Faded, pitted, 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 nails: in many cases, the treatment is complicated by polymycosis (simultaneous defeat by several varieties of the fungus), the high resistance of the pathogen, the entry of fungi into the bloodstream and lymphatic tract. Are there any chances to get rid of onychomycosis forever? Yes, I have! You need to consult a doctor, and strictly follow his instructions.
Traditional treatments for onychomycosis
It is better to start the fight against the fungus immediately after the discovery of the problem, while the pathogen has not yet managed to hit the nails on all toes and fingers. At first, 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 detachment of the nail plates on all fingers. It is much more difficult to treat a disease in an advanced stage than in an early one.
Therapeutic nail polishes
At the very first stage of onychomycosis, when the nail plate or its edge has changed color, the disease makes itself felt by thickening and keratinization of the nail: it becomes thick, begins to flake off and crumble. Immediately after the discovery of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. At the initial stage, therapeutic varnishes related to local therapy are successfully used to combat the fungus. Before starting the procedures, it is necessary to conduct an analysis in order to identify a specific pathogen.
To increase the therapeutic effect, before the procedure for applying varnish, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate by mechanical methods. It is necessary to remove the keratinized layers affected by the fungus carefully so as not to injure the diseased nail. Medicinal varnishes, penetrating deep into the tissues, contribute to the rapid destruction of the causative agent of onychomyosis. To increase the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to treat the nails with varnish regularly, until they are completely healed.
In addition to the nail plates, fungi often affect the skin of the feet and palms. This is evidenced by symptoms such as burning, itching, a specific smell. Therefore, simultaneously with therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of feet with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
As an effective treatment for nail fungus, especially in its early stages, creams and ointments have proven themselves. Unlike varnish, creams and ointments are easily erased from the surface of the nail, so you need to ensure that the nail plate is covered with the active substance for a long period of time, otherwise the medicine will not have time to penetrate deep into the affected nails. To enhance the effect, it is necessary to remove the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate 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 antimycotic tablets. The intake of such drugs should be carried out as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision: drugs in this group are toxic, which have a negative effect on internal organs. Such drugs are taken in cycles with a break. For the treatment of fingers, 2 cycles are required, toes of the feet - 3 cycles.
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 pills on the liver, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotectors. At the same time, measures should be taken to prevent secondary infection - to treat shoes and other things with antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies for getting rid of nail fungus
Many are interested in the question: is it possible to get rid of nail fungus using folk methods? The answer is positive: in some cases, folk methods can get rid of the fungus on the nails. Doctors do not recommend abusing self-medication: if you start the disease, it will be much harder to get rid of the fungus. The effectiveness of the following natural-based products has been proven: propolis tinctures, iodine, vinegar baths, etc. Such popular recipes are popular:
- Applications 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, attach it to the affected area with adhesive tape. The disk should be kept for 3-4 hours, the procedure is carried out 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 nails with it several times a day - both sick and healthy.
- Tea tree oil. Lubricate the affected nails with oil. The procedure is carried out several times a day.
- Propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton pad with 20% propolis tincture, apply it to the affected area for several hours. The procedure is carried out daily, until the growth of a healthy nail plate.
- Iodine. Clean the nail plate from the keratinized layers, apply an iodine solution. It is recommended to treat healthy nails, skin near the fingers. If a burning sensation is felt after applying the solution, it must be diluted. The solution is applied daily until complete cure.
- Tincture of celandine. Dilute the infusion of celandine in a ratio of 1 to 1. Dip your fingers in a bath with a solution, keep 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 skilled treatment becomes an unpleasant surprise. At risk are people who visit public institutions: baths, saunas, swimming pools, who have contact with people with fungal diseases. If there are patients among the household, all preventive measures must be observed: do not wear someone else's shoes, wipe 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 shoes, preferably closed ones.
- After visiting such places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between the toes.
- If your feet sweat, use talcum powder or deodorants.
- Try to comply with hygiene requirements, change socks daily.
- Do not wear someone else's and tight shoes.
- When trying on new shoes in the store, wear new socks.