50% of cases visiting a dermatologist regarding nail problems are due to onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the nail plate on the hands or feet.Advanced fungal treatment requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The sooner you start therapy, the greater the chance of keeping your nails healthy and beautiful.
The first signs that indicate onychomycosis
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 plate on the limb for a long time.Often people come to the doctor with nails that are too large and thick, affected to the base.
You can get onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - in saunas, swimming pools, on the beach, even in beauty salons.Among the older population, fungus is common (according to statistics, from 5% to 30% of people over the age of 45 have this problem).In this case, microorganisms can get on the nails of healthy family members and wear the same shoes.There is a risk of catching fungus in shared bathrooms and throughout the house if you move around barefoot.The source of fungal infection can be one's own person.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a high chance that the pathological process will be transferred to the nail plate.
In order not to lose time and start treatment on time, it is necessary to conduct a thorough "audit" of the nails every week.The first signs of a fungal infection:
- stupidity of nails- Healthy plates have a soft shine;Its absence indicates mechanical or infectious damage to the surface layer;
- shape change- If previously straight nails start to grow sideways, grow into ridges, or rise like stepping stones, there is reason to suspect fungus;
- surface changes- The normal plate is smooth, the appearance of ribs or tubercles indicates mitotic damage;
- uneven color- The early form of onychomycosis is indicated by almost imperceptible changes in the color of the nail: the translucent plate becomes cloudy, white or yellowish;
- Exceptional entry-Spots, stripes, white, gray-yellow or brown spots may appear on the surface of the horny plate.
Mycotic diseases can be indicated by slower growth of the nail plate.If someone previously trimmed their nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly realized 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.Dryness, hangnails, burning or sudden itching should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is not being able to solve the condition of the nails and ignorance about the dangers of the disease.This is not a cosmetic, but a medical problem, full of plate loss and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
You should do a pedicure on time, leaving the permanent nail coating in favor of a decorative varnish, a layer that must be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs from outside due to open shoe styles, increased foot sweating, and barefoot walking.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis also occur during winter.Warm shoes, sweating, and lack of hygiene procedures are the main factors for onychomycosis infection in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms
After identifying the first signs of nail fungus, you should contact the clinic.People with dermato and onychomycosis go to a dermatologist.Often just a consultation is enough, but sometimes he can provide a referral to a mycologist.The doctor will examine the condition of the plate and the skin on the foot.Objectively evaluate the signs of mycotic lesions.The specialist will determine how serious the infection is - how many nails are involved in the pathology, the area of the plate that has undergone changes.
To find out the nature of the pathogen, the specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of the binding from the nail plate.This will allow you to choose an effective fungicidal drug.Patients will undergo general blood and biochemical tests.Laboratory tests reflect the general condition of the body and the presence of concomitant diseases.Based on the biochemical results, the doctor will know if there are contraindications to prescribing systemic antimycotics.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of certain fungicidal agents.
For minor damage to the nail plate, there is no need to see a doctor.You can self-medicate, but the effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of aggravating the problem, further damage to the nail, the formation of microorganism resistance and the occurrence of serious cosmetic defects will increase.
How to treat the early stages of onychomycosis
There are many antifungal drugs available in the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solution (with a dropper, pipette or spray dispenser);
- lotions (often nutritional supplements, liquid or gel substances);
- cream;
- ointment;
- pasta (with a high concentration of active ingredients);
- Varnish (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 nails, the active ingredient is only on the surface of the plate, quickly washed off with water and wears off when in contact with clothes or shoes.The use of such drugs will lead to the spread of the fungus and worsen onychomycosis.
Concentrated Products (Pastes)
Most pharmacists recommend treating nail fungus with a paste.This product contains broad spectrum antifungal ingredients.The second component of the paste - urea - aims to soften the damaged nail plate.Early removal of the affected part of the nail increases the chances of a complete onychomycosis cure.Such drugs are used even in advanced cases.
In the early stages of nail fungus, the use of paste is not appropriate.First, the area and depth of the lesion is small and there is nothing to remove.Second, a healthy nail scraper is an unwanted injury, possible pain when moving, and an additional cosmetic defect.Treatment with a paste for 7 days should 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 change in the plate, healing will happen quickly.The solution is to treat damaged nails (and neighbors) twice a day.
It should drip the product under the edge of the nail and to the base.Treatment must be regular.Skipping reduces the concentration of active ingredients in the nail and increases the risk of pests spreading in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You need to use the solution until the damaged part is cut.After eliminating it, it is better to extend the therapy for another month.An additional advantage of the solutions is that they can be used on the skin.These funds can be used by the patient's family members for preventive purposes.
Curing varnish
Antifungal varnish is qualitatively different from other means for the treatment of onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of active ingredients in the nail plate.The coating, resistant to water and soap, maintains the fungicidal concentration for 7-10 days.You need to renew the product layer 1-2 times a week, which is very easy.Antifungal varnish can be used as a decorative coating (not gel polish or nail extensions).The downside is the high price.Varnish should be used regularly until the damaged plate is fully grown and removed.
The varnish kit includes a file, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate must be thinned, degreased with alcohol, and only the product must be used.Before renewing the layer, the varnish is removed with any cosmetic product.
Preparation of gel for fungus
Antifungal agents in gel form contain ingredients to strengthen and accelerate the growth of the nail plate.Thanks to a special silicone compound, they form a protective film on the nail surface, which creates unfavorable conditions for the life and growth of fungi.
You need to use the medicine 2 times a day until the affected nail grows completely.After application, the product is dried for 3 minutes and covered with a second layer.After complete drying, you can go about your business.While using medicines, decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are not effective for advanced onychomycosis, but in the early stages they can really be useful.The most famous and effective "home remedies" for nails:
- Vinegar.It is recommended to apply apple or wine vinegar to a cotton swab and wrap it on the damaged nail for 3-5 hours, 2 times a day.If well received, the product can be left to act overnight.
- Iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you should use a cotton swab.When processing, you need to make sure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and nail folds.A significant disadvantage is the coloring of the brown nail plate.
- Garlic.A thin layer of grated garlic is applied to the nail plate, covered with cotton wool and cellophane, and sealed with adhesive tape.Leave the product to act overnight.This procedure is done every day.
- Propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used to compress 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.A kombucha extract is applied to the affected nail at night.This procedure is repeated every day until recovery is complete.
Foot baths are also used.Soda-salt solutions, decoctions of oak bark, celandine, and juniper are considered effective.A bath with baking soda and salt will really help with the treatment if you need to soften and remove damaged nails.The antifungal effect of salt and herbs is too weak to ensure the elimination of the fungus from the nail structure.
Systemic treatment of fungus
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.The reasons for its use are damage to all nail plates, penetration in the fungus, called hyperkeratosis in the area of the horny plate, combined dermatosis and onychomycosis.The doctor should prescribe a systemic fungicidal drug.These drugs have various contraindications (from individual sensitivity to liver and blood diseases) and can have many side effects.To reduce the possibility of unwanted actions, the doctor pre-examines the patient.Anti-fungal tablets and capsules are prescribed in a special regimen.The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of pathogen, the degree of onychomycosis, and general health.Unauthorized use can cause significant harm to health and may not lead to recovery.Fungi can respond to improper therapy with resistance (resistance).If the pathogen adapts to the fungicide, it is difficult to remove it from the body.
Systemic therapy regimens may vary significantly from individual to individual.
Useful tips for treatment
Nail fungus treatment 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 follow some rules.
Tip One: Thorough preparation
Before the first treatment with an antifungal drug, it is necessary to prepare your nails.Make a bath, remove the dead skin, cut the plate as soon as possible.For mild forms of fungus, the nail does not need to be filed.However, this significantly facilitates the process of penetration of medicinal substances into the nail.
Small cosmetic defects (thinning in certain areas, unevenness) will be a sign to identify the patient.As they grow together, the therapeutic progress will be significant.If spots, stripes, or inclusions have formed on the plate, they must also be completely removed at the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Tip Two: Manage Your Own Matters
To prevent re-infection and increase the chances of complete healing, the patient must treat his shoes (all pairs are treated from the inside with an antifungal solution or spray) or replace them with new ones.It is best to get several 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 own manicure supplies.They should not be used to maintain healthy nails.After each pedicure, the device should be disinfected with an antiseptic solution.
Tip Three: Don't spread the fungus
The spread of microorganisms occurs unconsciously - during everyday manipulation and contact.In order not to spread the fungus around the house, it is necessary to start treatment on 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 own indoor shoes, because the fungus multiplies quickly here.
After starting to use fungicides, the risk of infecting loved ones is minimized, but until complete recovery it is better to adhere to preventive measures.
To avoid getting infected with nail fungus, you must avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bathhouse, sauna, or pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (it is better not to trust the provided "use" and rubber slippers).In shops, you have to try on shoes in socks (you should take them with you).Every time after visiting places of potential infection, you should treat your feet with an antifungal agent.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatment can be done once a week.