One of the most common infectious diseases is toenail fungus. This pathology has a second name - onychomycosis. Its pathogens are classified into three main categories: yeast-like, mold, and dermatomycetes. Most often, damage to the nail plate on the legs is caused by the third group. There are many factors that affect the entry of foreign microorganisms under the nail. Fungal infection is classified according to the cause and form of manifestation. So that it does not spoil your life for a long time, it is necessary to start treating it on time and correctly. The therapy includes special antifungal drugs (ointments, creams, tablets, medicinal solutions, varnishes). It is important to figure out which remedies will be effective in your case, so that the treatment is not useless.
The reasons
Before starting to fight the fungus, it is necessary to establish the cause that triggered its development. Consider the main factors affecting the penetration of microorganisms deep into the nail:
- mechanical damage to the plate;
- contact with personal hygiene items of an infected person;
- increased sweating;
- using uncomfortable shoes;
- constant contact with chemical and degreasing agents that destroy the structure of the nail;
- ignoring the rules of personal hygiene;
- professions associated with high pollution, air humidity;
- a sharp deterioration in immunity.
Secondary reasons against which toenail fungus can begin to develop are:
- aging of the skin;
- violation of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- allergic reaction;
- failure of the adrenal glands;
- hormonal disruptions (long-term use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy);
- bad habits;
- regular consumption of alcoholic beverages.
People with HIV, diabetes, obesity and other diseases that negatively affect the body's defenses are at risk. In addition, those who visit beauty salons that do not disinfect tools are susceptible to the development of such a nuisance. Saunas, baths, swimming pools and other places of mass gathering of people are a favorable habitat for fungal infection.
Please note that medication treatment will not be enough if you do not initially eliminate the underlying cause that triggered the development of the fungus. Therefore, first of all, consult a mycologist. The doctor will direct you to the necessary tests and examinations.
Symptoms
The manifestations of each type of fungus are different. First, let's look at the main symptoms:
- at the initial stage, the structure of the nail plate is destroyed and its color changes;
- a sore nail leaves the skin, and soon disappears;
- there is dryness, itching, an unpleasant odor in the foot and toes;
- some areas of the skin are peeling;
- dysbiosis develops (the patient feels weak, drowsy, loses his appetite).
The correct selection of the drug depends on the shape of the fungus. Consider the symptoms of each type of pathology.
| Name | Causative agent | Manifestations |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatophyte (most common) | Epidermophyton, Trichophyton, Microsporum | Stripes of yellow and gray are formed on the nail. Soon, such formations are localized on the nails of the adjacent fingers. The second stage is characterized by the separation of the nail from the skin. The neglected form is dangerous, as the fungus spreads to the foot. |
| Yeast (women are more susceptible than men, since the main cause of this type is the regular use of detergents) | Candida | At the first stage, the cuticle is affected (it becomes inflamed, when it is pressed, pus is released). Further, the nail plate loses its density and changes color, becomes bumpy, falls off in pieces. The fingers are swollen, the infected complains of pain. |
| Mold (easiest to treat) | Mold | In the first stage, unbearable itching appears in and around the nail. Then spots of different colors appear. In a neglected form, the plate completely changes color, dryness of the skin of the feet appears, it cracks and hurts. |
In addition, the fungus is classified according to the degree of development, which also determines the selection of individual treatment:
- The initial form (normotrophic) is characterized by a change in the shade of the plate, the formation of spots on it.
- The second stage (hypertrophic) brings discomfort. It manifests itself in the form of deformation of the nail (brittleness, tuberosity).
- The third form (atrophic) implies complete atrophy of the plate (detached from the bed). This stage is neglected, it is rather difficult to treat.
It is recommended to consult a doctor, as amateur performance can bring not only useless, but also negative results.
Treatment
Suffering from a dreaded problem like nail fungus? Tired of itching and unpleasant odor from your feet? Spent a lot of time and money, and an unpleasant disease still rapidly affects your nails? This is fixable! The selection of effective drugs is based on the analysis of a vast amount of information and surveys of people who have already gone through an unpleasant stage in the fight against the fungus.
Pills
As noted earlier, it is of paramount importance to determine the type of pathogen and the stage of development of the pathology. An additional measure is to eliminate the likelihood of an allergic reaction of the body to the tablets.
The treatment should be not only local, the impact from the inside is necessary, since the result from the incomplete treatment will be zero. To reduce the negative effect of the drug, you need to drink more fluids. Since such drugs are toxic, the first condition is a lean diet (excluding yeast fermented milk products, fatty foods). It is recommended to take a blood test every three months to keep your body under control.
Local preparations
Such funds are used in combination with tablets. Before using them, it is necessary to carry out a procedure for cleansing the affected areas. For this:
- Wash your feet using an antibacterial product;
- Take a bath (dilute two tablets of antimicrobial agent in five liters of boiled water). The duration of the procedure is fifteen minutes;
- Remove peeled nail particles and dry your feet.
After carrying out such a procedure, you can use the drug (several times a day).
They quickly eliminate itching, discomfort, and unpleasant odor. Already after the first application, you can feel significant relief. Essential oils act as a complementary treatment. Prevention includes improving the immune system. To prevent the development of fungal infections of the nails, it is recommended to use personal hygiene products, wear slippers in saunas and swimming pools, wear comfortable shoes and keep your feet dry.
To cure toenail fungus, first consult a mycologist (preferably within the first two weeks). The use of drugs is a mandatory method of eliminating this disease. Remember that timely treatment is the key to a quick recovery without complications.