Onychomycosis can manifest itself for various reasons: people catch the infection in gyms, swimming pools, saunas, on the beach and when wearing shoes of a person infected with this pathology. As a result of the development of the disease, the nail plate is gradually destroyed, and other unpleasant symptoms appear. For the treatment of the disease, you should choose extremely effective drugs that are easily tolerated and guarantee quick action, and it is advisable to choose a cheap remedy for toenail fungus, since the therapy takes a long time.
What is Toenail Fungus
Onychomycosis is a harmless but unpleasant disease that deforms the nail plate. At the same time, the nail loses its strength, becomes loose and vulnerable to any infections. Fungal disease can be caused by a number of different pathogens, including yeasts, molds, dermatophytes, epidermophytes, etc. Since each medicine has an effect on a specific type of infection, it is extremely important to diagnose the pathology before starting treatment.
Symptoms of the disease
After infection of the feet, the fungus takes a certain time to take root on the nail plates. The infection first affects the thumbs, and over the course of a year or more, it destroys the structure of the nails. This process is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- thickening of the plate (keratinization of tissues increases);
- color change (the plate becomes yellow, black or brown);
- crumbling of the edge (in the absence of treatment or its incompleteness, the fungal infection spreads throughout the thickness of the nail, as a result of which it eats away and crumbles);
- itching of the skin surrounding the nail;
- unpleasant odor coming from the feet.
Toenail fungus remedy
Modern antifungal drugs not only destroy pathogens, but also have the ability to accumulate in tissues and act long after the end of the use of antimycotic drugs. As a rule, onychomycosis of the nails on the feet is treated comprehensively in several months (on average, from 2 to 6). Therapy includes the use of external agents and the use of systemic drugs. The doctor will be able to determine exactly which medications are suitable for treating the fungus. Self-medication of onychomycosis can worsen the disease.
Inexpensive remedy for toenail fungus
Of great importance for patients with onychomycosis are reviews of third parties about the effectiveness of one or another antimycotic drug. However, choosing a cheap remedy for toenail fungus for yourself based solely on other people's responses is wrong, since each case of the disease is individual and requires the same treatment approach. It is better to leave the choice of the optimal therapy to a specialist, then the effect will come faster, and you will avoid many possible troubles, including the complication of the disease.
Medicines intended for local treatment of affected areas and not entering the systemic circulation are called external. They are an indispensable component of antifungal therapy, while systemic drugs are used exclusively in the advanced stage of the fungus. Local drugs show their effectiveness especially clearly in the initial forms of onychomycosis. External medicines are suitable for the treatment of pathologies in children and patients with contraindications to the use of oral medicines.
Pills
Systemic drugs against fungal infection in an adult are taken orally (by mouth with water). The active components of tablets and capsules are transferred from the intestines into the bloodstream and enter the nail plate, where they gradually accumulate in concentrated quantities and destroy the fungus. It is better not to buy drugs with a fungicidal effect in a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, since most of them can cause serious side effects.
The duration of therapy is calculated for about 2-6 months, but in advanced, severe cases, it takes more time for treatment for the medicinal substances to accumulate in the body in sufficient quantities. A doctor may prescribe these inexpensive toenail fungus medications:
- Fluconazole.The tablets destroy the fungus from the inside by destroying its cells. The drug is prescribed at a dosage of 50-400 mg per day. The exact amount of the medicine is determined by the doctor, taking into account the age, severity of the pathology. Fluconazole eliminates the unpleasant symptoms of onychomycosis and suppresses the reproduction of harmful organisms. The disadvantage of the drug is the presence of side effects.
- Ketoconazole.The use of this budget drug against onychomycosis can take from 3 months to a year. They drink tablets with meals, 200-400 mg per day. The disadvantage of the drug is a ban on taking it in the presence of liver pathologies.
- Itraconazole.The medication is indicated to be taken until complete recovery, which may take a long time. The recommended dosage is 200 mg per day. The medicine is taken at intervals: the week of taking is replaced by the same duration of rest. The disadvantage of the drug is the side effects.
Cream
In addition to systemic medications, doctors prescribe local remedies, which, in addition to the antifungal effect, help to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of pathology. An inexpensive and effective remedy for nail fungus is:
- Bifonazole.The cream has a fungicidal and fungistatic effect, is active against many pathogens of onychomycosis. Bifonazole easily penetrates the plate structure and destroys fungal cells. The advantage of the cream is that it has antiseptic properties. The disadvantage is the lack of effectiveness when used alone (it is recommended to combine with the intake of systemic drugs).
- Cream containing: stearic acid, propylene glycol, urea, triethanolamine, 100% tea tree essential oil.a popular remedy is applied until the healthy plate has grown completely. Before applying the cream, you should steam your nails and cut off their top layer with a disposable tool. After that, wipe the feet with a towel. The cream is treated with nails, applying a thick layer of cream on the plates, which is covered with a plaster and left for 4 days. After this time, the legs float again and with the help of a file they remove the dead parts of the nail plate. The procedures are carried out until the affected tissues are completely removed.
- Terbinafine.Under the influence of the cream, dysfunction of the metabolism of fungal cells occurs, which leads to death. Terbinafine is very effective for the treatment of early stage onychomycosis. The affected tissue is smeared with a thin layer of cream twice in knocks. To improve the effect, before this, the legs soar in a soda bath, and after the plate is treated with a nail file, removing the stratum corneum.
Patch
At the beginning of the development of a fungal disease, special plasters with a peeling effect can be used. The most effective among cheap anti-mycotic agents are:
- A plaster with a special solution that accelerates the death of the plate. The nail plates are treated with the liquid after the legs have been steamed. The patch is removed only after 4 days, after which the procedure is repeated again. The disadvantage of the patch is its relative effectiveness.
- A Chinese herbal patch for treating fungal infections with low cost. The drug helps to quickly and painlessly remove the affected plates. With advanced onychomycosis, it is recommended to use the patch together with systemic antifungal agents.
Fungus solution
Among the cheap remedies for toenail fungus, solutions occupy a special place, since this form of drugs is most capable of penetrating deep into the tissues. Some of these medicines are also used to treat shoes. Effective antimycotic solutions include:
- Chloronitrophenol.The drug belongs to the group of arenes and contains undecylenic acid, which has an antiseptic effect and prevents the development of mycoses. The liquid is applied to the nail plates 2-3 times a day. Treatment is carried out until the healthy nail grows back completely. The advantage of the drug is its effectiveness and excellent penetrating ability, the lack of medication is a ban on use for the treatment of children under 2 years of age.
- A solution containing: boric acid, phenol, resorcinol, basic fuchsin.One of the cheapest antifungal agents with an antiseptic and bactericidal effect, which is not always effective in treating nail plates, is its main disadvantage. The advantage of the drug is the minimum price.
Cheap ointment
Antifungal topical agents in the form of an ointment or gel are among the most popular in the treatment of early onychomycosis. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following drugs:
- Terbinafine.An inexpensive ointment for nail fungus is made on the basis of allylamine, the active ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride. The medication is used to treat fungus on the legs and arms at the initial stage of the development of pathology. Use the medicine after steaming baths daily. The advantages of the drug are that it is cheap, proven and effective in the treatment of the early stage of onychomycosis. The disadvantage of the product is that it is not very convenient for them to use (so as not to accidentally erase the ointment, a gauze bandage is applied on top of the finger).
- Salicylic ointment.There are two ways to treat onychomycosis with this cheap universal remedy: treat your nails with ointment a couple of times a day, or apply a layer on the affected plates and leave in the form of a compress overnight. Plus salicylic ointment in its availability, the disadvantage - it will be effective only at the initial stage of infection with a fungal infection.
Healing varnishes
This dosage form of drugs is good in that after evaporation of the solvent, the agent is transformed into a film, which is fixed on the affected plate. This property protects the nail for several days after using the varnish. Another advantage of such medicines is the ability to penetrate deep into the nail bed and provide a fungicidal and fungistatic effect there for 7-10 days.
Such funds can be combined with laser therapy procedures and treat the fungus both at an early stage of development and later. Cheap varnishes with antimycotic action include: varnishes with an active ingredient amorolfine.
Cheap anti-fungal serums and sprays
It is convenient to treat onychomycosis with sprays and serums, which, in addition, are cheaper than varnishes. Such means are used twice a day after preliminary cleaning of the affected plates with disposable files that are attached to the preparations. These cheap medicines include:
- Serum for nails which includes: water; rye enzyme filtrate; pentylene glycol; dimethyl isosorbide and hydroxyethyl cellulose.This agent is used to cover the tissues affected by the fungus 2-3 times a day. Disposable nail files are included with the serum, allowing you to painlessly remove the top layer of nails. The advantage of the serum lies in its effectiveness, the disadvantage is that in order to completely cure an advanced fungus, it is necessary to combine the use of serum with systemic drugs.
- Terbinafine hydrochloride.The medicine is produced in the form of a spray, which treats the nail plates 1-2 times a day, having previously steamed and filed them. The advantage of the drug is its cheapness and effectiveness, the disadvantage is the risk of an allergic reaction.
A penny remedy for nail fungus
Almost a third of people have fungal diseases of the feet and nails, which require complex treatment. Nevertheless, many people try to cope with the problem on their own, assuming that when they contact a specialist, they will be given a list of expensive drugs that they cannot afford to purchase. This opinion is erroneous, since pharmacies also offer budget effective antimycotic drugs, for example:
- Cypermethrin.This is the cheapest remedy for toenail fungus and is often used for treating animals, but it is also great as an antifungal medicine. Plus, the solution is cheap, and the effectiveness of the fight against fungal infection. The downside is the risk of damaging the skin close to the nails when processing the plates.
- Fluconazole.The drug is highly effective against many types of fungi. The tablets have a powerful systemic effect, therefore, when taking them, it is extremely important to be careful about the dosage.
Analogues of expensive products
Cheap medicines include the same active ingredient as expensive medicines, while being in no way inferior in effectiveness to the latter. Such antimycotic drugs are similar in their pharmacological therapeutic action, however, before replacing the drug with a more budgetary analogue, it is better to consult a doctor. Cheap antifungals include:
- Clotrimazole.The ointment and solution are distinguished by a high degree of tissue penetration and provide a quick healing effect.
- Itroconazole.Capsules with antifungal components have proven to be excellent in the treatment of various types of mycosis. Itroconazole effectively destroys spores, gradually accumulating in the tissues of the nails. If the dosage is observed, the agent rarely causes side effects.
- Terbinafine.Broad-spectrum tablets are effective against most pathogens of onychomycosis. The disadvantage of the medication is a large list of contraindications.
Anti-nail fungus drugs for pregnant women
Many antimycotic medications are strictly forbidden to use during pregnancy, as they can harm the baby. Therapy of onychomycosis during this period is complicated by the fact that antifungal drugs have many side effects. With a mild severity of the pathology, doctors limit themselves to local treatment, prescribing the following medications for a woman:
- Cream containing: stearic acid, propylene glycol, urea, triethanolamine, 100% tea tree essential oil. . . Before using the product, the legs are steamed in water with soda. After the plates are cleaned with a disposable nail file, covered with a layer of cream and covered with a plaster for 4 days. After that, you can easily remove the dead nail tissue. The procedure is carried out until the fungal infection is completely eliminated.
- Bifonazole.The cream is rubbed into the place affected by the fungus. It is recommended to use Bifonazole a couple of times a day, while the duration of therapy is at least 12 weeks.
- Grapefruit seed extract.The medicine is available in the form of drops, which are applied to the affected nails after they have been steamed and the top layer has been filed. Therapy onychomycosis in pregnant women lasts about 16 weeks.
Price
The choice of the right medication should be entrusted to a specialist, since with self-medication you are likely to waste money and time in vain. In addition, pathogenic spores can develop immunity to certain drugs, after which it will be much more difficult to cope with the fungus. After the doctor prescribes medicines, you can buy them at the pharmacy or buy them in the online store by ordering targeted delivery.