Toenail fungus disease - onychocomycosis - caused by dermatophyte fungi and microsporia.In a study of foot diseases in 2003, 16 European countries recognized it as the most common.
Fungus can affect the edge of the nail, the sides, the back fold and the entire nail plate.Depending on the severity of the disease, onychocomycosis is distinguished:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic.
Changes in the color and structure of the nail can be small or significant, up to its complete destruction.
The pharmaceutical industry produces effective treatments for toenail fungus.These are tablets, varnishes, sprays, ointments and solutions.Along with this, recipes from traditional medicine are used, which have gathered extensive experience in the treatment of mycosis.
With various medicines and home remedies, you should not start self-medicating.After diagnosis, a consulting mycologist or dermatologist will recommend the best way to treat toenail fungus.In about 50% of cases, patients experience non-fungal deformation of the nail plate.
What you need to know before starting the fungus treatment
The main route of transmission of infection is contact.Fungal spores reproduce best in warm, moist environments.Therefore, you can be infected with onychomycosis:
- Through the patient's personal belongings - shoes, towels, socks;
- in the bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool, on the beach - wherever people go barefoot;
- In the pedicure room where hygiene and cleanliness requirements are not met.
The reason why the infection directly penetrates human cells is a decrease in local and general immunity.These are:
- Chronic diseases - diabetes, blood diseases, gastrointestinal tract;
- nail injuries, foot abrasions;
- past viral illness;
- taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs;
- HIV, Immunodeficiency.
Fungal infection, which penetrates the "open door", begins with active life.Worsening the course of the disease:
- Hyperhidrosis of the feet - increased sweating;
- Wearing tight shoes made of low-quality materials;
- Lack of personal hygiene.
Before starting treatment and choosing medicine for nail fungus, you need to analyze the causes of the disease.Joint therapy and elimination of factors that trigger the development of onychocomycosis can really help.This disease is known for its regularity.
Examination before starting treatment for toenail fungus
At the appointment, the dermatologist examines the infected area, determines the change in color and structure of the nail, and the nature of the lesion.He takes tissue samples for analysis by scraping with a special instrument.
The type of pathogen is determined by microscopy or inoculation in a nutrient medium.The sample is treated with a special compound and examined under a microscope.Analysis takes from 15 minutes to a day.When sowing, a piece of infected tissue is placed for germination in favorable conditions for 25-30 days.
The external manifestations of onychocomycosis are similar to the symptoms of other diseases: psoriasis, keratoderma, onychodystrophy and lichen planus.Laboratory diagnostics determine:
- the presence of fungi;
- its type;
- Quantitative characteristics of infection;
- Drug sensitivity.
Urine and blood tests are prescribed to identify the extent of the disease, internal organ infections, and possible side effects of medications.After treatment, the test is repeated.
The PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) shows high accuracy in determining the pathogen.This type of research determines the type of fungus in the case of mild external manifestations of the disease, helps to choose effective drugs and accelerates recovery.
Preparatory procedure for treatment
In order for the treatment to bring benefits and maximum effect, you need to prepare your nails for treatment with drugs.To do this, the affected area of the nail plate is cleaned and removed mechanically or with a keratolytic plaster.
Mechanical processing is done with nippers or files.The patches soften the affected area of the nail without pain and without trauma.After this, they are removed with scissors or a blunt knife.
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 plaster.After a day, the softened area is cleaned and the procedure is repeated until the affected area is completely removed.At the same time, treatment with local antimycotics is started.
Important.Good preparation of the nail plate allows drugs to quickly penetrate deep into the nail and destroy the fungal mycelium.
Medicines and medical treatment
All medications for the systemic treatment of fungal nail disease should be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor and follow the instructions.Antimycotics often have side effects, age restrictions, and contraindications.They must be taken into account.
Modern medicines for the treatment of toenail fungus are available in the form of tablets, ointments, varnishes, gels, solutions and sprays.The most effective results are achieved with the combined use of oral and local drugs.
The following effective medications have been used successfully:
Drugs in Tablets - Terbinafine, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole.Active ingredients have high activity against pathogenic fungal species.The recommended dosage is indicated in the instructions for the drug.The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, usually from 1.5 to 18 months.The use of pulse therapy is effective - taking high doses of the drug at short intervals with a break of 3 weeks.
Ointments, Creams - Naftifine Hydrochloride, Terbinafine, Clotrimazole.The active components in the preparation have fungistatic and fungicidal properties, that is, they stop the growth and reproduction of fungi and destroy the mycelium.This product is used to clean and dry nails 2-3 times a day.Good results are obtained when combined with medicines in tablets.
Gel, solution, serum - terbinafine, etc.Antifungal components accumulate in keratinized cells, killing the fungus and its spores.
Antifungal nail polish
One of the best treatments for toenail fungus is antifungal varnish.It covers the surface with a thin airtight film, blocking the access of oxygen to the affected area.
The active component of the drug penetrates deeply into the tissue, collects and destroys pathogens.The layer is durable and does not crumble.Some varnishes can be used under decoration.This is an added advantage if the treatment takes place in the summer.
Varnish has a good therapeutic effect;They contain active ingredients - terbinafine, amorolfine, ciclopirox.Apply to clean, dry nails 1-2 times a week for 1 to 12 months.They have contraindications.
Folk remedies for home treatment against fungus
Home remedies are good for cleaning and eradicating nails with onychomycosis.With regular use, fungal threads and spores are destroyed.
By combining traditional recipes and drug therapy, you can achieve effective results.
One of the dangerous remedies for nail fungus is vinegar.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 a very soothing bath with baking soda, tea tree oil or lavender.
Compresses from onion or garlic pulp with vegetable oil fight fungal nail infections well.
Birch Tar, a product of birch resin distillation, is known for its strong antimycotic effects.
Important.Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus may have contraindications.You should consult your doctor before using it.
How to Avoid the Need for Treatment
To avoid contracting a fungal infection and the need for treatment, you need to follow preventive measures:
- Avoid contact with other people's personal belongings;
- Wear shoes in the bathhouse, sauna, shower and on the beach;
- strengthen the immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle;
- Do not suffer from chronic diseases;
- Choose high quality and comfortable shoes.
If symptoms of onychomycosis are detected, do not self-medicate.It is necessary to visit a doctor, undergo an examination and undergo treatment with drugs that are effective against nail fungus.