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 using ointments and drops for nail fungus; advanced stages cannot be cured with 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 of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.Only laboratory testing 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 initial fungal infection, external agents are used - ointments or drops.The advantage of these dosage forms over 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 mold fungi and their spores.
Popular fungicidal preparations include drops against nail fungus on the toes 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 several types of onychomycosis, so laboratory tests are not necessary before using these products, and the drugs can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops for fungus
Patients and doctors have several requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.Treatment of onychomycosis lasts from three months or longer, so the medicinal substances that are included 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 varieties 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 cost of antifungal drugs - long-term treatment requires the purchase of several packages; for some buyers, price becomes one of the important selection criteria.
You should not self-medicate; a specialist will select the most suitable drops for treating toenail fungus based on test results.
Some are not used for the treatment of onychomycosis; they are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, drops are used in parallel with other drugs in order to prevent the spread of mycotic lesions to the skin.
Rules of application
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to combat nail fungus, but patients may experience some difficulties when using them.This is due to the fact that the source of 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 needs to adhere to some recommendations when using fungicidal drops.
Rules for the use of liquid antifungal agents:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, feet and hands are steamed, dead epidermis and affected areas of the nail are cleaned off.
- After cleansing, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edge of the nail plate is trimmed, the surface is cleaned with a nail file.
- Drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Be sure to treat 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 medications.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years; it is impossible to cope with some types of the disease without the help of a specialist.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily become infected in public places - baths, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related 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 need to follow these preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear other people's slippers.
- Use only your own towel.
- Have your own nail file if someone in the family has onychomycosis.
- After visiting water parks and swimming pools, use antifungal agents for preventive purposes.
- Strengthen immunity.
Without proper treatment, onychomycosis leads to destruction of the nail plate; the earlier antifungal therapy is started, the greater the chance of maintaining the beauty and health of nails.