The fungal disease of the toenails - onychomycosis - is caused by dermatophyte fungi and microsporia.In a study of foot diseases in 2003, 16 European countries recognized it as the most common.
Fungi can affect the free edge of the nail, the sides, the back fold and the entire nail plate.Depending on the severity of the disease, onychomycosis is distinguished:
- 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 drugs to treat nail fungus.These are tablets, varnishes, sprays, ointments and solutions.Along with this, recipes from traditional medicine are used, which have accumulated extensive experience in the treatment of mycoses.
With all the variety of drugs and home remedies, you cannot start self-medication.Once diagnosed, a consultant mycologist or dermatologist will recommend the best way to treat toenail fungus.In approximately 50% of cases, patients experience non-fungal deformity of the nail plate.
What you need to know before starting a fungus treatment
The main route of transmission of the infection is contact.Fungal spores multiply well in a warm and moist environment.Therefore, you can become infected with onychomycosis:
- through the patient's personal belongings - shoes, towels, socks;
- in baths, saunas, swimming pools, on beaches - wherever people walk barefoot;
- in pedicure rooms where sanitary and hygienic requirements are not met.
The reason why the infection directly penetrates into human cells is the reduction of local and general immunity.These are:
- chronic diseases - diabetes, blood diseases, gastrointestinal tract;
- nail injuries, foot abrasions;
- past viral illnesses;
- taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants;
- HIV, immunodeficiency.
A fungal infection that penetrated through the "open door" begins an active life.Worsening of the course of the disease:
- hyperhidrosis of the legs - increased sweating;
- constant wearing of narrow shoes made of low-quality materials;
- lack of personal hygiene.
Before starting the treatment and choosing a remedy for nail fungus, you need to analyze the causes of the disease.Joint therapy and elimination of the factors that provoke the development of onychomycosis can really help.This disease is known for frequent relapses.
Examinations before starting treatment for toenail fungus
At the appointment, the dermatologist examines the infected area, determines the changes in the color and structure of the nails and the nature of the lesion.He takes tissue samples for analysis by scraping with a special tool.
The type of pathogen is determined by microscopy or inoculation in culture medium.The sample is treated with a special compound and examined under a microscope.The analysis takes from 15 minutes to a day.When sowing, a piece of infected tissue is placed for germination under 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:
- presence of fungi;
- its type;
- quantitative characteristics of infection;
- drug sensitivity.
Urine and blood tests are prescribed to determine the stage of the disease, infection of the internal organs and possible side effects of the drugs.After treatment, the tests are repeated.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests show high accuracy in determining the pathogen.This type of research determines the type of fungus in mild external manifestations of the disease, helps to choose an effective effective drug and speed up recovery.
Preparatory treatment procedure
In order for the treatment to bring benefits and maximum effect, you need to prepare your nails for drug treatment.For this purpose, the affected areas of the nail plates are cleaned and removed mechanically or with keratolytic patches.
Mechanical processing is done with pliers or files.The patches soften the affected areas of the nail painlessly and non-traumatically.They are then 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 plaster.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 topical antifungals was started.
important.Good preparation of the nail plates allows drugs to quickly penetrate deep into the nails and destroy the fungal mycelium.
Medicines and treatment
All drugs for the systemic treatment of fungal nail diseases must be taken strictly according to the doctor's prescription 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 toenail fungus are available in the form of tablets, ointments, varnishes, gels, solutions and sprays.The most effective result is achieved with the combined use of oral and local drugs.
The following effective drugs have been used successfully:
Medicines in tablets - Terbinafine, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole.The active ingredients have high activity against pathogenic types of fungi.The recommended dose 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 application of pulse therapy - taking a high dose of drugs at short intervals with a break of 3 weeks - is effective.
Ointments, creams – Naftifine hydrochloride, Terbinafine, Clotrimazole.The active components in the preparations have fungistatic and fungicidal properties, i.e.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 obtained when combined with drugs in tablets.
Gels, solutions, serums - terbinafine, etc.The antifungal component accumulates in keratinized cells, kills fungi and their 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 collapse.Some varnishes can be applied under decorative.This is an additional advantage if the treatment is carried out 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 treatment against fungus
Home remedies are good for cleaning and disinfecting 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.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 oil or lavender.
Compresses of onion or garlic pulp 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 action.
important.Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus may have contraindications.Before using them, you should consult your doctor.
How to avoid the need for treatment
To avoid contracting a fungal infection and needing treatment, you should follow the preventive measures:
- avoid contact with other people's personal belongings;
- wear shoes in baths, saunas, showers and on beaches;
- strengthening the immune system, leading a healthy lifestyle;
- do not develop 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 effective means against toenail fungus.