Toenail fungus - how to treat

Fungal diseases of the skin and nails are of an infectious nature of the infection, as a result of which the infection of a healthy person occurs through contact with the patient. Nail and skin fungus is a fairly common disease, although many are unaware of the infection.

After all, the disease manifests itself mainly not at the stage of development, but at the stage of exacerbation, when the patient has symptoms of the disease. The disease is quite serious and therefore requires immediate treatment, in the absence of which a general skin infection can occur. What is the nail fungus, what are the symptoms of its manifestation, as well as the peculiarities of treatment at home, we learn from the material.

What is a dangerous fungus

Fungus on the skin and nails cause great harm to the body, so it is necessary to treat the disease as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences. What are the consequences of the fungus?

The main danger of fungal diseases lies in the fact that parasites cause the development of complications of such serious diseases as diabetes, bronchial asthma and allergies. Fungal infections that have fallen on the skin contribute to the damage to the epidermis and nail plates (often the big toes). As a result, inflammatory processes on the skin, suppuration, exfoliation of nail plates and discoloration of the skin are observed.

In addition to the fact that the fungus is a cause of complications, it also contributes to reduced immunity. Against this background, the penetration of fungal infections into the internal organs and their defeat is observed. The release of toxins from most types of parasites leads to the fact that the patient's body is poisoned not only externally but also internally.

The fungus also affects a person's well-being. Improper treatment leads to the fact that the disease spreads throughout the body, while reaching vital organs. The patient's physical discomfort causes a gloomy attitude towards himself, so that one does not take care of oneself, and sometimes even finds a way out in alcohol.

Fungus is a disease in which there is a slow suppuration of the skin, starting mainly from the feet. If you do not fight a dangerous disease, he will gradually kill his "victim". There are many different ways to fight fungal infections, both medical and folk remedies. Today we will focus on the basic and effective means oftreatment of nail fungus.

Symptoms and signs of appearance

To start treating toenail fungus, you need to make sure that the infection is present in the body. The fungus is dangerous because it is not visible to the human eye, but can be overcome with the help of special preparations.

It is quite easy to get infected with the fungus. It is enough to visit a sauna, bath, gym, swimming pool or other institutions of this kind once, where the probability of infection is 95%. If you do not follow the rules of hygiene and use third-party items, shoes or towels, then you can be sure that the first signs of illness will soon appear. On the feet, the symptoms of the disease do not appear immediately after the infection, as in the cold.

After contact with human skin, the fungus begins its active reproduction and spread. As a rule, the duration of such parasitic actions lasts from several weeks to one month. If the patient's immune system is weakened, then the fungus affects the skin and nails quickly enough and the first symptoms appear within a week. If the body is able to fight the infection, then the first symptoms of the disease may appear even after a month.

The first stage of the disease passes without the slightest signs, except for increased sweating of the feet and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Subsequently, nail fungus appears as the first signs of a change in the color of the nail plates. At the same time, the feet quickly dry out and begin to peel. Initially, microcracks appear on the heels, and then large scars. The person begins to complain of constant symptoms of itching and redness of the feet and toes. Very often the disease is manifested by flaking of the skin between the toes.

Symptoms in the form of a permanent rash of diapers on the feet lead to the formation of itchy blisters and calluses. Initially, the color of the nails changes, and then their shape. The first toes located at the edges, ie the big toe or the little toe, are mainly affected. The spores of the fungus penetrate deep into the nail plates and infect them. The nails begin to turn white, then turn yellow and exfoliate. Nails begin to crack, become brittle and fragile. Cavities form under the nail plates, into which dirt enters and an infection of the fingers occurs.

If you find the first symptoms of the disease, you should see a doctor immediately to begin proper treatment. In the initial stages, mycosis can be treated with special ointments, creams or traditional medicine, but if the disease has passed into the acute stage, then surgery can not be avoided, in which the doctor decides to remove the nail plate.

Mycosis can be complicated by eczema or psoriasis, so you should not get rid of such consequences, but take appropriate measures immediately. With the development of complications of mycosis, there is not only a general deterioration in well-being, but also problems with the legs. It is difficult for the patient to move, and when walking for a long time a person feels severe pain in the legs. How to treat toenail fungus, as well as what drugs exist to combat the disease, we will learn more.

How to treat

Fungal mycosis is often treated at home. On the toenails, the advanced form of mycosis is treated with surgery, when the procedure for cutting the nail plate is performed under local anesthesia. This method of treatment is rare, but there are people who are in no hurry to treat mycosis.

There are many types of drugs that are designed for both topical and general treatment. Recently, such a method as pulse therapy has become popular, which involves the application of therapeutic methods for a short time. Antifungal drugs are used for treatment, which are prescribed in certain doses depending on the stage of mycosis.

How to cure toenail fungus if the disease is in its infancy? To begin with, you should visit a dermatologist, who will make an accurate diagnosis and, based on factors such as the type of fungal pathogen, the type of skin and the degree of pathology, will prescribe the appropriate method of therapy.

Treatment of fungus between the toes involves the use of special suspensions. The suspensions treat not only the affected areas of the skin between the fingers, but also all the gaps. To speed up the effect, the toes are wrapped in a plastic bag.

How to treat mycosis of the nails? For this, mainly special varnishes, creams and ointments are used. These products are not applied on the nail plate, but on the skin under it. To do this, it is necessary to remove the affected areas of the nail plate, which allows you to process the finger inside. Often the treatment of toenail fungus at home is carried out with the help of complex therapy in the form of local and general medicines. This allows you to overcome the disease in the shortest possible time and with greater efficiency.

It is important to know! If the nails have affected areas that do not exceed 50%, then you can deal with the disease with the help of special ointments.

If the use of the ointment for a period of two weeks does not lead to positive changes, then you should change the ointment or inform your doctor about it. Most likely the fact is that fungal parasites have developed resistance to the drug. To grow a new nail on the spot, the funds are used for a longer period of up to 1 year.

Drug treatment is essential, so if the doctor prescribes this or that drug, his recommendations should not be ignored. Folk remedies are an additional way to combat the fungus, which is also very effective.

Treatment at home

The treatment of nail fungus at home is done with the help of drugs. Let's look at some of them.

1. A drug based on the antifungal substance cyclopyroxolamine, presented in the form of nail polish, which should be applied directly to the affected area every other day. Damaged areas should be removed with a blade or nail file. The duration of the use of varnish for the treatment of fungus depends on the stage of the disease.
2. Varnish of medical origin, which is applied according to a certain scheme: once every two days for a month. The following month, treatment includes the use of nail polish every third day. The treatment continues until the complete recovery of the nail plate.
3. The drug is available in the form of a serum based on the enzymatic filtrate of rye, designed to combat pathogenic parasites. In addition to effective control of parasites, the serum prevents their further development in this area. The serum is intended for long-term treatment of the disease, so the minimum course is at least 28 days. The serum is applied 2 times a day while preparing the nail plate for the procedures.
4. Product for treatment with urea, ginkgo biloba extract and beeswax is designed to remove growths and affected nails. The solution includes a whole complex of different additives, as a result of which not only the removal of the nail plate is ensured, but also the growth of a new one. The agent is applied by applying a thick layer on a pre-prepared plate. Avoid getting the product on the skin, which can cause minor burns.
5. A drug from the group of allylamines, which many people know about. The ointment is used to treat fungi at various stages of their exacerbation. The ointment is used 2 times a day after cleaning the nail plates.
6. Allylamine ointment is used for 2 single applications. Disinfects areas of skin and nails, leading to recovery. The duration of treatment does not exceed 2 weeks.
7. Spray preparation with a wide range of applications, intended for the treatment of mycoses and onychomycosis.
8. Ointment from the group of azoles with fungicidal properties, which relieves the symptoms of mycosis. The ointment should be applied twice a day, the course of treatment lasting up to 4 weeks.
9. An effective drug belonging to the class of allylamines, which helps to overcome not only the symptoms of mycosis, but also pathogens. The cream has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. The duration of treatment can be up to 6 months.

If the means for the treatment of toenail fungus do not have an appropriate effect, then the complex prescribes the use of oral drugs, such as:

• A synthetic antifungal drug from the triazole group can cure the symptoms of even old types of fungi. The drug is used once a week, the duration of the course does not exceed 30 weeks.
• Triazole derivative. Great for managing the symptoms of advanced disease. The duration of the course of treatment is at least 3 months, for which there is a special scheme for taking capsules, which is specified in the instructions.

The fastest way

Treating nail fungus at home in the fastest way involves the use of traditional medicine. Folk methods, although they belong to the secondary types of treatment of fungal infections and onychomycosis, but if you want to overcome the disease not only reliably but also quickly, then you can not do without folk remedies. Homemade products and ingredients such as garlic, iodine, vinegar, peroxide and lemon are excellent drugs to combat the disease.

Treatment of folk methods of fungus on the nails of the big toe involves the use of such components:

1. Garlic.For the treatment of mycosis, garlic should be mashed and combined in equal proportions with alcohol. Before use, the mixture should be diluted with distilled water and then applied to the surface of the plate.
2. iodine.This folk healer has better healing properties than any ointment or cream. For proper use, iodine should be applied one drop 2 times a day on the nail plate. The use of iodine is not only effective but also safe.
3. vinegar.Homemade vinegar helps to quickly cure the signs of fungus. To do this, you need to take baths with vinegar. A 15-minute bathing session is enough for the symptoms of mycosis to start disappearing after a week.
4. Hydrogen peroxide. In the early stages of the disease you can use peroxide, for which baths are made. You should soak your feet in a solution of water and peroxide for 15 minutes. You can repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
5. Lemon.Lemon is useful not only for nutrition but also for the treatment of fungi. It is necessary to cut a slice of lemon and attach it to the affected nail. Then wrap with bandage and cellophane. Hold for 8-10 hours. The course of treatment lasts up to 12 days. Efficacy has been proven by numerous reviews.

The treatment of interdigital fungi is carried out with the help of aloe juice or celandine. To do this, the affected area, along with the nail, smeared with the juice of the plant, then make a compress. You can prepare a solution of celandine to soar your feet.

There are many effective ways to treat the fungus, but the safest way is to prevent the development of the disease. But even if this happens, immediate action must be taken without waiting for complications to develop.

Reviews

So, we analyzed the main symptoms and treatment of mycosis of the nail. Now let's pay attention to the feedback of our readers.

• "I discovered nail fungus not so long ago, but at first I didn't realize it was a disease at all. I visited a doctor who prescribed me to take pills and smear the nail with cream. I started doing all this until my mother-in-law found out about the problem. A new recipe was immediately written, which included various home-made products: honey, alcohol, herbal infusions, lemon, vinegar and many others. In general, she prepared various home remedies, and I applied them only on the sore spot. A month later, the symptoms of the disease completely disappeared, and the nail has already recovered.
• "I tried many different drugs, but as a result I found salvation in ordinary iodine. I applied iodine to my nails every day and after 2 months the symptoms of the disease began to fade, like a white pencil. Sometimes you just don't need to buy expensive products when you can cure yourself with plain iodine.
• "Wearing closed shoes in winter and summer contributed to catching the fungus. Initially, the disease appeared between the fingers, but I did not pay the necessary attention, but when the nail began to exfoliate, I took measures. My doctor prescribed me several types of ointments, but I chose a cream that cured me after 2 months.