Fungal disease of toenails - onychocomycosis - is caused by dermatophyte fungi and microsporia.In a 2003 study of leg diseases, 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, paints, sprays, ointments and solutions.Along with this, recipes of traditional medicine are used, which have accumulated extensive experience in the treatment of mycosis.
With all the variety of drugs and home remedies, it is not possible to start self-medication.After diagnosis, a mycologist or dermatologist will recommend the best way to treat toenail fungus.In approximately 50% of cases, patients have a non-fungal deformation of the nail plate.
What you need to know before starting antifungal treatment
The main route of transmission of the infection is contact.Fungal spores reproduce well in warm, humid environments.Therefore, you can get onychomycosis:
- through the patient's personal effects – shoes, towels, socks;
- in bathhouses, saunas, swimming pools, on beaches - wherever people go barefoot;
- in pedicure rooms where health and hygiene requirements are not met.
The reason why the infection directly penetrates human cells is a decrease in local and general immunity.These are:
- chronic diseases - diabetes, blood diseases, gastrointestinal tract;
- nail injuries, abrasions on the feet;
- past viral illnesses;
- taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs;
- HIV, immunodeficiency.
A fungal infection, penetrating the "open gate", begins active life.They aggravate the course of the disease:
- hyperhidrosis of the feet - increased sweating;
- constantly wearing tight shoes made of low-quality materials;
- lack of personal hygiene.
Before starting treatment and choosing a remedy for nail fungus, it is necessary to analyze the causes of the disease.Joint therapy and the elimination of factors that provoke the development of onychocomycosis can really help.This disease is known for frequent relapses.
Tests before starting treatment for toenail fungus
At the appointment, the dermatologist examines the infected area, determines changes in the color and structure of the nails and the nature of the lesion.Take tissue samples for analysis by scraping with a special instrument.
The type of pathogen is determined by microscopy or inoculation into a nutrient medium.The sample is treated with a special compound and examined under a microscope.The analysis lasts from 15 minutes to a day.When planting, a piece of infected tissue is placed for germination in favorable conditions for 25-30 days.
External manifestations of onychochomycosis are similar to the symptoms of other diseases: psoriasis, keratoderma, onychodystrophy and lichen planus.Laboratory diagnostics determines:
- presence of fungi;
- his type;
- quantitative characteristics of the infection;
- sensitivity to drugs.
Urine and blood tests are prescribed to identify the stage of the disease, infection of the internal organs and possible side effects of 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 and effective drug and speed up recovery.
Preparatory procedure for treatment
In order for the treatment to bring benefits and maximum effect, it is necessary to prepare the nails for treatment with drugs.To do this, the affected areas of the nail plates are cleaned and removed mechanically or with keratolytic patches.
Mechanical processing is carried out with nippers or files.The patches soften the affected areas of the nail in a painless and non-traumatic way.They are then removed with scissors or a blunt scalpel.
Bifonazole is used as a keratolytic agent to remove 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 and the procedure is repeated until the affected areas are completely removed.At the same time, treatment with local antifungals is started.
Important.Good nail preparation allows the drugs to quickly penetrate deep into the nails and destroy the fungal mycelium.
Medicines and medical treatments
All drugs for the systemic treatment of fungal nail diseases should be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor and following the instructions.Antifungals often have side effects, age restrictions and contraindications.They must be taken into consideration.
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 drugs.
The following effective drugs have been used successfully:
Medicines in tablets: Terbinafine, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Griseofulvina, Ketoconazole.The active ingredients have a high activity against pathogenic fungal species.The recommended dosage is indicated in the instructions of 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 of the preparations have fungistatic and fungicidal properties, that is, they stop the growth and reproduction of fungi and destroy the mycelium.The products are applied to clean and dried nails 2-3 times a day.Good results are achieved in combination 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 to the affected area.
The active components of the drug penetrate deep into the tissues, accumulate and destroy the pathogen.The covering is durable and does not collapse.Some paints can be applied as decorative.This is an additional advantage if the treatment takes place in summer.
Paints have a good therapeutic effect;contain active ingredients: terbinafine, amorolfine, ciclopirox.Apply to a clean, dry nail 1-2 times a week for 1-12 months.They have contraindications.
Folk remedies for home treatments against fungi
Home remedies are useful for cleaning and disinfecting nails with onychomycosis.With regular use, mushroom 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 glycerin-based baths, rubs and ointments.
Regular rubbing with iodine and celandine juice kills the causative agents of onychomycosis.
They have an anti-inflammatory effect and are very relaxing baths with baking soda, tea tree oil or lavender.
Compresses of onion or garlic pulp with vegetable oil fight well against fungal infections of the nails.
Birch tar, a product of the distillation of birch resin, is known for its powerful antifungal 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 getting a fungal infection and the need for treatment, you need to follow preventive measures:
- avoid contact with other people's personal effects;
- wear shoes in bathhouses, saunas, showers and on beaches;
- strengthen the immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle;
- do not develop chronic diseases;
- choose comfortable, high-quality 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.