The problem of nail fungus infection is very common. According to the WHO, one in 10 people in the world suffers from this unpleasant disease. You can catch it if you do not follow the basic rules of personal hygiene or in public places - baths, swimming pools, saunas, gym locker rooms.
Mycosis does not pose a serious health risk, but it is worrying and very difficult to get rid of. In advanced cases, therapy lasts several months. The key to effective treatment is to recognize the first signs of the disease in time and consult a dermatologist. In addition to medication, your doctor may prescribe traditional medical prescriptions to help speed up the healing process.
Symptoms of the disease
Onychomycosis is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Therefore, it is important not to miss the manifestations of progressive damage. The first "alarm calls" can be considered as follows:
- changes in nail color, structure, shine;
- appearance of tuberculosis, growth disorders;
- delamination, destruction;
- pathological thickening;
- defined bands of mycelial distribution;
- pain syndrome while walking;
- sharp, unpleasant odor;
- redness, peeling of nearby skin;
- decay of nail rolls.
Almost always the thumb suffers first (pathogens penetrate the most traumatic area - the corner of the nail).
It is important!
Even if you have several symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. A timely visit to a medical facility will ensure maximum effectiveness of treatment.
Remedy for toenail fungus
If you suspect a fungal infection, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist. He will prescribe the right treatment after performing all the tests. In order to achieve a rapid therapeutic effect, a complex fight against fungi, consisting of oral agents and external drugs, is recommended. Oily ointment is not used in the treatment of nail mycosis. This is due to the weak penetration of this pharmacological form on the surface of the stratum corneum.
Therapeutic varnish
In recent years, antifungal drugs in the form of varnishes have become widespread. It is recommended to use them only in weak lesions. In advanced diseases, such an external remedy will not bring the desired result. They are produced in a bottle with a brush that looks like an ordinary cosmetic varnish.
Tablets
In addition to local drugs, oral agents are also used. The tablets affect the whole body, helping to get rid of the infection as soon as possible.
External means
You can treat mycoses with various sprays, creams and oils. They do not damage the liver due to their local action. The disadvantage of this method is the duration of use.
Laser treatment
You need to think about laser therapy with long, unsuccessful attempts to get rid of nail fungus. This method is effective in getting rid of indifferent lesions.
The course is 6-10 procedures, during which time 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.
Advantages of the technique:
- no pain during the procedure;
- no dosage forms are required;
- No side effects or allergic reactions.
According to doctors, the laser is the fastest way to get rid of the problem. However, no matter how miraculous the treatment, there are some limitations to its use:
- diabetes;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- malignant neoplasms;
- serious disorders of the heart, kidneys, liver.
It is necessary to undergo a physical examination before starting a course of treatment.
Treatment with folk remedies
Alternative medicine is very popular. However, it should be used wisely after consulting your doctor.
Propolis
The waste product of bees is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. With regular use of propolis, the affected nail disappears and a healthy nail grows in its place. It is important not to stop the procedure after the symptoms have disappeared, as the infection may reappear.
Natural propolis is used three times a day. A piece is applied to the steamed nail and left for 30 minutes. The first results will be visible in a few months.
Another alternative medicine recipe is alcohol tincture:
- Mix 30 g of propolis in 120 g of rubbing alcohol. Leave in a cool, dark place for 2 days;
- Before the procedure, steam your feet in a solution with laundry soap;
- Cut dry, infected areas as much as possible, cut a layer of nail plate;
- Moisten with cotton wool tincture and cover the painful area with a bandage overnight;
- Treat for at least two months.
Healthy nails are removed with tincture every day to prevent infection.
It is important!
The main requirement of any of the recipes are well-steamed nails. Remember this rule.
vinegar
Vinegar is often used at home - apple cider vinegar or table vinegar. Traditional healers suggest three ways to use the 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, chopped garlic cloves. 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
Helps eliminate poisonous plant fungi quicklyUse with care to avoid burning your skin.
Fresh vegetable juice can be used. Chop the grass, wash and turn in a meat grinder. Squeeze the water from the resulting mass. Mix 200 g of extract and rubbing alcohol in a glass bowl. The solution insists in a dark place for two days. After thoroughly evaporating the mixture is applied to the nails 3-4 times a day.
A network of pharmacies sells ready-made celandine oil. Lubricates the nail plate after careful processing (evaporation, removal of affected areas, wiping with peroxide).
White
The product we are accustomed to bleaching household items can also be used to treat onychomycosis. Whiteness has a strong antibacterial effect. Every two days, apply the liquid to the nails until the plate is completely renewed.
eggs
It is necessary to make an ointment for treatment. Put an egg in a glass and pour the vinegar essence for a few days. The shell must melt. Remove the film from the egg and mix with the remaining liquid. Add butter until thickened.
As a result, the product is applied to infected nails before going to bed, wrapped in a bandage. The procedure is performed within 5-6 weeks.
Iodine
An alcoholic solution of iodine is suitable for the treatment of mycoses. It should be applied twice a day with a cotton swab. The procedure for prevention is performed once a day on healthy nails. It is useful to prepare steam baths with the addition of iodine.
Tea mushrooms
It is used in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases, including onychomycosis. A plate of kombucha is placed on the affected area, covered with polyethylene and secured with a bandage. The compress stays overnight. In the morning, the dead layer should be removed and lubricated with iodine.
Hydrogen peroxide
A powerful antiseptic that successfully fights mycosis. After careful preparation, apply to a cotton wool nail plate moistened with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Cover with polyethylene to prevent evaporation of the active substance. The compress is stored for 1 hour. The procedure is performed twice a day until a healthy nail grows.
Ammonia
This tool has shown good results when treated at home. Dilute 1 tablespoon in a glass of water. l. ammonia. A compress is prepared overnight with the resulting solution. The main requirement is to steam the nails until they are soft.
Ammonium hydroxide baths also help treat mycosis. Mix 3 tablespoons in boiling water. l. baking soda, ammonia, 30-40 g of liquid soap. In such a solution, the surface of the feet and nails softens faster.
Baking soda
Before using any antifungal agent, be sure to steam your nails. Soda baths work well to prevent the spread of infection. Take 2 tablespoons for 3 liters of warm water. l. dust. For best effect you can add 1 tbsp. l. grated laundry soap.
They also make lotions with soda. Dilute with water until a slime applied to 100 g of nails is formed. After 15-20 minutes, the mixture is washed.
Potassium permanganate
Potassium permanganate is known for its strong antiseptic properties. It is used for baths before applying other medicines.
It is important!
Be careful not to burn manganese. For safe use, take more than 3 crystals and dissolve them well in water.
Maple resin
It has an antiseptic effect and can be used neatly or in the form of soap. Tar is applied to the nail after processing and before going to bed. Used until recovery.
Salt
You can use culinary or seafood. A mixture of soda and salt is prepared in equal proportions, diluted with a small amount of cold water. The solution is abundantly lubricated with nails and washed off after 10 minutes. You may feel a burning sensation during the procedure.
Before using the drug, the thick layer of the bath with salt is well evaporated.
If the dryness of the skin does not increase, you can soak your feet in a solution of laundry soap and table or sea salt. This procedure has a bactericidal, drying effect.
Novocaine
Traditional medicine recommends using the drug to wipe around the nails and skin. After treatment, cotton wool moistened with an aqueous solution of novocaine is applied to the affected areas and fixed with a bandage. After an hour, the compress is removed. Daily procedures can relieve pain, burning, itching.
For the best effect of treatment, experts recommend a medical pedicure procedure. Cut the nail with a special milling machine.
Prevention of fungal diseases
The causative agent of onychomycosis is a tolerant organism. Spores can survive in the environment for months, waiting for favorable conditions for growth.
The following rules should be followed to avoid infection with pathogenic microflora:
- do not forget to wear your own removable shoes in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools);
- wear clean socks daily;
- thoroughly dry the area between your feet and toes after taking a shower or bath;
- do not wear someone else's shoes;
- treat the surface of the damaged skin with antiseptic;
- use personal pedicure tools;
- combating excessive sweating of the feet;
- dry wet shoes from the street;
- monitor the status of immunity.
Prevention is always easier than cure. The main requirement for the prevention of mycoses is strict adherence to the rules of personal hygiene.
Good immunity is an important factor in preventing the disease. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to become infected. Taking vitamin complexes and immunostimulating drugs is the first step in preventing mycosis.
If a loved one living in the same apartment shows signs of illness, you should use medicated protective equipment. Prophylactic agents are produced in the form of sprays, ointments, creams, varnishes.
The means recommended by traditional medicine are also suitable for prophylactic purposes. Iodine is applied to the surface of the nails once a day. You can also rub your feet with vinegar solution.
Fungal treatment is a very laborious and long process. Complex therapy with pharmacy and folk remedies helps to accelerate the healing process.
For effective treatment, it is important to recognize the first signs of onychomycosis in time and consult a doctor. It is possible to carry out tests only in one medical institution, to correctly determine the type of pathogen. After that, adequate treatment is prescribed, which will lead to recovery.