50% of cases of visits to the dermatologist for nail problems are caused by onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The earlier you start therapy, the better your chance 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 may not pay attention to the state of the horny plaques on the limbs for a long time.Often people come to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails, affected right down to the base.
You can contract onychomycosis in public places with high humidity: in the sauna, in the pool, on the beach, 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 years old suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can penetrate the nails of healthy family members who wear the same shoes.If you move around barefoot there is a risk of contracting fungi in the shared bathroom and throughout the house.The source of a fungal infection can be the person himself.If you suffer from dermatomycosis, there is a high probability that the pathological process will transfer to the nails.
In order not to waste 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 fungal infection:
- dullness of the 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 sideways, form ridges, or rise up like a stepping stone, there is reason to suspect fungus;
- surface change– a normal plaque is uniform and smooth, the appearance of ribs or tubercles indicates fungal damage;
- uneven color– the initial forms of onychomycosis manifest themselves with barely perceptible changes in the color of the nails: the translucent plate becomes cloudy, whitish or yellowish;
- unusual inclusions– white, gray-yellow or brown spots, stripes, spots may appear on the surface of the horny plaques.
Fungal diseases may be indicated by slower nail growth.If a person previously cut his nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly noticed that there was 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 ridge area.Sudden dryness, hangnails, 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, but a medical problem, fraught with complete loss of plaques and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
You should do a pedicure on time, abandon permanent nail coatings in favor of decorative varnish, the layer of which must be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs from the outside due to the style of open shoes, increased sweating of the feet and walking barefoot.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis occur during the cool season.Warm shoes, sweating and lack of hygiene procedures are the main factors of onychomycosis infection in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms
After identifying the first signs of nail fungus, you should contact the clinic.People suffering from dermatosis and onychomycosis turn to a dermatologist.Often just a consultation is enough, but sometimes a referral to a mycologist can be made.The doctor will examine the condition of the plaques and skin on the extremities.Objectively evaluate the signs of fungal lesions.The specialist will determine the severity of the infection: how many nails are involved in the pathology, which area of the plaques has undergone changes.
To find out the nature of the pathogen, a specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of scrapings from the nails.This will allow you to select an effective fungicidal drug.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 whether there are contraindications to prescribing systemic antifungals.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicidal agents.
For minor damage to the nails it is not necessary to consult a doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of worsening of the problem, further damage to the nails, 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 medications available on the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solutions (with dropper, pipette or spray nozzle);
- lotions (often food supplements, liquid substances or gels);
- creams;
- ointments;
- pastes (with a high concentration of active substance);
- paints (intended exclusively for the treatment of onychomycosis).
Not all antifungal medications 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 nails, the active ingredient remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed off with water and vanishes upon contact with clothing 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 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 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.Secondly, excessive scraping of a healthy nail is an unwanted injury, the likelihood of pain when moving and an additional cosmetic defect.The treatment with paste for 7 days must be integrated 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 initial stages.They are convenient, economical, easy to use and effective.If treatment is started at the first changes in the plaque, healing will occur quickly.The solutions are intended to treat damaged (and nearby) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to drip the product under the free edge of the nail and onto its base.Treatments must be regular.Skipping reduces the concentration of the active ingredient in the nail and increases the risk of spreading the parasite into the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You need to use the solutions until the damaged part of the plate is cut off.After eliminating it it is better to extend the therapy for another month.An added benefit of the solutions is that they can be used on the skin.The funds can be used by the patient's family members for preventive purposes.
Healing paints
Antifungal varnishes are qualitatively different from other means for the treatment of onychomycosis.They ensure rapid 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.It is necessary 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 polish or nail extensions).The disadvantage is the high price.The paint should be applied regularly until the damaged plate grows back completely and is removed.
The paint kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a squeegee for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate must be diluted, degreased with alcohol and only then the product should be applied.Before renewing the layer, the paint is removed with any cosmetic product.
Gel preparations for mushrooms
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.
It is necessary to use the drugs 2 times a day until the affected nail grows 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 the drugs, it is not necessary to apply decorative coatings on the nails.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are ineffective in advanced onychomycosis, but in the early stages they can be really useful.The most famous and effective “home remedies” for nails:
- Vinegar.It is recommended to apply apple or wine vinegar on a cotton ball and wrap it on damaged nails for 3-5 hours, 2 times a day.If well tolerated, the product can be left to act overnight.
- Iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you should use a cotton swab.During processing, you need to ensure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and folds of the nails.A significant disadvantage is the brown coloring of the nails.
- Garlic.A thin layer of grated garlic is applied to the nail plates, covered with cotton wool and cellophane and sealed with tape.Leave the product to act overnight.The procedure is performed daily.
- Propolis.For compresses on the nails, a mixture of propolis and honey is used.Exposure time 12 hours.Application frequency – every day.
- Onions and aloe.Treat your nails with a mixture of aloe juice and onion juice 3 times a day.
- Kombucha.Pieces of kombucha are applied overnight to the affected nails.The procedure is repeated every day until complete recovery.
Foot baths are also used.Sodium salt solutions, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Soda and salt baths will really help with treatment if you need to soften and remove damaged nails.The antifungal effect of salts 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 the fungus, pronounced hyperkeratosis in the area of the horny plates, a combination of dermatosis and onychomycosis.A 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 beforehand.Antifungal tablets and capsules are prescribed in special regimens.The choice of therapeutic tactic depends on the type of pathogen, the stage of onychomycosis and general health.Unauthorized use can cause significant harm to health and may not lead to recovery.The fungus can react to improper therapy with resistance (resistance).If the pathogen adapts to fungicidal substances, it will be difficult to remove it from the body.
The systemic treatment regimen can vary significantly on an individual basis.
Useful tips for treatment
Nail fungus treatment is a long and laborious process.Treatment for mild forms of infection can take several months.If the treatment process is supervised by a doctor, the chances of eliminating the fungus increase significantly.During the process, it is important to respect several rules.
Tip one: thorough preparation
Before the first treatment with an antifungal drug, it is necessary to prepare the nails.Take a bath, remove dead skin, cut the plates as short as possible.For 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 small cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, irregularity) will be an identifying sign for the patient.As it grows together, the progress of therapy will become evident.If stains, streaks or inclusions have formed on the plate, these must also be completely removed in the first phase of preparation for treatment.
Tip two: take care of your stuff
To prevent reinfection and increase the likelihood of complete recovery, 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.It's best to get several pairs of high-quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They must be washed daily and ironed after drying.If one of the family members suffers from onychomycosis, he should have his own manicure material.They cannot be used to care for healthy nails.After each pedicure, devices should 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 in the house, you need to start treatment in a timely manner, try to walk exclusively in clean socks and avoid using other people's slippers (even for a minute).In the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, walk exclusively in your house shoes, as mushrooms multiply particularly quickly here.
After starting to use fungicidal drugs, the risk of infecting loved ones is minimized, but until complete recovery it is better to adhere to preventive measures.
To avoid contracting nail fungus, you should avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bathhouse, in the sauna or in the swimming pool).It is very important to have your own shoes with you in all public places (better be wary of the "disposable" and rubber slippers provided).In stores, you need to try on shoes in a sock (you should take it with you).Whenever you visit places of potential infection, you should treat your feet with antifungal agents.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatments can be carried out once a week.