50% of visits to the dermatologist for nail problems are caused by onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the nail plates on the hands or feet.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The sooner you start therapy, the greater the chance to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.
The first signs that indicate onychomycosis
The penetration of mycobacteria into the nail plate occurs asymptomatically.A person does not feel anything and may not pay attention to the condition of the horny plates on the limb for a long time.Often people come to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails, affected to the base.
You can get infected with onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - in the sauna, swimming pool, on the beach, even in a beauty salon.Among the older population, fungus is especially common (according to statistics, from 5% to 30% of people over 45 years old suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can enter the nails of healthy family members and wear the same shoes.There is a risk of catching fungus in the shared bathroom and throughout the house if you walk around barefoot.The source of a fungal infection can be the person himself.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a good chance that the pathological process will pass to the nail plates.
In order not to waste time and to start treatment at the right time, it is necessary to carry out a complete "audit" of the nails every week.The first signs of fungal infection:
- dullness of the nails– a healthy plate has a soft shine;its absence indicates mechanical or infectious damage to the surface layer;
- shape change– if a previously straight nail begins to grow sideways, grow in ridges or rise like a springboard, there is reason to suspect a fungus;
- surface change– a normal plate is uniform and smooth, the appearance of ribs or tubercles indicates fungal damage;
- uneven color– the initial forms of onychomycosis are manifested by barely visible changes in the color of the nails: the transparent plate becomes cloudy, white or yellow;
- unusual inclusions– Spots, lines, white, gray-yellow or brown spots may appear on the surface of the horn plates.
Fungal diseases can be indicated by slower growth of nail plates.If a person previously trimmed his nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly noticed that there is no reason for another pedicure, it is necessary to take a closer look at their condition.
Sometimes onychomycosis is indicated by discomfort at the base of the nail, in the ridge area.Sudden dryness, burning or itching of the nails should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is inattention to the condition of the nails and carelessness about the risk of the disease.This is not a cosmetic problem, but a medical one, fraught with complete loss of plaques and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
You should do a pedicure on time, abandon permanent nail coatings in favor of decorative varnish, the layer of which should be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs externally due to open styles of shoes, increased sweating of the feet and walking barefoot.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis also occur during the cold season.Warm shoes, sweating and lack of hygienic procedures are the main factors of infection with onychomycosis in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms
Once you have identified the first signs of nail fungus, you should contact the clinic.People with dermato- and onychomycosis go to a dermatologist.A consultation is often enough, but sometimes a mycologist may be referred.The doctor will examine the condition of the plaques and the skin on the extremities.Objectively evaluate signs of fungal lesions.The specialist will determine how serious the infection is - how many nails are involved in the pathology, which area of the plates has undergone changes.
To find out the nature of the pathogen, a specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of scratches from the nail plates.This will allow you to choose an effective fungicide.The patient will undergo general and biochemical blood tests.Laboratory tests reflect the general condition of the body and the presence of associated diseases.Based on the results of biochemistry, the doctor will find out if there are contraindications for the prescription of systemic antifungals.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicidal agents.
For minor damage to the nail plates, it is not necessary to go to the doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of aggravation of the problem, further damage to the nails, the formation of resistance of microorganisms and the appearance of serious cosmetic defects will increase.
How to treat the initial stages of onychomycosis
There are many over-the-counter antifungal drugs available in the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solutions (with dropper, pipette or sprayer);
- lotions (often dietary supplements, liquid substances or gels);
- creams;
- ointment;
- paste (with a high concentration of the active substance);
- dyes (intended exclusively for the treatment of onychomycosis).
Not all antifungal drugs can be used in the treatment of nail fungus.Standard external agents (ointments, creams, gels, sprays) are intended for the treatment of dermatomycosis.When applied to the nails, the active substance remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed off with water and is consumed by contact with clothing or shoes.The use of such drugs will lead to the further spread of fungi and the worsening of onychomycosis.
Concentrated products (paste)
Most pharmacists recommend treating nail fungus with a paste.The products contain a broad-spectrum antifungal substance.The second component of the paste - urea - is intended to soften the damaged nail plate.Early removal of the affected part of the nail increases the chances of a complete cure of onychomycosis.Such drugs are also used in advanced cases.
In the initial stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is inappropriate.First, the area and depth of the lesion are small and there is nothing to remove.Secondly, excessive scratching of a healthy nail is an unwanted injury, the possibility of pain during movement and an additional cosmetic defect.Treatment with the paste for 7 days will have to be supplemented with the use of a special cream from the same line.The course of treatment will be 6-7 weeks.
Antifungal solution
Liquid products (solutions and lotions) are suitable for treating fungus in the early stages.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If you start therapy at the first plaque changes, healing will happen quickly.The solutions are intended for the treatment of damaged nails (and adjacent ones) twice a day.
It is necessary to drip the product under the free edge of the nail and on its base.Treatments should be regular.Skipping reduces the concentration of the active substance in the nail and increases the risk of the spread of the pest in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You should use the solutions until the damaged part of the plate is cut.After its elimination, it is better to extend the therapy for another month.An additional advantage of solutions is that they can be used on the skin.The funds can be used by the patient's family members for preventive purposes.
Healing varnish
Antifungal varnishes are qualitatively different from other means for the treatment of onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of the active substance in the nail plate.The coating, resistant to water and soap, maintains fungicide concentrations for 7-10 days.You need to renew the layer of the product 1-2 times a week, which is very convenient.Antifungal varnish can be applied as a decorative coating (not gel varnish or nail extensions).The disadvantage is the high price.The spray should be applied regularly until the damaged plaque is fully grown and removed.
The polish kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before the treatment, the nail plate should be thinned, coated with alcohol and only then the product should be applied.Before renewing the layer, the varnish is removed with any cosmetic product.
Gel preparations for mushrooms
Antifungal agents in the form of gel contain substances to strengthen and accelerate the growth of the nail plate.Thanks to special silicone compounds, they form a protective layer on the surface of the nail, which creates unsuitable conditions for the life and growth of fungi.
You should use the medicine 2 times a day until the affected nail grows completely.After application, the product dries for 3 minutes and is covered with a second layer.After complete drying, you can do your business.While using the medicine, decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are ineffective for advanced onychomycosis, but in the early stages they can be really helpful.The most famous and effective "home remedies" for nails:
- Vinegar.It is recommended to apply apple or wine vinegar on a cotton swab and wrap it on the damaged nails for 3-5 hours, 2 times a day.If well tolerated, the product can be left on overnight.
- Iodine.You can paint damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you need to use a cotton swab.During processing, you must ensure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and nail folds.An important obstacle is the coloring of the nail plates in brown.
- Garlic.A thin layer of minced garlic is applied to the nail plates, covered with cotton wool and cellophane and sealed with adhesive tape.Leave the product on overnight.The procedure is carried out every day.
- Propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used for compresses on the nails.Exposure time 12 hours.Frequency of application - every day.
- Onion and aloe.Treat your nails with a mixture of aloe juice and onion juice 3 times a day.
- Kombucha.Pieces of kombucha are applied to the affected nails at night.The procedure is repeated every day until complete recovery.
Foot baths are also used.Solutions of soda salt, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Baking soda and salt baths will really help with treatment if you need to soften and remove damaged nails.The antifungal effect of salts and herbs is too weak to ensure the elimination of fungi from the nail structure.
Systemic treatment of fungi
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.The reasons for their use are damage to all nail plates, deep penetration of the fungus, pronounced hyperkeratosis in the area of the horny plates, a combination of dermato- and onychomycosis.The doctor should prescribe systemic fungicidal drugs.These drugs have a number of contraindications (from individual sensitivity to liver and blood diseases) and can have many side effects.To reduce the likelihood of unwanted actions, doctors examine the patient beforehand.Antifungal tablets and capsules are prescribed in separate regimens.The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of pathogen, the stage of onychomycosis and general health.Unauthorized use can cause significant damage to health and may not lead to recovery.Fungi can react to improper therapy with resistance (resistance).If the pathogen adapts to fungicidal substances, it will be difficult to remove it from the body.
The regimen of systemic therapy can vary significantly on an individual basis.
Helpful tips for treatment
Treating nail fungus is a long and labor-intensive process.Treatment for mild forms of infection may take several months.If the treatment process is controlled by a doctor, the chances of getting rid of the fungus increase significantly.During the process, it is important to adhere to some rules.
First tip: thorough preparation
Before the first treatment with an antifungal drug, it is necessary to prepare your nails.Take a bath, remove dead skin, cut the plates as short as possible.For mild forms of fungus, the nails do not need to be filled.However, this significantly facilitates the process of penetration of the medicinal substance into the nail.
A small cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, unevenness) will be an identification mark for the patient.As you grow together, the progress of therapy will become apparent.If spots, streaks or inclusions have formed on the plate, they must also be completely removed at the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Second tip: take care of your things
To prevent re-infection and increase the likelihood of a complete cure, the patient should treat his shoes (all pairs are treated internally with an antifungal solution or spray) or replace them with new ones.Better to get a few pairs of high quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They should be washed daily and ironed after drying.If one of the family members has onychomycosis, he should have his manicure supplies.They cannot be used to care for healthy nails.After each pedicure, the equipment must be disinfected with antiseptic solutions.
Third tip: don't spread the mushrooms
The spread of microorganisms occurs unconsciously - during daily manipulations and touches.In order not to spread the fungus around the house, it is necessary to start the treatment at the right time, try to walk exclusively in clean socks and avoid using other people's slippers (even for a minute).In the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, walk exclusively in your indoor shoes, as fungi multiply especially quickly here.
After starting the use of fungicidal drugs, the risk of infection of loved ones is minimized, but until full recovery it is better to adhere to preventive measures.
In order not to get infected with nail fungus, you should avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bath, sauna or swimming pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (it is better not to trust the "disposable" and rubber slippers provided).In stores, you have to try on shoes in a sock (you have to take it with you).Every time after visiting places of possible infection, you should treat your feet with antifungal agents.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatments can be performed once a week.