidal drops.
Rules for the use of liquid antifungal agents:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, the feet and hands are scalded, 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 trimmed, the surface is cleaned with a 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 consult a doctor - the drops may no longer help and the nail will need to be removed.For severe fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal drugs.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years;it is impossible to deal with some types of diseases without the help of specialists.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily be infected in public places - bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age 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 infection, you must follow these preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear someone else's slippers.
- Use only your own towel.
- Have your own nail file if someone in your family 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 therapy is started, the greater the chances of maintaining the beauty and health of the nails.