Onychomycosis or nail fungus is a common fungal disease that is often confused with a cosmetic defect.However, unlike cosmetic pathologies, the treatment of onychomycosis is a complex and prolonged process that covers not only the external manifestation of the disease but also the internal.In addition, they can be infected in almost any public place.But for everything in order.
Causes of nail fungus
The main reason for the nail fungus is yeast and mildew.They multiply very quickly, leading to the destruction of the nails.In turn, there are many situations where these mushrooms can enter the skin and nails of human legs.Among such situations, it is worth emphasizing some of the most common:
- Visit to a public pool without special shoes;
- Use of foreign shoes;
- Discrepancy with leg hygiene;
- Reduction of human immunity, etc.
Public pools are quite often a fungus stick.A huge number of infected people come here to swim and do not follow the rules of hygiene.As a result, healthy people are at a significant risk of infection.
The same risk arises if we take, which is called "rent", someone else's shoes.In the end, few admit it is infected with a sponge.But discrepancy with leg hygiene can be called one of the most common causes of nail fungus infection.Hyperhidrosis and simply the reluctance to wash the legs lead to the fact that germs appear on the skin and nails that develop rapidly in a humid environment.As a result, not only the nails but also the skin of the legs arise.
Reducing immunity is not as big as the factor accompanying the infection.In other words, all previous reasons can become more significant if a person's immunity is reduced.And many factors can reduce it, starting with bad habits for the use of antimicrobial drugs.
Symptoms of nail fungus
How is the nail fungus manifested at different stages of development?The symptoms are quite specific, so it is worth saying in stages in accordance with the degree of damage to the nail:
- In the initial stages of the nail infection, a mud area appears.It can be located in the center, on the side or at the edge of the nails.In this case, the type of fungus of the causative agent of the disease is manifested.
- Complete damage to the nails.The whole nail becomes cloudy, light stripes appear on it.The surface of the nail begins to change, the smoothness disappears.
- Squad.Once the entire nail has fallen under the influence of the fungi, it begins to increase the thickness.Gradually its structure becomes porous.The free edge begins to rise and move away from the finger.
- The appearance of cracks on the skin of the feet.Once the whole nail is already modified, the fungi gradually begin to move to the skin.And the first areas that fall under the influence of germs are areas between the fingers.
For these symptoms, one can independently determine the presence of nail fungus.However, if the first signs of the disease have appeared, then you should contact a specialist immediately.
Diagnosis of nail fungus
However, a doctor, like the patient, is sufficient to understand that the toenails are inflamed by the fungus.And the essence of the diagnosis in this case is to determine the type of sponge of the arousal.There are currently four types of nail fungus, which differ from each other by nature:
- White surface.This type of fungus is one of the less dangerous and simpler in treatment.With such onychomycosis, only the upper surface of the nail occurs.There is no stratification, the nail does not break away from the skin.
- Distal subgroup.This species is almost completely opposite to the previous type.It infects the lower surface of the nail from there and begins to destroy the nail plate.Increasing the thickness of the nail, the removal of the nail from the skin - in this case all these symptoms will definitely occur.
- Proximal floor -gear fungus.This type of fungus acts in two directions: damage to the nails and lesion of the skin.It appears along the skin on the nail and spreads in both directions, ie.on the nail and on the skin.The proximal fungus is one of the most dangerous and complex in terms of fungus treatment.
- General dystrophic sponge.This fungus is the result of one of the previous species.It develops when the nails are already completely destroyed, the skin around the nail appears.It is manifested by inflammatory processes on the skin, accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses.
Despite the fact that the symptoms of nail fungus are quite special, which allows you to easily diagnose the disease, you should still contact a doctor.Only a doctor will be able to understand the causes of the infection, determine the degree of lesion, choose the right course of treatment.
Prevention
Like any other disease, onychomycosis is easier to prevent than to cure.In addition, preventative measures here are quite simple and accessible to all.First of all, this is the observance of the hygiene of the legs.In addition, there are a number of events that will allow, if they do not avoid the infection, then significantly reduce the risk:
- The use of special cosmetics to remove sweating and excessive moisture of the legs.It is also necessary to use moisturizers if the skin of the feet is too dry.This will help to avoid cracks and irritations.
- Wear shoes in public pools, do not use someone's shoes.
- Wash and wipe your feet regularly.It is especially worth paying attention to the areas between your fingers.Disinfection periodically needs to use alcohol solutions or cosmetics.
- Regularly disinfects the bathroom, shoes, towel, etc.
- Maintain immunity.As primitive as it may sound, but all previous preventive measures can become meaningless if the immunity is so reduced that it is not able to withstand germs.Regular use of vitamins, walking in the fresh air, sports will help you maintain your own body protection at the right level.
If prevention has not been observed or has not helped when the nail fungus is first discovered, it is necessary to proceed immediately to its treatment.Ideally, the doctor prescribes a combined course of treatment consisting of external medicines, oral medicines.But you have to tell you more about it.
Treatment of nail fungus
Nail fungus is one of the most complex diseases in terms of treatment.This is simply explained - the spores of the fungus constantly mutate and adapt to changing conditions.In other words, if any specific treatment does not lead to the desired effect in the first weeks, this method probably includes medicines to which the fungus easily produces immunity.Therefore, treatment should include several methods at the same time.
First, it should be understood that nail fungus should be treated not only with external medicines, although the main focus is on them.The treatment of nail fungus should include taking medicines aimed at restoring the intestinal microflora and vitamins aimed at restoring immunity.
So, the treatment of nail fungus should be done in four aircraft:
- Local medicines (ointments, gels, varnishes, etc.);
- Antifungal drugs;
- Medicines for the gastrointestinal tract;
- Groups of remedies for maintaining and improving immunity.
Each of these aircraft has its own popular tools that have already proven their effectiveness and are in significant demand.These are those medicines that will be discussed further.
Local medicines
Local medicines include all medicines that are in contact with the site of disability, ie.with a nail.They are entrusted to the main mission - eliminating cosmetic defect and destroying the spores of the fungus.In the early stages of the disease and small areas of the lesion, treatment can only be limited by local medicines.
By the way, it is important to remember that when you are infected with a sponge, you should carefully ensure that the nail always remains dry.This will delay the reproduction and development of the infection, as the bacteria multiply more actively in a humid environment.
Antifungal drugs
These medicines are produced in the form of capsules or tablets.As a rule, the course of the course of such drugs is from 3 months to six months.They are prescribed only after determining the type of fungal pathogen.
All medicines aimed at combating nail fungus are divided into several groups depending on the active substance.
Medicines for the gastrointestinal tract
Taking any drugs in most cases ends with a violation of the intestinal microflora and gastrointestinal tract functions.In particular, antibiotics destroy non -pathogenic bacteria that are actively involved in the digestive process.Symptoms of microflora disorders may be the following signs:
- Stool disorders (constipation or diarrhea);
- Swelling and gas formation;
- Abdominal pain and discomfort;
- External disorders, such as skin rash, enlargement of hair loss, brittle nails and hair.
Microflora can independently restore, but this process will take a long time.Therefore, any treatment with antifungal, antimicrobial drugs should be accompanied by medicines to restore microflora.
The preparations aimed at restoring the microflora are combined into a large group called "prebiotics".The essence of their action lies in the population of the digestive tract of bacteria that restore the normal microflora and inhibit the negative effect of harmful microorganisms.The main "good" bacteria that are part of the prebiotics are the following:
- Bifidobacteria;
- Lactobacilli;
- Enterococci;
- Lactic acid streptococcus;
- Non -pathogenic species E. coli;
- Some types of yeast mushrooms.
These bacteria, entering the intestine, perform several functions at once:
- Develop substances that can withstand infections;
- Eliminate the ability of harmful bacteria to be retained in the digestive tract;
- Destroy toxins and prevent their absorption in the blood;
- Improve the protective functions of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Produce vitamins B;
- They produce antibodies of certain viruses.
By the way, if certain conditions or contraindications do not allow you to take prebiotics, they can be replaced by certain products containing beneficial bacteria.First of all, these are dairy products, yoghurts and fruits.
To date, several groups of prebiotics have been established, which differ in bacteria contained in them.So these groups are the most famous representatives in them:
- Bifidobacteria preparations;
- Lactobateria preparations;
- Colibacteria preparations;
- Complex drugs.They contain bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
The modern food industry also offers a number of products that contain bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.They regularly advertise on television, and the stores present a wide selection of their tastes and types.
Medicines to restore immunity
A healthy person's immune system can independently fight the pathogenic microflora.However, finding an absolutely healthy person with perfect immunity is almost impossible today.Transferred diseases, poor nutrition quality, harmful surrounding conditions, taking certain medicines - all this leads to a violation of the natural protection of the body.Therefore, in order to accelerate recovery with onychomycosis, it is necessary to pay attention to this side of the problem.
Currently, there are a huge number of medicines to restore the immune system and they all differ significantly.Think of some of them:
- Synthetic immunomodulators;
- Microbial immunomodulators;
- Bone marrow immunomodulators;
- Timical immunomodulators;
- Chemical immunomodulators;
- Vegetable immunomodulators.
Microbial immunomodulators act as a simulator of the immune system.They restore both local and general immunity, allowing you to completely destroy the viruses and exclude a more current body infection.
Chemical drugs are aimed at producing protein by the body, which is able to withstand the virus.Preparations can also be considered to restore immunity.And keep it.In addition, the first effect occurs immediately after administration and increase within a few months after consumption.
Timical preparations are aimed at developing T cells that are responsible for the confrontation of the virus attacks.Bosomedical drugs are manufactured by mediators, which in turn restores all indicators for the immune system.
Plant preparations include extracts and extracts of plants and herbs that have medicinal and restorative properties.The most popular are plants such as cranberries, ginseng, raspberries, lemon grass, sea beans, landing of St. John, Nettle, Clover, Echinacea and more.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail fungus
There are a significant number of people who avoid drug use, explain this through harmfulness, the content of chemical elements in them and other causes.That is why in this article we will talk about some of the most effective methods of combating nail fungus from traditional medicine.
Nail fungus
Vinegar is a powerful disinfectant, so in the fight against nail fungus, which has found quite widely used.In addition, the course of vinegar treatment is relatively short and quite simple.To prepare the solution, it is necessary to mix vinegar 9% with water in a proportion of 1 to 8, ie.Add 8 parts clean water to 1 part vinegar.For men, the amount of water can be reduced by 2 times as they have skin as a rule for women.
Before using the solution, the legs and nails must be stewed.To do this, they must be immersed in a hot water lung and kept until the skin becomes tuberculous.The legs should then be submerged in a bowl with a prepared vinegar solution.Keep them for 15-20 minutes.If the solution burns the skin, then the procedure should be reduced.
The course of treatment lasts only two weeks.In this case, the procedures should be performed once every two days.Then the nails begin to break away, and the new ones grow in their place.If the disease is at an advanced stage, then the course will have to be repeated 1-2 times until a complete recovery.
Iodine - the sponge will pass
The course of treatment for iodine nail fungus is about 3 weeks.Two procedures a day must be performed.It is advisable to do this in the morning and evening.For treatment, lubricate the damaged nail plates with iodine.
By the way, doctors recommend applying iodine to healthy nail plates, as an infection may already occur under them that is invisible to the human eye.Doctors also note that burning in the field of administration may mean that this treatment is beneficial.
Birch tar made of nail fungus
Birch tar -based medicines can be used to treat nail fungus.This can be 10 or 30 %ointments, or birch tar medicines.In addition, the drug can be prepared independently.
To prepare tar, you need to take a bucket with holes at the bottom, fold the birch bark and hang a bucket on another bucket or pots.The process of getting TAR is quite long and diligent, but as a result you will get a high quality product without any impurities.
The course of treatment for TAR is 2 weeks.To do this, birch tar is applied to the affected nails, the finger is wrapped in polyethylene.After three to four hours, wash the tar.Apply the medicine 1-2 times a day, depending on the degree of damage.If the full recovery does not happen after the first course, the course should be repeated after one week.
Vodka will help
Another popular disinfectant is vodka.It can be used both for treatment and to prevent nail fungus.To prepare the solution, it is necessary to take a glass of vodka, half a teaspoon of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) and a teaspoon of lemon juice or citric acid.Mix all the components well.The solution should then be left in a cool place for 4-5 days.The decision can then be considered ready.
For treatment it is necessary to soak the cotton pad with the resulting solution, apply it to the damaged nail and leave it for a few minutes.Then it must be removed, the nail cannot be wiped.The procedure can be performed up to 5 times a day.The duration of the course can be any and end with a full recovery.
Food and soda
Sealandin is one of the most powerful in the fight against plant infections.In pharmacies, the celandine is represented in several types at once - grass, solution, extract, oil.In our case, Sellandin oil will be required.Before the procedure, it is necessary to clean the toenails and legs.To do this, prepare a solution - two tablespoons per liter of warm water.Mix thoroughly and dip in the resulting solution for 15-20 minutes.Then you need to wipe your feet and apply sealandine oil to the affected nail.
It is important to remember that sealandin oil should be applied extremely carefully.If it enters the skin, it can leave baking or irritation on it.
The duration of treatment for celandine can be any and ends with full recovery.
These are the main methods of combating nail fungus.In this article, we talked about all types of treatment and prevention of onychomycosis.In conclusion, we can only add when the first symptoms of the fungus appear, you should consult a doctor immediately, because in order to cure the disease in the early stages, it is much easier than advanced.