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 by using ointments and drops for nail fungus;advanced stages cannot be treated with external means.
Selection of fungicide preparations
When choosing antifungal (fungicidal) drugs, first of all, consider the type of fungus that affects the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophytes of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.Only a laboratory test of a nail scraping can accurately identify the pathogen.
A nail affected by a fungal infection changes color and shows yellow, brown or gray spots on it.The nail plate can become unnaturally thick, lose its shine and become deformed.For primary 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 toes and hands - these products do not leave greasy traces 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 drugs can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops for fungus
Patients and doctors have several requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.The treatment of onychomycosis lasts for three months or more, therefore, the medicinal substances included in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicidal drops is a wide spectrum of activity.Active components should not only destroy several types of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also stop the spread of their spores (this ability is called a fungistatic effect).
Patients also pay attention to the price 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 treat yourself;a specialist will choose the most suitable drops to treat toenail fungus based on the test results.
Some are not used to treat onychomycosis;they are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, drops are used in parallel with other drugs to prevent mycotic lesions from spreading to the skin.
Rules of application
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to fight 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 reach the target, the patient should follow some recommendations when using fungicidal drops.
Rules for the use of liquid antifungal agents:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, the feet and hands are steamed, the dead epidermis and the affected areas of the nail are cleaned.
- After cleaning, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edge of the nail plate is cut, 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 the healthy skin around the damaged nail.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissue, you should consult a doctor - the drops will no longer help, and the nail must be removed.For severe fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal drugs.Treatment of onychomycosis may 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 be easily infected in public places - bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related changes - immunity decreases in older people, so dermatophytes easily settle on the nail plate and become a source of infection for the human family.
To prevent nail fungus infection, you should follow the following preventive measures:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Do not wear other people's shoes.
- Use only your own towel.
- If there is a family history of onychomycosis, have your own nail file.
- Use antifungal agents for preventive purposes after visiting water parks and swimming pools.
- Strengthen immunity.
Without proper treatment, onychomycosis leads to the destruction of the nail plate;The sooner antifungal therapy is started, the greater the chance to preserve the beauty and health of the nails.