The problem of fungal nail infection is quite common. According to the WHO, every 10 people in the world suffer from this unpleasant disease. You can get infected with it if the basic rules of personal hygiene are not followed or in public places: bathrooms, swimming pools, saunas, gym changing rooms.
Mycosis does not pose a serious health risk, but it is uncomfortable and very difficult to get rid of. In advanced cases, the therapy lasts for several months. For effective treatment, the main thing is to recognize the first symptoms of the disease in time and consult a dermatologist. Along with drug therapy, the doctor can prescribe the use of traditional medicine recipes that help speed up the healing process.
Signs of the disease
It is difficult to determine onychomycosis in the initial stage. Therefore, it is important not to miss the manifestations of progressive damage. The first "alarm bells" can be considered as the following:
- change in color, structure, shine of the nail;
- the appearance of tuberosity, growth disorders;
- delamination, destruction;
- pathological thickening;
- outlined bands of mycelium distribution;
- pain syndrome when walking;
- pungent and unpleasant odor;
- redness, peeling of the nearby skin;
- decay of the nail rollers.
Almost always, the thumb suffers first (pathogens penetrate the most traumatic area - the edge of the corner of the nail).
Important!
If some symptoms are also detected, you should see a doctor immediately. A timely visit to a medical facility will ensure the maximum effectiveness of the treatment.
Toenail fungus medication
If you suspect a fungal infection, you need to make an appointment with a dermatologist. After carrying out all the tests, he will prescribe the correct treatment. To achieve a quick therapeutic effect, a complex fight against the fungus is recommended, consisting of oral agents and external preparations. Fat-based ointment is not used in the treatment of nail fungus. This is due to the poor penetration of this pharmacological form into the surface of the stratum corneum.
Healing paint
In recent years, antifungal drugs in the form of paints have become popular. It is recommended to use them only in case of weak injuries. In advanced diseases, this type of external remedy will not bring the desired result. They are produced in a bottle with a brush, which looks like ordinary cosmetic paint.
Tablets
Along with topical preparations, oral agents are used. Tablets have an effect on the whole body, help get rid of the infection as soon as possible.
External remedies
You can treat mycosis with various sprays, creams, oils. Due to their local action, they do not damage the liver. The disadvantage of this method is the duration of use.
Laser treatment
With prolonged and unsuccessful attempts to remove the nail fungus, you should think about laser therapy. This method is effective in eliminating neglected injuries.
The course involves 6-10 procedures, during which the affected areas of the nail plate are removed. The laser beam penetrates deep into the tissue to the location of the fungal mycelium and kills it.
The advantages of the technique:
- lack of pain during the procedure;
- no dosage forms are required;
- it has no side and allergic reactions.
According to doctors, the laser is the fastest way to get rid of the problem. However, no matter how miraculous the treatment is, it has a number of limitations to its use:
- diabetes;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- malignant neoplasms;
- severe violations of the heart, kidneys, liver.
Before starting a course of treatment, it is imperative to undergo a body examination.
Treatment with folk remedies
Alternative medicine is quite popular. But they should be used wisely, after consulting your doctor.
Propolis
The bee waste product is known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. With regular use of propolis, the affected nail disappears, and a healthy one grows in its place. After the symptoms have disappeared, it is important not to interrupt the procedure, as the infection may reappear.
Natural propolis is used three times a day. One piece is applied to the steamed nail and left for 30 minutes. The first results will appear in a couple of months.
Another alternative medicine recipe is alcoholic tincture:
- Mix 30 g of propolis in 120 g of denatured alcohol. Leave in a cool, dark place for 2 days;
- Before the procedure, steam your feet in a solution with laundry soap;
- Dry, cut off infected areas as much as possible, cut off the layer of the nail plate;
- Moisten the cotton ball with the dye and fix it with a bandage on the painful area at night;
- Carry out the treatment for at least two months.
In order to prevent infection, healthy nails are cleaned daily with dye.
Important!
The main requirement of any of the recipes is well-done nails. Don't forget this rule.
Vinegar
At home, vinegar is often used - apple cider or table vinegar. Traditional healers offer three ways to use essence:
- Prepare a mixture of iodine and apple cider vinegar in equal proportions. Lubricate the affected areas with a solution twice a day for six months;
- Mix 2 tbsp. L. vinegar with 10 drops of tea tree oil extract, minced garlic clove. The resulting mixture is applied to the plate 2-3 times a day;
- A glass of vinegar is added to the steam bath. Baths are done three times a week until the nails are renewed.
celandine
The poisonous plant helps to quickly remove the fungus. Use it carefully so as not to burn your skin.
Fresh plant juice can be used. Cut the grass, rinse and spin in a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass. In a glass container, mix 200 g of extract and denatured alcohol. The solution is insistent in a dark place for two days. The mixture is applied to the nails 3-4 times a day after thorough steaming.
The pharmacy chain sells ready-made celandine oil. Lubricates the nail plate after careful processing (steaming, removing the affected areas, cleaning with peroxide).
White
The remedy we are used to to whiten things, used at home, can also be used in the treatment of onychomycosis. White has a powerful antibacterial effect. Every other day, apply the liquid to your nails until the plate is completely renewed.
Egg
For treatment, it is necessary to make ointment. Put an egg in a glass and pour the vinegar essence for several days. The shell should dissolve. Remove the foil from the egg and mix with the remaining liquid. Add the butter until it becomes thick.
The resulting product is applied to infected nails before bedtime, wrapped in a bandage. The procedure is carried out for 5-6 weeks.
Iodine
For the treatment of mycoses, an alcoholic solution of iodine is suitable. It should be applied twice a day with a cotton ball. For prophylaxis, the procedure is performed on healthy nails once a day. It is useful to take steaming baths with the addition of iodine.
Tea mushroom
In folk medicine, it is used to treat various diseases, including nail fungus. A plate of kombucha is placed on the affected area, covered with polyethylene on top and fixed with a bandage. The compress is left overnight. In the morning, the dead layer must be removed, lubricated with iodine.
Hydrogen peroxide
A powerful antiseptic that successfully fights mycoses. After careful preparation, a cotton swab is applied to the nail plate, abundantly moistened with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. To avoid evaporation of the active ingredient, cover it with polyethylene on top. The compress is left for 1 hour. The procedure is carried out 2 times a day until a healthy nail grows back.
Ammonia
This remedy has shown good results when treated at home. In a glass of water, 1 tbsp is diluted. L. ammonia. A compress is prepared with the resulting solution overnight. The main requirement is to steam the nails until they are soft.
Baths with ammonium hydroxide also help treat fungal infections. Mix 3 tablespoons in hot water. L. baking soda, ammonia, 30-40 g of liquid soap. In such a solution, the surface of the feet and nails softens faster.
Sodium bicarbonate
Before using any antifungal agents, be sure to steam your nails. Soda baths work well to prevent the spread of infection. For 3 liters of hot water, 2 tablespoons are taken. L. dust. For the best effect, you can add 1 tbsp. L. grated laundry soap.
They also make lotions with soda. 100 g are diluted with water to form a suspension, which is applied to the nails. After 15-20 minutes, the mixture is washed off.
Potassium permanganate
Potassium permanganate is known for its strong antiseptic properties. Used for baths before applying other medicines.
Important!
You have to be careful with manganese so as not to burn yourself. For safe use, it is necessary to take no more than 3 crystals and completely dissolve them in water.
Birch tar
It has an antiseptic effect and can be used pure or in the form of soap. Tar is applied to the nail before bedtime after processing. It is used until recovery.
salt
You can use cooking or seafood. A mixture of soda and salt is prepared in equal proportions, it is diluted with a small amount of cold water. The solution is abundantly lubricated with nails, and after 10 minutes they are washed off. During the procedure, you may feel a burning sensation.
Before using the drug, the coarse stratum corneum of the salt bath is well steamed.
If there is no increased dryness of the skin, you can soak your feet in a solution of laundry soap and table salt or sea salt. This procedure has a bactericidal and drying effect.
Novocaine
Traditional medicine recommends using the drug to clean the nails and the skin around them. After treatment, a cotton swab moistened with an aqueous solution of novocaine and fixed with a bandage is applied to the affected areas. After an hour, the compress is removed. Daily procedures can relieve pain, burning, itching.
For the best effect of the treatment, experts recommend carrying out a medical pedicure procedure. He is cutting the nail with a special milling machine.
Prevention of fungal diseases
The causative agent of onychomycosis is a tenacious organism. The spores can remain viable in the environment for months, waiting for favorable conditions for growth.
In order not to get infected with pathogenic microflora, the following rules must be observed:
- in public areas (bathrooms, saunas, swimming pools), be sure to wear your removable shoes;
- wear clean socks daily;
- after taking a shower, bath, dry your feet and the area between the toes thoroughly;
- do not wear someone else's shoes;
- treat the damaged skin surface with an antiseptic;
- use personal pedicure tools;
- fight excessive sweating of the feet;
- coming from the street, wet and dry shoes;
- monitor the state of immunity.
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. The main requirement for the prevention of mycosis is strict compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
Good immunity is an important factor in disease prevention. People with weakened body defenses are more likely to be infected with infections. Taking vitamin complexes, immunostimulating drugs is the first step in the prevention of mycosis.
If signs of illness are detected in a loved one living in the same apartment, then medicated protective equipment should be used. Prophylactic agents are produced in the form of sprays, ointments, creams, paints.
For preventive purposes, the remedies recommended by traditional medicine are also suitable. Iodine is applied to the surface of the nails once a day. You can also scrub your feet with a vinegar solution.
Treatment of mushrooms is a rather laborious and long process. Complex therapy with pharmacy and folk remedies helps to speed up the healing process.
For effective treatment, it is important to recognize the first signs of onychomycosis in time and to consult a doctor. Only in a medical institution can tests be carried out to correctly determine the type of pathogen. After that, adequate treatment is prescribed, which will lead to healing.