Fungal disease of the toenails - onychomycosis - is caused by dermatophyte fungi and microsporia.In a study on leg diseases from 2003, 16 European countries recognized it as the most common.
The fungus can affect the free edge of the nail, the sides, the back fold and the entire nail plate.Ovichomycosis, depending on the severity of the disease, differs:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic.
Changes in the color and structure of the nail can be minor or significant, up to its complete destruction.
The pharmaceutical industry produces effective treatments for toenail fungus.These are tablets, varnishes, sprays, ointments and solutions.In addition, recipes of traditional medicine are used, which have gained a lot of experience in the treatment of mycosis.
With all the variety of drugs and home remedies, you cannot start self-medication.After diagnosis, a consulting mycologist or dermatologist will recommend the best way to treat toenail fungus.In approximately 50% of cases, patients experience non-fungal deformation of the nail plate.
What you need to know before you start treating fungus
The main route of transmission of infection is contact.Fungal spores reproduce well in warm, moist environments.You can therefore become infected with onychomycosis:
- over the patient's personal belongings - shoes, towels, socks;
- in bathrooms, saunas, swimming pools, on beaches - wherever people go barefoot;
- in pedicure rooms where sanitary and hygienic requirements are not met.
The reason why the infection directly penetrates human cells is the reduction of local and general immunity.these are:
- chronic diseases - diabetes, blood diseases, gastrointestinal tract;
- nail injuries, foot scratches;
- past viral diseases;
- taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs;
- HIV, immunodeficiency.
Fungal infection, which penetrated through the "open gate", begins an active life.They complicate the course of the disease:
- foot hyperhidrosis - increased sweating;
- constant wearing of narrow shoes made of low-quality materials;
- lack of personal hygiene.
Before starting treatment and choosing a remedy for nail fungus, you need to analyze the causes of the disease.Joint therapy and elimination of factors that provoke the development of onychomycosis can really help.This disease is known for frequent relapses.
Examinations before starting treatment for toenail fungus
During the examination, the dermatologist examines the infected area, determines changes in the color and structure of the nails, and the nature of the lesion.Takes tissue samples for analysis by scraping with a special instrument.
The type of pathogen is determined by microscopy or inoculation in the nutrient medium.The sample is treated with a special compound and examined under a microscope.The analysis lasts from 15 minutes to a day.During sowing, a piece of infected tissue is placed for germination in favorable conditions for 25-30 days.
The external manifestations of onychomycosis are similar to the symptoms of other diseases: psoriasis, keratoderma, onychodystrophy and lichen planus.Laboratory diagnostics determines:
- the presence of fungi;
- his type;
- quantitative characteristics of infection;
- hypersensitivity to drugs.
Urine and blood tests are prescribed to determine the stage of the disease, infection of internal organs and possible side effects of drugs.After the treatment, the tests are repeated.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests show high accuracy in determining pathogens.This type of research determines the type of fungus in the case of mild external manifestations of the disease, helps to choose an effective drug and speed up recovery.
Preparatory procedure for treatment
In order for the treatment to bring benefit and maximum effect, you need to prepare your nails for drug treatment.To do this, the affected areas of the nail plates are cleaned and removed mechanically or with keratolytic patches.
Mechanical processing is performed with pliers or files.Patches soften the affected areas of the nail painlessly and non-traumatically.After that, they are removed with scissors or a blunt scalpel.
Bifonazole is used as a keratolytic agent to remove affected nails.The ointment included in the kit is applied to the nail plate and covered with a bandage or adhesive patch.After a day, the softened areas are cleaned and the procedure is repeated until the affected areas are completely removed.At the same time, treatment with local antimycotics is started.
Important.Good preparation of the nail plates allows drugs to quickly penetrate deep into the nails and destroy the mycelium of the fungus.
Medical drugs and treatment
All drugs for the systemic treatment of fungal nail diseases should be taken strictly according to the doctor's recommendation and following the instructions.Antimycotics often have side effects, age restrictions and contraindications.They must be taken into account.
Modern drugs for the treatment of nail fungus are available in the form of tablets, ointments, varnishes, gels, solutions and sprays.The most effective result is achieved by the combined use of oral and local drugs.
The following effective drugs are successfully used:
Medicines in tablets - terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole, griseofulvin, ketoconazole.The active ingredients have a high activity against pathogenic types of fungi.The recommended dose is indicated in the instructions for the medicine.The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, usually from 1.5 to 18 months.The application of pulse therapy is effective - taking a high dose of drugs in short intervals with a break of 3 weeks.
Ointments, creams - naftifine hydrochloride, terbinafine, clotrimazole.The active components of the preparation have fungistatic and fungicidal properties, that is, they stop the growth and reproduction of fungi and destroy the mycelium.The products are applied to cleaned and dried nail plates 2-3 times a day.Good results are achieved when combined with medicines in tablets.
Gels, solutions, serums - terbinafine, etc.The antifungal component accumulates in keratinized cells, kills the fungus and its spores.
Antifungal nail polishes
One of the best treatments for toenail fungus is antifungal nail polish.It covers the surface with a thin hermetic film, blocking the access of oxygen to the affected area.
The active components of the drug penetrate deep into the tissues, accumulate and destroy the pathogen.The coating is durable and does not crumble.Some varnishes can be applied under the decorations.This is an added advantage if the treatment takes place in the summer.
Lacquers have a good therapeutic effect;contain active ingredients - terbinafine, amorolfine, ciclopirox.Apply to a clean and dry nail 1-2 times a week for 1 to 12 months.They have contraindications.
Folk remedies for home treatments against fungi
Home remedies are good for cleaning and disinfecting nails in onychomycosis.Regular use destroys fungal threads and spores.
By combining traditional recipes and drug therapy, you can achieve effective results.
One of the dangerous remedies for nail fungus is vinegar.It is used in the form of baths, rubs and ointments based on glycerin.
Regular rubbing with iodine and celandine juice kills the causative agents of onychomycosis.
They have an anti-inflammatory effect and are very soothing baths with baking soda, tea tree or lavender oil.
Compresses made from onion pulp or garlic with vegetable oil fight well against fungal nail infections.
Birch tar, a product of the distillation of birch resin, is known for its strong antimycotic effect.
Important.Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus may have contraindications.You should consult your doctor before use.
How to avoid the need for treatment
To avoid getting a yeast infection and needing treatment, you must follow preventive measures:
- avoid contact with other people's personal belongings;
- wear shoes in bathrooms, saunas, showers and on beaches;
- strengthen the immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle;
- they do not develop chronic diseases;
- choose quality and comfortable footwear.
If symptoms of onychomycosis are detected, do not self-medicate.It is necessary to visit a doctor, undergo examination and treatment with effective means against toenail fungus.