Pale, hollow and rough nails are common symptoms for people suffering from onychomycosis, a fungal disease of the nails. It is not easy to get rid of fungus under the nails: in many cases, treatment is complicated by polymycosis (simultaneous defeat by several species of fungi), high resistance to the pathogen, the entry of fungi into the bloodstream and the entry of fungi into the bloodstream. lymphatic system. Is there a chance to get rid of onychomycosis forever? Yes, I have! You should consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Traditional treatments for onychomycosis
It is better to start fighting the fungus immediately after the problem is detected, the pathogen has not yet been able to hit all the toes and nails on the toes. Initially, the infection affects only the edge of one nail, and then the entire nail. If left untreated, the nail plates on all fingers are likely to be damaged and completely detached. It is more difficult to treat the disease at an advanced stage than at an early stage.
Therapeutic nail polishes
In the first stage of onychomycosis, when the color of the nail plate or edge changes, the disease manifests itself with thickening and keratinization of the nail: it begins to thicken, peel and fall off. You should see a doctor immediately after these symptoms are detected. In the initial stage, therapeutic varnishes associated with local therapy are successfully used to combat the fungus. Before starting the procedure, an analysis should be performed to identify a specific pathogen.
To increase the therapeutic effect, the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate should be removed mechanically before the nail application procedure. Carefully remove the keratinized layers affected by the fungus to avoid damaging the patient's nail. Medicinal varnishes that penetrate deep into the tissues help to quickly destroy the causative agent of onychomycosis. To increase the therapeutic effect, nails should be treated with varnish regularly until they are completely healed.
In addition to nail plates, fungi often affect the skin of the feet and palms. This is evidenced by symptoms such as burning, itching, a certain odor. Therefore, at the same time with therapy, preventive measures are taken to destroy the pathogen: disinfection of shoes, socks, treatment of feet with antifungal drugs.
Antifungal creams and ointments
Creams and ointments have proven to be an effective treatment for nail fungus, especially in the early stages. Unlike varnishes, creams and ointments are easily removed from the nail surface, so you need to ensure that the nail plate is covered with the active substance for a long time, otherwise the drug will not have time to penetrate the skin. affected nails. To increase the effect, the upper keratinized layers of the nail plate should be removed with a file so that the active substance penetrates deeper into the nail.
Tablets
If the fungus affects more than 3 fingers or the disease is at an advanced stage, doctors prescribe oral antifungal tablets. Such drugs should be taken as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision: drugs in this group are toxic to the internal organs. Such drugs are taken at intervals. It takes 2 cycles to treat the toes and 3 cycles to the toes.
To increase the effect of tablets, it is better to combine their reception 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 hepatoprotectants. At the same time, measures should be taken to prevent secondary infection - treat shoes and other items with antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies to get rid of nail fungus
Many are wondering: Is it possible to get rid of nail fungus using folk remedies? The answer is positive: in some cases, folk remedies can get rid of fungus on the nails. Doctors do not recommend self-medication: if you start the disease, it will be very difficult 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 1: 1 ratio. Moisten a cotton pad with the resulting mixture, apply adhesive tape to the affected area. The disc should be kept for 3-4 hours, the procedure is performed 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 for 30 minutes every day.
- Propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton pad with tincture, wipe the nails several times a day - both sick and healthy.
- Tea tree oil. Lubricate the affected nails with oil. The procedure is performed several times a day.
- Propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton pad with 20% propolis tincture and apply to the affected area for a few hours. The procedure is performed every day until a healthy nail plate grows.
- Iodine. Clean the nail plate from keratinized layers, apply iodine solution. It is recommended to treat healthy nails and skin near the fingers. If a burning sensation occurs after applying the solution, it should be diluted. The solution is applied daily until complete recovery.
- Celandine tincture. Dilute the celandine infusion 1 to 1. Immerse your fingers in a bath with a solution, leave for 20-25 minutes. The course of treatment lasts 20 days.
How to prevent fungus: consult a dermatologist
A fungal infection that requires careful and skillful treatment turns into an unpleasant surprise. The risk group includes people who visit public places: baths, saunas, swimming pools, those who come into contact with people with fungal diseases. If there are patients in the household, all preventive measures should be followed: do not wear someone else's shoes, wipe them daily with fungicides. Dermatologists recommend the following to prevent fungal infections:
- Always wear your own shoes, preferably indoor, when visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools and other public places where people walk barefoot.
- After visiting such places, wash your feet thoroughly, including the skin between the toes.
- If your feet are sweaty, use talcum powder or deodorant.
- Try to follow the requirements of hygiene, change socks daily.
- Do not wear someone else's and narrow shoes.
- Wear new socks when wearing new shoes at the store.