50% of cases of consultation to a dermatologist because of nail problems are caused by onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the nail plates on the hands or feet.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The sooner you start therapy, the greater the chances of keeping your nails healthy and beautiful.
The first signs indicating onychomycosis
The penetration of mycobacteria into the nail plate occurs asymptomatically.A person does not feel anything and can spend a long time without paying attention to the condition of the horny plates on the limbs.People often go to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails, affected down to the base.
You can become infected with onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - in the sauna, in the pool, on the beach and even in a beauty salon.Among the elderly population, the fungus is especially common (according to statistics, from 5% to 30% of people over 45 suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can enter the nails of healthy family members who wear the same shoes.There is a risk of contracting fungus in the shared bathroom and throughout the house if you move around barefoot.The source of a fungal infection can be the person himself.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a high chance that the pathological process will be transferred to the nail plates.
In order not to waste time and start treatment in a timely manner, it is necessary to carry out a thorough “audit” of your nails weekly.The first signs of a fungal infection:
- dullness of nails– a healthy dish has a soft shine;its absence indicates mechanical or infectious damage to the surface layer;
- shape change– if a previously straight nail begins to grow to the side, form ridges or rise like a trampoline, 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;
- irregular color– the initial forms of onychomycosis are manifested by almost imperceptible changes in the color of the nails: the translucent plate becomes cloudy, whitish or yellowish;
- unusual inclusions– spots, stripes, spots of white, grayish-yellow or brown color may appear on the surface of the horny plates.
Mycotic diseases may be indicated by slower growth of the nail plates.If a person has already cut his nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly realized that there is no reason for another pedicure, it is necessary to take a closer look at his condition.
Sometimes, onychomycosis is indicated by discomfort at the base of the nail, in the region 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 frivolity regarding the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic problem, but a medical one, fraught with complete loss of plaques and invasive damage to the epidermis by fungi.
You should do a pedicure on time, abandon permanent nail coatings in favor of decorative varnish, the layer of which should be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs externally due to open shoes, increased foot sweating, and walking barefoot.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis also occur during the cold season.Hot shoes, sweat and lack of hygiene procedures are the main factors for onychomycosis infection in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms
Having identified the first signs of nail fungus, you should contact the clinic.People with dermatitis and onychomycosis go to the dermatologist.Often a consultation is enough, but sometimes he may refer you to a mycologist.The doctor will examine the condition of the plaques and skin on the extremities.Objectively evaluate signs of mycotic lesions.The specialist will determine the severity of the infection - how many nails are involved in the pathology, which area of the plates has undergone changes.
To find out the nature of the pathogen, a specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of scrapings from the nail plates.This will allow you to select an effective fungicidal medicine.The patient will undergo general and biochemical blood tests.Laboratory tests reflect the general condition of the body and the presence of concomitant diseases.Based on the results of biochemistry, the doctor will find out if there are contraindications for prescribing systemic antimycotics.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicidal agents.
For minor damage to the nail plates, it is not necessary to consult a doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If medications are used incorrectly, the risk of worsening the problem, causing greater damage to the nails, the formation of resistance by microorganisms and the occurrence of serious cosmetic defects will increase.
How to treat the early stages of onychomycosis
There are many over-the-counter antifungal medications available on the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following pharmaceutical forms:
- solutions (with dropper, pipette or spray);
- lotions (usually 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 agents (ointments, creams, gels, sprays) are intended for the treatment of dermatomycosis.When applied to nails, the active substance remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed off with water and disappears upon contact with clothes or shoes.The use of such medications 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 substance.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 from onychomycosis.Such medicines are used even in advanced cases.
In the initial stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is inappropriate.Firstly, the area and depth of the injury are small and there is nothing to remove.Secondly, excessive scraping of a healthy nail is an unwanted injury, the likelihood of pain when moving and an additional cosmetic defect.The paste treatment for 7 days must be complemented 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, cost-effective, easy to use and effective.If you start therapy at the first plaque changes, healing will occur quickly.The solutions are intended for treating damaged (and neighboring) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to drip the product under the free edge of the nail and over its base.Treatments must be regular.Ignoring it reduces the concentration of the active substance in the nail and increases the risk of spreading the pest in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You need to use solutions until the damaged part of the board is cut off.After eliminating it, it is better to extend therapy for another month.An additional advantage of the solutions is that they can be used on the skin.The resources can be used by the patient's family members for preventive purposes.
Healing varnishes
Antifungal varnishes are qualitatively different from other means for treating onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of the active substance on the nail plate.The coating, resistant to water and soap, maintains fungicidal concentrations for 7 to 10 days.It is necessary to renew the product layer 1 to 2 times a week, which is very convenient.Antifungal varnish can be applied as a decorative topcoat (not gel polish or nail extensions).The downside is the high price.The varnish must be applied regularly until the damaged plaque completely grows back and is removed.
The varnish kit includes files, wipes moistened with alcohol and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate must be thinned, degreased with alcohol and only then the product must 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 that 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 unsuitable conditions for the life and growth of fungi.
You need to use the medicines 2 times a day until the affected nail grows back 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.While using medications, decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are ineffective for advanced onychomycosis, but in the early stages they can be really helpful.The most famous and effective “home remedies” for nails:
- Vinegar.It is recommended to apply apple or wine vinegar to a cotton swab and wrap it around damaged nails for 3 to 5 hours, 2 times a day.If well tolerated, the product can act overnight.
- Iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you must use a cotton swab.When processing, it is necessary to ensure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and nail folds.A significant disadvantage is the brown color of the nail plates.
- Garlic.A thin layer of grated garlic is applied to the nails, covered with cotton wool and cellophane and sealed with tape.Leave the product to act overnight.The procedure is done daily.
- Propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used for nail compresses.Exposure time 12 hours.Application frequency – every day.
- Onion and aloe.Treat your nails with a mixture of aloe juice and onion juice 3 times a day.
- Kombucha.Pieces of kombucha are applied to the affected nails at night.The procedure is repeated daily until complete recovery.
Footbaths are also used.Soda-salt solutions, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Baths with soda and salt help a lot in the treatment if it is necessary to soften and remove damaged nails.The antifungal effect of salts and herbs is too weak to guarantee the elimination of fungus from the nail structure.
Systemic fungus treatment
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.The reasons for its use are damage to all nail plates, deep penetration of the fungus, pronounced hyperkeratosis in the area of the horny plates, a combination of dermatitis and onychomycosis.A doctor should prescribe systemic fungicidal medications.These drugs have a wide 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 pre-examine the patient.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 may cause significant harm to health and may not lead to recovery.The fungus can react to inadequate therapy with resistance (resistance).If the pathogen adapts to fungicidal substances, it will be difficult to remove it from the body.
The systemic therapy regimen can vary significantly according to each individual.
Useful tips for treatment
Treating nail fungus is a long and laborious process.Treatment for mild forms of infection can 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 several rules.
Tip one: thorough preparation
Before the first antifungal treatment, it is necessary to prepare your nails.Take a shower, remove dead skin, cut the plates as short as possible.For mild forms of fungus, the nail does not need to be filed.However, this significantly facilitates the process of penetration of the medicinal substance into the nail.
A small cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, irregularity) will be an identification sign for the patient.As you grow together, the progress of therapy will become noticeable.If spots, streaks or inclusions form on the plaque, they must also be completely removed in the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Tip Two: Mind Your Own Stuff
To prevent reinfection and increase the likelihood of a complete cure, the patient must treat the shoes (all pairs are treated from the inside with an antifungal solution or spray) or replace them with new ones.It is best to buy several pairs of high-quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They need to be washed daily and ironed after drying.If one of your family members 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 throughout the house, it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner, try to walk exclusively in clean socks and avoid wearing other people's slippers (even for a minute).In the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the bathroom, walk exclusively in your own indoor shoes, as fungi multiply here especially quickly.
Once you start using fungicidal drugs, the risk of infecting loved ones is minimized, but until complete recovery it is better to follow preventive measures.
To avoid nail fungus infection, avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bathhouse, in the sauna or in the pool).It is very important to have your own footwear in all public places (it is better not to trust the “disposable” ones and the rubber slippers provided).In stores you need to try on shoes with socks (you must take them with you).Every time you visit places with potential infection, you should treat your feet with antifungal agents.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatments can be performed once a week.