50% of visits to the dermatologist for nail problems are caused by onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the fingernail or toenail plates.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The sooner you start the therapy, the better the chances are that the nails will be 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 plates on the limbs for a long time.Often people come to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails, affected to the very base.
You can get onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - in a sauna, swimming pool, beach, even in a beauty salon.Among the elderly population, fungi are especially common (according to statistics, from 5% to 30% of people over the age of 45 suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can reach the nails of healthy family members who wear the same shoes.There is a risk of fungal infections in the shared bathroom and throughout the house if you walk around barefoot.The source of fungal infection can be the person himself.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a great chance that the pathological process will be transferred to the nail plates.
In order not to miss time and start treatment on time, it is necessary to carry out a thorough "audit" of the nails every week.The first signs of a yeast infection:
- dullness of nails– a healthy plate has a soft shine;its absence indicates mechanical or infectious damage to the surface layer;
- shape change- if a previously flat nail starts to grow sideways, to grow into ridges or to rise like a springboard, there is reason to suspect a fungus;
- surface change- a normal plate is flat and smooth, the appearance of ribs or tubercles indicates mycotic damage;
- uneven color- the initial forms of onychomycosis are manifested by barely noticeable changes in the color of the nails: the transparent plate becomes cloudy, whitish or yellowish;
- unusual inclusions- spots, streaks, spots of white, gray-yellow or brown color may appear on the surface of the corneous plates.
Mycotic diseases can be indicated by slower growth of nail plates.If a person previously cut their nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly noticed 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.Sudden dryness, tightness, burning or itching should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is inattention to the condition of the nails and lack of seriousness about the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic, but a medical problem, filled with complete loss of plates and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
Pedicure should be done on time, give up permanent nail coatings in favor of decorative varnish, the layer of which must be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs outside due to open shoe styles, increased sweating of the feet and walking barefoot.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis also occur during the cold season.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 you have identified 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 give a referral to a mycologist.The doctor will examine the condition of the plates and skin on the extremities.Objectively evaluate the signs of mycotic lesions.The specialist will determine how serious the infection is - how many nails are involved in the pathology, which area of the plates has undergone changes.
In order to find out the nature of the pathogen, the specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of the shavings from the nail plates.This will allow you to choose an effective fungicide.The patient will undergo general and biochemical blood tests.Laboratory tests reflect the general condition of the organism and the presence of accompanying diseases.Based on the biochemistry results, the doctor will determine if there are contraindications for prescribing systemic antifungals.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicides.
For minor damage to the nail plates, it is not necessary to see a doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of worsening the problem, further damaging the nails, creating resistance of microorganisms and the appearance of serious cosmetic defects increases.
How to treat the initial stage of onychomycosis
In the modern pharmaceutical market, there are many antifungal drugs that are sold without a prescription.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solutions (with a dropper, pipette or sprayer);
- lotions (often dietary supplements, liquids or gels);
- creams;
- fats;
- pastes (with a high concentration of active substance);
- varnishes (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 the nails, the active substance remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed off with water and wears off after contact with clothes or shoes.The use of such drugs will lead to further spread of fungi and worsening of onychomycosis.
Concentrated products (pastes)
Most pharmacists recommend treating nail fungus with a paste.The products contain antifungal substances of a wide spectrum.The second component of the paste - urea - is intended to soften the damaged nail plate.Preliminary removal of the affected part of the nail increases the chances of a complete cure of onychomycosis.Such drugs are used even in advanced cases.
In the initial stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is inappropriate.First, the surface and depth of the lesion are small and there is nothing to remove.Second, excessive scraping of a healthy nail is an unwanted injury, the likelihood of pain when moving, and an additional cosmetic disadvantage.The paste treatment for 7 days will have to be supplemented with the use of a special cream from the same line.The course of treatment will be 6-7 weeks.
Antifungal solutions
Liquid products (solutions and lotions) are suitable for the treatment of fungi in the early stages.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If you start the therapy at the first changes on the plaque, healing will occur quickly.The solutions are intended for treating damaged (and adjacent) nails twice a day.
The product should be dripped under the free edge of the nail and onto its base.Treatments must be regular.Skipping reduces the concentration of the active substance in the nail and increases the risk of pests spreading in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You must use the solutions until the damaged part of the board is cut off.After elimination, 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.The funds can be used by members of the patient's family for preventive purposes.
Medicinal varnishes
Antifungal varnishes are qualitatively different from other means for the treatment of onychomycosis.They ensure quick penetration and accumulation of the active substance in the nail plate.The coating, resistant to water and soap, maintains fungicidal concentrations for 7-10 days.You have to renew the product layer 1-2 times a week, which is very convenient.Antifungal varnish can be applied as a decorative coating (not gel varnish or nail extensions).The disadvantage is the high price.The varnish should be applied regularly until the damaged plate has completely grown and is removed.
The polish kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before the treatment, the nail plate must be thinned, degreased with alcohol and only then apply the product.Before renewing the layer, the varnish is removed with any cosmetic product.
Gel preparations for fungi
Antifungal agents in gel form contain substances to strengthen and accelerate the growth of the nail plate.Thanks to special silicone compounds, they create a protective film on the surface of the nail that creates conditions unsuitable for the life and growth of fungi.
You should use the medicine 2 times a day until the affected nail grows completely.After application, the product dries for 3 minutes and is covered with another layer.After complete drying, you can go about your business.When using medicines, decorative coatings must not be applied to the nails.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are ineffective 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 on a cotton swab and wrap it on damaged nails for 3-5 hours, 2 times a day.If well tolerated, the product can be left on overnight.
- Iodine.You can apply iodine to damaged nails twice a day.To do this, you should use a cotton swab.When processing, you must ensure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and nail folds.A significant disadvantage is the brown coloring of the nail plates.
- Garlic.A thin layer of grated garlic is applied to the nail plates, covered with cotton wool and cellophane and glued with adhesive tape.Leave the product on overnight.The procedure is done daily.
- Propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used for covering the nails.Exposure time 12 hours.Frequency of application – every day.
- Onion and aloe.Treat your nails with a mixture of aloe and onion juice 3 times a day.
- Kombucha.Kombucha is applied to the affected nails at night.The procedure is repeated daily until complete recovery.
Foot baths are also used.Solutions of soda and salt, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Baths with baking soda and salt will really help with healing if you need to soften and remove damaged nails.The antifungal effect of salt and herbs is too weak to ensure the elimination of fungi from the nail structure.
Systemic treatment of fungi
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.The reasons for their use are damage to all nail plates, deep penetration of fungi, pronounced hyperkeratosis in the area of corneum plates, a combination of dermato- and onychomycosis.A doctor should prescribe systemic fungicides.These drugs have a whole range of contraindications (from individual sensitivity to liver and blood diseases) and can have many side effects.In order to reduce the probability of unwanted actions, doctors examine the patient beforehand.Antifungal tablets and capsules are prescribed in special regimens.The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of pathogen, the stage of onychomycosis and the general state of health.Unauthorized use can cause significant damage to health and may not lead to recovery.Fungi can react to inappropriate therapy with resistance.If the pathogen adapts to fungicidal substances, it will be difficult to remove it from the body.
Systemic therapy regimens can vary significantly on an individual basis.
Useful tips for treatment
Treatment of nail fungus is a long-term and labor-intensive process.Treatment of milder 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 a few rules.
Tip one: thorough preparation
Before the first treatment with an antifungal drug, it is necessary to prepare the nails.Take a bath, remove the dead skin, trim the plates as short as possible.In mild forms of fungus, the nail does not need to be filed.However, it significantly facilitates the process of penetration of the medicinal substance into the nail.
A minor cosmetic defect (condition in a certain area, unevenness) will be an identification sign for the patient.As it heals, the progress of therapy will become noticeable.If spots, streaks or inclusions have formed on the plate, they must also be completely removed in the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Tip two: take care of your belongings
In order to prevent re-infection and increase the probability of complete healing, the patient must treat the shoes (all pairs are treated internally with an antifungal solution or spray) or replace them with new ones.Better to get a few pairs of good quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They need to be washed daily and ironed after drying.If a family member has onychomycosis, they should have their own manicure supplies.They cannot be used to care for healthy nails.After each pedicure, the devices should be disinfected with antiseptic solutions.
Tip three: don't spread the fungus
The spread of microorganisms occurs unconsciously - during everyday manipulations and touches.In order for the fungus not to spread around the house, it is necessary to start treatment on time, try to walk only in clean socks and avoid using other people's slippers (even for a minute).In the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, walk exclusively in your own closed shoes, because this is where fungi multiply especially quickly.
After starting the use of fungicidal drugs, the risk of infection of those closest to you is minimized, but until full recovery, it is better to adhere to preventive measures.
To avoid nail fungus infection, you must avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bathroom, sauna or swimming pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (it is better not to trust the provided "disposable" and rubber slippers).In shops, you have to try on shoes in socks (you should take them with you).Each time after visiting places of potential infection, the feet should be treated with antifungal agents.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatments can be carried out once a week.