Hello dear readers. Nail fungus is one of the most common forms of fungal damage to the body. The disease is quite unpleasant and it is not easy to recover from it. The disease cannot be started, because this is not a cosmetic problem, but a serious pathology. But not everyone knows which approach will be correct. It should be noted right away that self-medication is not the best solution in this situation. But information about what the disease is and how to quickly get rid of nail fungus will not be superfluous for anyone.
What causes nail fungus infection
Nail fungus, or as it is called in medicine, onychomycosis, is a disease that causes damage to the nail plates and adjacent areas by parasitic fungal microorganisms. This is one of the subgroups of mycoses. If we consider all the diseases to which only the feet can be subjected, onychomycosis is the most common.
You can catch the infection in public places where the humidity is excessive. This includes baths, steam rooms, swimming pools, beaches.
Wooden objects are widely used here (benches, chaise longues, etc. ). Due to the porosity of the wood, fungi are difficult to kill there.
In addition, doctors distinguish several risk groups. For people who belong to one of them, the likelihood of infection increases dramatically.
- cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy;
- after a course of treatment with antibiotics or steroids;
It is not always possible to get rid of the disease quickly. The rate of recovery depends on the variety of the parasite that caused it, the stage of development of the disease, the area of the lesion, the presence of complications and accompanying diseases and the general condition of the body.
Symptoms of onychomycosis
Nail damage from a parasitic fungus cannot go unnoticed. Symptomatic changes in the nail plates are quite pronounced and decrease as follows.
- It lost its natural shine, transparency.
- The color is changing. It can be yellow, brown, white, bluish, green, gray.
- Surface roughness is displayed.
- Lines, spots and thickenings are clearly visible.
- Layering is noted.
- There is exfoliation from the nail bed.
- Various areas are stained and chipped.
- The surrounding tissue may become red, swollen and itchy.
- There is a feeling of pain.
- The feet give off an unpleasant smell.
Despite all this, self-diagnosis can be difficult. At the beginning of development, the signs of onychomycosis are similar to the symptoms of some other lesions: trauma in the nail area.
How to get rid of toenail fungus quickly with remedies and folk remedies
You have to be realistic and understand that fungal infection of the nail and nail areas is not treated in a week. According to doctors, the recovery period can last from 6-8 weeks to six months, and sometimes 8-12 months.
It depends on many factors, as well as the activity of nail growth. In the hands, this process proceeds much faster than in the legs, and therefore the cure here comes earlier.
The best and fastest positive results can be obtained if you follow the recommendations below.
- Use a variety of therapeutic measures in the complex. Do not rely on the effectiveness of any miracle drug. Competently combine pharmacological preparations and prescriptions of traditional medicine.
- The treatment should be active, but mild - aggressive agents, often used for therapeutic purposes, should not affect the healthy areas of the body located near the affected ones.
- Strictly observe hygiene requirements so that the fungus does not spread, also to avoid re-infection immediately after treatment. And the chances of that are very high.
- Take care to dry the affected extremities. Remember that moisture and heat are ideal conditions for the active reproduction of fungi.
- Eliminate all the causes that caused the appearance of onychomycosis and eliminate them.
- Every day, gently, but as much as possible, cut the growing edge of the nails affected by the disease. If possible, go through the laser exposure procedure, which very effectively inhibits the pathological activity of pathogens.
Pharmacological agents
Means that act against pathogens are usually divided into three subgroups depending on the active ingredients. Each of them has in its arsenal both external oils and tablets with general action on the whole body.
It should be borne in mind that the latter have an extensive list of side effects. Therefore, you should not prescribe medicines yourself. To minimize the risks, you should undergo an examination, identify which types of fungi caused the disease and act with "targeting" drugs.
Subgroups of antifungal drugs
- Azole agents. They are based on triazole or imidazole, as well as their derivatives. Depending on the concentration, they exhibit fungistatic or fungicidal effects. They are effective against mold and yeast-like fungi.
- allylamine agents. The active ingredients can be terbinafine, naftifine, butenafine. They are able to stop the growth of fungi, and also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Other drugs. They act on the basis of flucytosine, morpholine, griseofulvin, chlornitrophenol additives. They are distinguished by a narrower activity targeting certain types of fungal pathogens.
External means
At the beginning of the development of onychomycotic lesions, you should resort only to the help of oils. Only if they prove ineffective, the administration of antifungal tablets is introduced.
Difference between creams and ointments:
- have a direct effect on lesions;
- have fewer contraindications;
- Adverse reactions are limited.
If you catch the disease at the beginning of its development, then it will be possible to cope with it within a month.
The most popular antifungal creams and ointments
- Zinc ointment. It allows you to relieve inflammation, dry the affected areas, get rid of itching, get an absorbent effect.
- Clotrimazole. Broad spectrum substance. Duration of use - from 2 weeks to six months. It also has an antiseptic effect. It can cause dryness of the skin, burns, allergic manifestations on the skin. Contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as for small children under the age of three.
- Naftifin. Fights inflammation, has an antimicrobial effect. The agent tends to accumulate on treated surfaces. Use the oil no more than twice a day. The tool is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Use of tablets
To ensure a systemic effect throughout the body, the doctor prescribes oral tablets. Broad-spectrum drugs are prescribed.
- Substances fluconazole, medoflucon. It is enough to take it only once a day. The agent is well tolerated. In rare cases, intestinal disorders and body rash may occur. The course of treatment can be 1-4 weeks.
- Orungal substances, sporanox. It can be used for pulse therapy. The drug is not prescribed for kidney failure, pregnancy, hypersensitivity to the action of the drug. It can cause allergic reactions, dizziness, hypokalemia, abdominal pain.
All medicines for toenail fungus should be taken only after consulting a doctor.
How to treat toenail fungus with home remedies
First of all, you must strictly adhere to all medical recommendations, do not skip taking medication and carry the treatment to the end and do not stop the course after the elimination of particularly irritating symptoms.
In addition, you need:
- use local bathrooms regularly;
- apply a specialized spray that blocks the spread of fungi, and also has a therapeutic effect;
- daily remove the prominent parts of the growing nail, which is affected by the disease;
- use special tools to soften the nail plate in order to remove it;
- steam hands or feet before using external topical agents;
- take measures to prevent the infection of families.
Special varnish
Varnishes have a number of advantages. The active ingredients penetrate well deep into the affected nails, but at the same time harden and leave no traces on clothes, sheets, shoes.
The hardened layer reliably blocks the oxygen supply of pathogens, which blocks their activity. But varnish products are effective only in the initial stage of onychomycosis.
Before using paints, you should use a warm local bath. Soaked boards affected by a fungus are cut to the maximum, treated with a file or other grinding device. The surface is wiped dry
Varnish is recommended to cover even healthy nails. The procedure is repeated every evening for a long period - from several months to six months.
Help from a surgeon
Both the part and the whole plate can be removed. But this is not a guarantee of complete relief from the disease. The possibility of further spread of a fungal infection is very high.
After the operation, the finger heals for a long time. In addition, suppuration may develop. A newly growing nail can become deformed. A preferred alternative to such a method is laser therapy.
After the surgical removal of the damaged nail formation, special emphasis is placed on medicinal treatment of the fungus. In some, particularly severe cases, the growth area can be removed, after which the finger will remain "bare" - the nail will no longer be able to grow here.
Traditional medicine
Alternative methods are slower than medical ones, but have fewer side effects. They can be effective only for the treatment of the early stage of the development of the disease.
Later, folk recipes are used exclusively in combination with pharmacological preparations as auxiliary measures.
For the treatment of nail fungus, such tools are used.
- Garlic. Apply garlic poultice in the form of applications to sore nails. A fixation bandage is placed on top. A repetition of the procedure is practiced at night. You can also use squeezed garlic juice in an equal mixture with alcohol. Nails are treated with the resulting balm twice a day.
- Vinegar. Acetic acid acidifies the environment, which inactivates pathogens. This tool lubricates damaged nails every day. You can use vinegar compresses. To do this, tufts of cotton wool are soaked in vinegar and fixed on the desired fingers in the affected area. Compresses stay all night, removing them in the morning.
- Peroxide. Like vinegar and other similar products, apply directly to the nail or cotton swab. Peroxide acts as an antiseptic.
- Alcoholic solution of iodine. They can cover nail plates, including healthy ones, 1-2 times a day. In addition, an addition of iodine is suitable for any bathroom. To do this, just add a few drops of the product.
- Tincture of propolis. It can be used for creams as well as injected into local hand or foot baths. The compresses are left on the nails overnight. You can prepare an ointment, which is a mixture of propolis and butter. The composition is superimposed on the gauze and placed on the desired area. The agent is left for 10 hours.
- Burning tools from vegetables. For the treatment of onychomycosis, onions or horseradish are suitable. They have antimicrobial activity. Herbal products are used in the form of gruel. You can also make a type of pomade by mixing liquid pomade with butter or rendered chicken fat.
- Essential extracts. These funds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, regenerating effects. For the preparation of local baths or as part of mixtures for compresses, fir oils and some others can be used.
The essential extract is mixed with petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1: 1. It should be rubbed into damaged nail plates. As always in such cases, the remedy will have a stronger effect if the nails are first steamed.
What is a fungal nail infection?
Fungal nail infectionsalso known asdermatophytic onychomycosis. Athlete's foot is a common infection of the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. In the skin of the feet, the original fungus lives in the keratin that makes up the outer layer of the skin. When the fungus spreads to the nail keratin,fungal nail infection.
What causes fungal infections?
fungusspreading from the foot (known as"dermatophyte fungi"), cause most fungal nail infections. Less commonly, nail infections are caused by other types of fungus, usually yeast (eg.Candida) andmold.
These fungi tend to attack nails that are already damaged, as it is easier for the fungus to enter. Fungal infections of the toenails are very common (1 in 4 people may be affected at any one time), less common is toenail fungus. Both types are more common in older people, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. A warm, moist environment helps fungi grow and cause infection. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, bathrooms or locker rooms can increase the risk of fungal infections.
Are they inherited?
Absolutely not. However, in some extremely rare cases, there is a genetic risk factor and other family members may also be susceptible to the infection.
What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections?
Initially, there are usually no symptoms. Later, the nails may thicken and become painful when pressed against the inside of the shoe. Then they are difficult to cut. The sight of an infected nail, especially a nail, can be embarrassing. An infected nail can ruin socks and tights, and can also break down the adjacent skin. The nearby skin may also have a fungal infection; it may itch, crack, blister or appear white, especially between the toes.
What do fungal nail infections look like?
Nail fungusit usually starts at its free edge and then spreads along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Eventually, the entire nail can be affected. Infected areas turn white or yellow, become thick and salty. Less commonly, there may be white inclusions on the surface of the nail. The nails on the big and little fingers are more susceptible to damage from fungal infections. Sometimes, especially in those who regularly do wet work, such as housewives or cleaners, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen. This is called paronychia and can allow infection to easily enter the nail.
How are fungal nail infections diagnosed?
Fungal nail infectionsusually diagnosed clinically. Your doctor may take a piece of an infected nail and send it to a lab to see if the fungus can be seen under a microscope or cultured. Repeat samples may sometimes be required.
Many nail problems can only look likefungal infection, - for example, the changes seen in psoriasis after a bacterial infection or an old injury, but antifungal pills will not help. Proper treatment may depend on knowing which fungus is causing the problem; it may take several weeks to get results.
Can fungal nail infections be cured?
Yes. However, for successTreatment of fungal nail infectionlong-term treatment is required, which can last up to a year. Fingernails are easier to treat.Fungal nail infectionsusually recur, especially in the toes.
How can fungal nail infections be treated?
Fungal nail infectionsthemselves do not worry, not everyone needs treatment. Some people with infected toenails don't worry about them at all. In this case, they can sometimes be left alone (although the patient must be careful and try not to spread the infection to other parts of the body and nails, as well as to other people).
On the other hand, ifinfected nailscause discomfort or distress, they are usually treated. It is important to treat people whose infections can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes or reduced immunity, to prevent potentially serious health problems.
The goal of treatment is to remove the fungus: then the nails usually return to normal. However, if the nail was damaged before it became infected, it will be more difficult to clean and may return to its original state.Nail infectionscaused by mold and yeast can be very resistant to treatment.
Treatment options include:
Treatment applied to nails (local procedures)
Treatments applied to the nails do not work as well as oral treatments. They are most effective if the infection is at an early stage. The most used methods are amorolfine-based nail polish, ciclopirox and tioconazole solution.
They may not be able to clean the deeper parts of the infected nail on their own, but regularly removing the damaged part of the nail with scissors or scraping can help. Oral medications, used in combination with an antifungal agent, increase the chance of recovery. They may need to be used for 4-12 months before the effect is noticed.
ABOUTfingernail infectionsthe shortest course of treatment. The cure rate with local treatments alone is about 15-30%. Local treatment is safe. Redness and irritation may occur.
Before starting to take the pills, the doctor must send the part of the nail to the laboratory to check if the diagnosis of a fungal infection has been confirmed.
Substances available for use in the treatment of fungal nail infections include:
- The substance griseofulvin has been used for many years and is the only one of the three drugs licensed for use in children. It is fully absorbed only with fatty foods (such as milk and milk products) and long courses of treatment are usually required (6 to 9 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails). However, only about three-quarters of infected fingernails and one-third of infected toenails clear up. Frequent relapses are also possible.
- The substances terbinafine and itraconazole are now largely removed from griseofulvin. They work better and much faster, although only about 50% of nail infections are cured. Terbinafine should be considered a first-line treatment for dermatophyte fungi (that is, those that affect the feet). It is taken daily for 6 weeks for nail infections and for 12-16 weeks for foot infections.
- The substance itraconazole is effective in the treatment of dermatophytes; it is also useful for treating other fungi such as yeast. It is usually taken intermittently - for one week every month - because it is absorbed into the nail cuticle and continues to work for several weeks. Two weekly courses given for 21 days are usually sufficient for nail infections and three for toe infections.
- The substance fluconazole can be effective for Candida fungal infections. It is not currently licensed for fungal nail infections. It appears to be less effective than itraconazole and terbinafine, but remains an alternative for intolerance to the two drugs.
- Other procedures
Laser and photodynamic therapy can be helpful, but are less effective than the topical and systemic treatments listed above.
Herbal products are also promoted forTreatment of fungal nail infection, but there is no conclusive evidence that it is safer or more effective than standard treatments.
Are there any side effects from the treatment?
Oral treatments are more likely to cause side effects than topical treatments.
Terbinafine sometimes causes a potentially very serious allergic reaction, can slightly worsen the condition of the skin, and sometimes affects the taste buds.
Itraconazole is not indicated for people who are already taking certain medications. Your doctor will inform you about this. Both terbinafine and itraconazole can affect the liver, and your doctor may order a blood test to check this before and during treatment.
Although griseofulvin is the only drug licensed in children, many dermatologists prefer to use terbinafine because it is much more effective.
How do I know if the treatment is working?
The new nail will slowly grow back from its base and it may take 6 months to a year after treatment is completed before the nail looks normal again. Foot infections clear up faster and more completely than toenails; it can take up to 18 months for the leg to fully heal.
Surgical removal of nails
Sometimes very thick nails that do not respond to pills alone can be removed by surgeons under local anesthesia, but this is rarely done because the success rate of treatment does not justify surgery.
Self Care
- Keep nails short, dry and clean. Use one clipper for infected nails and the other for normal nails.
- Don't just treat your nails; use an antifungal cream to treat the skin of the foot.
- Avoid cutting the cuticles, either by yourself or by a manicurist, as this increases the risk of nail damage and infection.
For a fungal infection in the toes:
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes without high heels or tight socks.
- Keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and change them daily and use breathable shoes. A regular wash in hot water cleans most contaminated socks, but it can be made more effective by using an antifungal spray before washing. Other clothing generally cannot be contaminated.
- Maintain foot hygiene, including treating any infections.
- Wear clean shower shoes when using a shared shower.
- Be especially careful about the hygiene of the affected feet.
- Consider seeking help from a podiatrist if thick toenails make walking uncomfortable.
Preventive measures
The risk of re-infection with the fungus after the removal of the disease is very high. Therefore, you must clearly follow simple rules:
- follow foot hygiene;
- get rid of shoes, towels and socks that were used during the treatment;
- avoid sharing such things with other family members;
- avoid excessive moisture of the feet, use talcum powder;
- treat the inner surfaces of the shoes with antiseptics.
Remember, all medicines for nail fungus are taken after consulting a doctor.