50% of visits to the dermatologist for nail problems are caused by onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the nail plates of the hands or feet.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The sooner you start the therapy, the greater the chance of keeping your nails healthy and beautiful.
The first signs indicating onychomycosis
The penetration of mycobacteria into the nail plate is asymptomatic.A person does not feel anything and may not pay attention to the condition of the horn plates of the limbs for a long time.Often people come to the doctor with ingrown and thick nails affected to the very base.
You can get onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - in a sauna, swimming pool, on the beach, even in a beauty salon.Among the older population, the fungus is especially common (according to statistics, from 5% to 30% of people over 45 years old suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can get on the nails of healthy family members wearing the same shoes.There is a risk of catching fungus in the shared bathroom and throughout the house if you walk around barefoot.The source of a fungal infection can be the person himself.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a high probability that the pathological process will be transferred to the nail plates.
In order not to miss time and start treatment in a timely manner, it is necessary to conduct a thorough "audit" of the nails every week.The first signs of a fungal infection:
- dullness of nails– the sturdy plate has a soft sheen;its absence indicates mechanical or infectious damage to the surface layer;
- shape change– if a previously straight nail begins to grow sideways, grows on edges or rises like a springboard, there is reason to suspect that there is a fungus;
- surface change– the 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 translucent plate becomes cloudy, whitish or yellowish;
- unusual inclusions- on the surface of the horn plates, spots, stripes, spots of white, gray-yellow or brown color may appear.
Mycotic diseases can be indicated by slower growth of nail plates.If a person previously trimmed his nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly noticed that there is no reason for another pedicure, you should take a closer look at his condition.
Sometimes onychomycosis is manifested by discomfort at the base of the nail, in the area of the ridges.Sudden dryness, nails, burning or itching should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is inattention to the condition of the nails and carelessness about the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic, but a medical problem, fraught with complete loss of the plates and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
You need to do a pedicure on time, give up permanent nail coatings in favor of decorative varnish, the layer of which must be changed once a week.In the summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs outside due to open shoe styles, increased sweating of the feet and walking barefoot.Favorable conditions for the development of mycosis of the nails, however, also occur in the cool season.Warm shoes, sweating and lack of hygiene procedures are the main factors for infection with onychomycosis 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 give a referral to a mycologist.The doctor will examine the condition of the plates and the skin of the limbs.Objectively assess 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.
To understand the nature of the pathogen, a specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of scrapings from the nail plates.This will allow you to choose an effective fungicidal drug.The patient will undergo a general and biochemical blood test.Laboratory tests reflect the general state of the body and the presence of concomitant diseases.Based on the results of biochemistry, the doctor will know if there are contraindications for prescribing systemic antifungals.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicides.
In case of minor damage to the nail plates, it is not necessary to visit a doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of aggravation of the problem, additional damage to the nails, the formation of resistance of microorganisms and the appearance of serious cosmetic defects will increase.
How to treat the initial stages of onychomycosis
There are many over-the-counter antifungal drugs on the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solutions (with a dropper, pipette or spray dispenser);
- lotions (often dietary supplements, liquid or gel substances);
- creams;
- ointments;
- pastes (with a high concentration of active substance);
- varnishes (intended exclusively for the treatment of onychomycosis).
Not all antifungal medications can be used to treat nail fungus.Standard external means (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, it is quickly washed off with water and wiped off in contact with clothes or shoes.The use of such drugs will lead to further spread of the fungus and worsening of onychomycosis.
Concentrated products (pastes)
Most pharmacists recommend treating nail fungus with a paste.The products contain a broad-spectrum antifungal agent.The second component of the paste - urea - aims 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 area 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 defect.Treatment with paste 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 treating fungus in the early stages.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If you start the therapy at the first changes in the plate, healing will occur quickly.The solutions are designed to treat damaged (and adjacent) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to drip the product under the free edge of the nail and on its base.Treatments should be regular.Skipping reduces the concentration of the active substance in the nail and increases the risk of the spread of the pest in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You should use the solutions until the damaged part of the plate is cut off.After its removal, 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.
Healing 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 water and soap resistant coating maintains fungicidal concentrations for 7-10 days.You have to renew the product layer 1-2 times a week, which is very convenient.Antifungal nail polish can be applied as a decorative top coat (not gel polish or nail extensions).The disadvantage is the high price.The varnish should be applied regularly until the damaged plaque is fully grown and removed.
The polish kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate should be thinned, degreased with alcohol, and only then should the product be applied.Before renewing the layer, the varnish is removed with any cosmetic product.
Gel preparations for fungi
Antifungal agents in the form of gels contain substances to strengthen and accelerate the growth of the nail plate.Thanks to special silicone compounds, they form a protective film on the surface of the nail, which creates conditions unsuitable for the life and growth of fungi.
You should use the medicine 2 times a day until the affected nail grows out 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.When using the drugs, decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are ineffective in 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 pad 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 lubricate the damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you need to 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 nail plates in brown.
- garlic.A thin layer of grated garlic is applied to the nail plates, covered with cotton wool and cellophane and stuck with a plaster.Leave the product on overnight.The procedure is done daily.
- propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used for compresses on 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.Bits of kombucha are applied to the affected nails at night.The procedure is repeated daily until complete recovery.
Foot baths are also used.Soda-salt, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Baking soda and salt baths will really help with healing if you need to soften and remove damaged nails.The antifungal effect of salts and herbs is too weak to ensure the elimination of the fungus 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 the fungus, pronounced hyperkeratosis in the area of the horn plates, a combination of dermato- and onychomycosis.The doctor should prescribe systemic fungicidal drugs.These drugs have a whole range of contraindications (from individual sensitivity to liver and blood diseases) and can have many side effects.To reduce the likelihood of unwanted actions, doctors examine the patient in advance.Antifungal tablets and capsules are prescribed according to special schemes.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 harm to health and may not lead to recovery.Fungi can respond to incorrect therapy with resistance (resistance).If the pathogen adapts to fungicidal substances, it will be difficult to remove it from the body.
Systemic therapy regimens can vary greatly on an individual basis.
Helpful treatment tips
Treatment of nail fungus is a long and laborious process.Treatment of mild forms of infection may take several months.If the treatment process is supervised by a doctor, the chances of getting rid of the fungus increase significantly.During the process, it is important to adhere to a few 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, trim the plates as short as possible.In mild forms of fungus, it is not necessary to file the nail.However, this greatly facilitates the process of penetration of the medicinal substance into the nail.
A minor cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, unevenness) will be a distinctive sign for the patient.As it grows together, the progress of the therapy will become noticeable.If spots, streaks or inclusions have formed on the plate, they must also be completely removed at the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Tip two: mind your own business
To prevent re-infection and increase the likelihood of a complete cure, the patient should treat his shoes (all pairs are treated from the inside with an antifungal solution or spray) or replace them with new ones.Better get a few pairs of high quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They should 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 must be disinfected with antiseptic solutions.
Tip three: don't spread the fungus
The spread of microorganisms occurs unconsciously - during daily manipulations and touches.In order not to spread the fungus around the house, it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner, 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 indoor shoes, as fungi multiply especially quickly here.
After you start using fungicidal drugs, the risk of infecting loved ones is minimized, but until full recovery, it is better to stick to preventive measures.
In order not to get infected with nail fungus, you should avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bath, sauna or 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 the shops you have to try on shoes in a sock (you have to take it with you).Every time after visiting places with potential infection, you should treat your feet with antifungal agents.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatments can be carried out once a week.