Fungal disease of the toenails - onychocomycosis - is caused by dermatophyte fungi and microsporia.In a study of leg diseases in 2003, 16 European countries recognized it as the most common.
The fungus can affect the free edge of the nail, the sides, the back fold and the entire nail plate.Depending on the severity of the disease, onychocomycosis is distinguished:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic.
Changes in the color and structure of the nail can be minor or significant, up to its complete destruction.
The pharmaceutical industry produces effective treatments for toenail fungus.These are tablets, varnishes, sprays, ointments and solutions.Along with this, recipes from traditional medicine are used, which have accumulated extensive experience in the treatment of mycoses.
With all the variety of medications and home remedies, you cannot start self-medication.After diagnosis, a consulting mycologist or dermatologist will recommend the best way to treat toenail fungus.In approximately 50% of cases, patients experience non-fungal deformation of the nail plate.
What you need to know before starting fungal treatment
The main route of transmission of infection is contact.Fungal spores reproduce well in warm, moist environments.Therefore, you can become infected with onychomycosis:
- through the patient’s personal belongings – shoes, towels, socks;
- in bathhouses, saunas, swimming pools, on beaches - wherever people go barefoot;
- in pedicure rooms where sanitary and hygienic requirements are not met.
The reason why the infection directly penetrates human cells is a decrease in local and general immunity.This:
- chronic diseases - diabetes, blood diseases, gastrointestinal tract;
- nail injuries, foot abrasions;
- past viral diseases;
- taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs;
- HIV, immunodeficiency.
A fungal infection, having penetrated the “open gate”, begins active life.Aggravate the course of the disease:
- hyperhidrosis of the feet - increased sweating;
- constant wearing of tight shoes made of low-quality materials;
- lack of personal hygiene.
Before starting treatment and choosing a remedy for nail fungus, you need to analyze the causes of the disease.Joint therapy and elimination of factors that provoke the development of onychocomycosis can really help.This disease is known for frequent relapses.
Examinations before starting treatment for toenail fungus
At the appointment, a dermatologist examines the infected area, determines changes in the color and structure of the nails, and the nature of the lesion.He takes tissue samples for analysis by scraping with a special instrument.
The type of pathogen is determined by microscopy or inoculation in a nutrient medium.The sample is treated with a special compound and examined under a microscope.The analysis takes from 15 minutes to a day.When sowing, a piece of infected tissue is placed for germination in favorable conditions for 25-30 days.
The external manifestations of onychocomycosis are similar to the symptoms of other diseases: psoriasis, keratoderma, onychodystrophy and lichen planus.Laboratory diagnostics determines:
- presence of fungus;
- its type;
- quantitative characteristics of infection;
- sensitivity to drugs.
Urine and blood tests are prescribed to identify the stage of the disease, infection of internal organs, and possible side effects from medications.After treatment, tests are repeated.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests show high accuracy in determining the pathogen.This type of research determines the type of fungus in case of mild external manifestations of the disease, helps to select an effective effective medicine and speed up recovery.
Preparatory procedure for treatment
In order for the treatment to bring benefits and maximum effect, you need to prepare your nails for treatment with medications.To do this, the affected areas of the nail plates are cleaned and removed mechanically or with keratolytic plasters.
Mechanical processing is carried out with nippers or files.The patches soften the affected areas of the nail painlessly and non-traumatically.After this, they are removed with scissors or a blunt scalpel.
Bifonazole is used as a keratolytic agent for removing affected nails.The ointment included in the kit is applied to the nail plate and covered with a bandage or adhesive plaster.After a day, the softened areas are cleaned off and the procedure is repeated until the affected areas are completely removed.At the same time, treatment with local antimycotics is started.
Important.Good preparation of the nail plates allows medications to quickly penetrate deep into the nails and destroy the fungal mycelium.
Medical drugs and treatment
All medications for the systemic treatment of fungal nail diseases should be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor and following the instructions.Antimycotics often have side effects, age restrictions, and contraindications.They must be taken into account.
Modern drugs for the treatment of toenail fungus are available in the form of tablets, ointments, varnishes, gels, solutions and sprays.The most effective result is achieved with the combined use of oral and local medications.
The following effective drugs have been successfully used:
Drugs in tablets - Terbinafine, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole.The active ingredients have high activity against pathogenic fungal species.The recommended dosage is indicated in the instructions for the drug.The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, usually from 1.5 to 18 months.The use of pulse therapy is effective - taking a high dose of medication at short intervals with a break of 3 weeks.
Ointments, creams – Naftifine hydrochloride, Terbinafine, Clotrimazole.The active components in the preparations have fungistatic and fungicidal properties, i.e. they stop the growth and reproduction of fungi and destroy the mycelium.The products are applied to cleaned and dried nail plates 2-3 times a day.Good results are obtained when combined with drugs in tablets.
Gels, solutions, serums - Terbinafine, etc. The antifungal component accumulates in keratinized cells, kills the fungus and its spores.
Antifungal nail polishes
One of the best treatments for toenail fungus is antifungal varnish.It covers the surface with a thin airtight film, blocking the access of oxygen into the affected area.
The active components of the drug penetrate deeply into the tissues, accumulate and destroy the pathogen.The coating is durable and does not collapse.Some varnishes can be applied under decorative.This is an additional advantage if treatment occurs in the summer.
Varnishes have a good therapeutic effect; they contain active ingredients - terbinafine, amorolfine, ciclopirox.Apply to a clean, dry nail 1-2 times a week for 1 to 12 months.They have contraindications.
Folk remedies for home treatments against fungus
Home remedies are good for cleaning and disinfecting nails with onychomycosis.With regular use, fungal threads and spores are destroyed.
By combining traditional recipes and drug therapy, you can achieve effective results.
One of the dangerous remedies for nail fungus is vinegar.Used in the form of baths, rubs and ointments based on glycerin.
Regular rubbing with iodine and celandine juice kills the causative agents of onychomycosis.
They have an anti-inflammatory effect and are very soothing baths with baking soda, tea tree oil or lavender.
Compresses made from onion or garlic pulp with vegetable oil fight fungal nail infections well.
Birch tar, a product of distillation of birch resin, is known for its powerful antimycotic effect.
Important.Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus may have contraindications.You should consult your doctor before using them.
How to avoid the need for treatment
To avoid contracting a fungal infection and the need for treatment, you need to follow preventive measures:
- avoid contact with other people's personal belongings;
- wear shoes in bathhouses, saunas, showers and on beaches;
- strengthen the immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle;
- do not develop chronic diseases;
- choose high-quality and comfortable shoes.
If symptoms of onychomycosis are detected, do not self-medicate.It is necessary to visit a doctor, undergo an examination and undergo treatment with effective remedies against toenail fungus.