50% of visits to the dermatologist for nail problems are due to onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the nail plates of the hands or feet.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The sooner you start therapy, the better your 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 may not pay attention to the state of the horny plates of the extremities for a long time.People often go to the doctor with nails that are too large and thick, affected down to the base.
You can get infected with onychomycosis in public places with high humidity: in a sauna, swimming 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 years old suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can come into contact with 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 themselves.If you suffer from dermatomycosis, there is a high probability 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 conduct a thorough nail "audit" every week.The first signs of fungal infection:
- nail dullness– a healthy plate 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 one side, form ridges or rise like a trampoline, there is reason to suspect that it is a fungus;
- surface change– a normal plaque is uniform and smooth, the appearance of ribs or tubercles indicates fungal damage;
- uneven color– initial forms of onychomycosis are manifested by barely noticeable 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.
Fungal diseases may be indicated by slower growth of the nail plates.If a person previously trimmed 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 area of the ridges.Sudden dryness, hangnails, burning or itching should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is the lack of attention to the condition of the nails and frivolity about the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic problem, but a medical one, plagued by 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 should be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs from the outside due to open shoe styles, increased foot sweating, and walking barefoot.However, also during the cold season there are favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis.Warm shoes, sweating and lack of hygiene procedures are the main factors of onychomycosis infection in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms
Once the first signs of nail fungus are identified, you should contact the clinic.People with dermato and onychomycosis go to the dermatologist.Often a consultation is sufficient, but sometimes you may be referred to a mycologist.The doctor will examine the condition of the plates and skin on the extremities.Objectively evaluate signs of fungal lesions.The specialist will determine the severity of the infection: how many nails are affected by 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 of the nail plates.This will allow you to select an effective fungicide 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 if there are contraindications to prescribing systemic antifungals.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicidal agents.
In case of 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, further damage to the nails, the 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 pharmaceutical forms:
- solutions (with a dropper, pipette or sprayer);
- lotions (often 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 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 substance remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed off with water and disappears upon contact with clothing 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 of onychomycosis.These medications are used even in advanced cases.
In the initial stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is not practical.First of all, 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 paste treatment for 7 days should be complemented with the use of a special cream from the same line.The course of treatment will be 6 to 7 weeks.
Antifungal solutions
Liquid products (solutions and lotions) are suitable for treating fungus in the early stages.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If you start therapy with the first changes in plaque, healing will occur quickly.The solutions are intended to treat damaged (and neighboring) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to drip the product under the free edge of the nail and on its base.Treatments must be regular.Skipping reduces the concentration of the active substance in the nail and increases the risk of the pest spreading in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You should use the solutions until the damaged part of the plate is cut off.After removing it, it is better to extend the therapy for another month.An additional advantage of the solutions is that they can be used on the skin.The funds can be used by the patient's relatives for preventive purposes.
healing varnishes
Antifungal varnishes are qualitatively different from other means for the treatment of onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of the active ingredient in the nail plate.The coating, resistant to water and soap, maintains fungicidal concentrations for 7-10 days.It is necessary to renew the layer of product 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 varnish must be applied periodically until the damaged plaque completely grows back and is removed.
The varnish kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate should be thinned, degreased with alcohol and only then the product should be applied.Before renewing the layer, the varnish 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 unsuitable conditions for the life and growth of fungi.
You should use the medications 2 times a day until the affected nail grows completely.After application, the product dries for 3 minutes and is 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 on a cotton swab and wrap it on damaged nails for 3-5 hours, 2 times a day.If tolerated well, the product can be left on overnight.
- Iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you must use a cotton swab.When processing, you must ensure that the solution does not get on the skin and nail folds.A significant drawback is the brown color of the nail plates.
- Garlic.A thin layer of grated garlic is applied to the nail plates, covered with cotton wool and cellophane and sealed with adhesive tape.Leave the product on overnight.The procedure is carried out daily.
- Propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used for compresses on the nails.Exposure time 12 hours.Frequency of application – 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.
Foot baths are also used.Solutions of sodium salt, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Baths with baking soda and salt will help you a lot with the 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 fungal 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 dermatomycosis and onychomycosis.A doctor must 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 damage 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 eliminate it from the body.
The systemic therapy regimen may vary significantly on an individual basis.
Useful tips for treatment.
Treating nail fungus is a long and laborious process.Treatment of mild forms of infection may 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 comply with several rules.
Tip one: thorough preparation
Before the first treatment with an antifungal drug, it is necessary to prepare the nails.Make a bath, remove dead skin, trim the plates as short as possible.For mild forms of fungus, it is not necessary to file the nail.However, this significantly facilitates the process of penetration of the medicinal substance into the nail.
A small cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, irregularities) will be an identification sign for the patient.As you grow, the progress of the therapy will be noticeable.If spots, streaks or inclusions have formed on the plaque, they must also be completely removed at the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Tip two: take care of your own things
To prevent reinfection and increase the likelihood of a complete cure, 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 is best to get several pairs of high-quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They should be washed daily and ironed after drying.If one of the family members has onychomycosis, they should have their own manicure tools.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 everyday manipulations and touches.In order not to spread the fungus around 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, bathroom and toilet, walk only in your own indoor shoes, as fungi 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 follow preventive measures.
To avoid becoming infected with nail fungus, you should 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 shoes in all public places (it is best not to rely on the “disposable” and rubber slippers provided).In stores, you need to try on shoes with a sock (you need to take it with you).Whenever you visit places of possible infection, you should treat your feet with antifungal agents.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatments can be carried out once a week.