50% of cases seen by a dermatologist for nail problems are caused by onychomycosis.This is a fungal infection of the nail plates on the hands or feet.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The earlier you start therapy, the greater the chances of keeping your nails healthy and beautiful.
The first signs indicating onychomycosis
Penetration of mycobacteria into the nail plate occurs asymptomatically.A person does not feel anything and may not pay attention to the condition of the horny plates on the limbs for a long time.People often come to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails that are affected right down to the base.
You can become infected with onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - in the sauna, in the swimming pool, on the beach, even in the beauty salon.The fungus is particularly common among the elderly population (according to statistics, 5 to 30% of people over 45 years old suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can get on the nails of healthy family members and when wearing the same shoes.There is a risk of fungal infection in the shared bathroom and throughout the house if you walk around barefoot.The source of a fungal infection can be the person themselves.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a high probability that the pathological process will be transmitted to the nail plates.
In order not to waste time and start treatment on time, it is necessary to conduct a thorough “examination” of the nails every week.The first signs of a fungal infection:
- Dullness of nails– 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 sideways, form ridges, or springboard-like, there is reason to believe it is a fungus;
- Surface change– a normal plate is even and smooth, the appearance of ridges or tubercles indicates mycotic damage;
- uneven color– The first forms of onychomycosis manifest themselves in barely noticeable changes in the color of the nail: the translucent plate becomes cloudy, whitish or yellowish;
- unusual inclusions– Spots, stripes, spots of white, gray-yellow or brown color may appear on the surface of the horny plates.
Mycotic diseases can be indicated by slower growth of the nail plates.If someone previously trimmed their nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly realizes that there is no reason for another pedicure, it is necessary to take a closer look at their condition.
Sometimes onychomycosis is indicated by discomfort at the base of the nail in the groin area.Sudden dryness, hangnails, burning or itching should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is inattention to the condition of the nails and carelessness about the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic problem, but a medical one, associated with complete loss of the plates and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
You should do a pedicure on time and abandon permanent nail coatings in favor of decorative varnish, the layer of which must be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs from the outside through open shoe models, increased sweating of the feet and walking barefoot.But even in the cool season there are favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis.Warm shoes, sweating and poor hygiene are the main factors for onychomycosis infection in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms?
If you notice the first signs of nail fungus, you should contact the clinic.People with dermatomycosis and onychomycosis go to the dermatologist.A consultation is often sufficient, but sometimes he can also issue a referral to a mycologist.The doctor examines the condition of the plates and skin on the extremities.Objectively assess the signs of mycotic lesions.The specialist will determine how serious the infection is - how many nails are involved in the pathology, which area of the plates has changed.
To find out the type of pathogen, a specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of abrasions of the nail plates.This allows you to choose an effective fungicide drug.The patient undergoes 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 determines whether there are contraindications to prescribing systemic antifungal drugs.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of certain fungicidal agents.
If there is minor damage to the nail plates, a visit to the doctor is not necessary.You can self-medicate, but effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of aggravation of the problem, further damage to the nails, the development of resistance in microorganisms and the appearance of serious cosmetic defects increases.
How to treat the initial stages of onychomycosis?
There are many over-the-counter antifungal drugs available on the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicides and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- Solutions (with dropper, pipette or spray dispenser);
- lotions (often dietary supplements, liquid or gel substances);
- creams;
- Anoint;
- pastes (with a high concentration of active ingredients);
- Varnishes (intended exclusively for the treatment of onychomycosis).
Not all antifungals can be used to treat nail fungus.Commercially available external agents (ointments, creams, gels, sprays) are intended for the treatment of dermatomycosis.When applied to the nails, the active ingredient remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed off with water and dissolves upon contact with clothing or shoes.The use of such drugs leads to further spread of the fungus and exacerbation 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.Temporary removal of the affected part of the nail increases the chances of a complete cure of onychomycosis.Such drugs are also used in advanced cases.
In the early stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is unsuitable.Firstly, 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 7-day treatment with paste must be supplemented with the use of a special cream from the same line.The duration of treatment is 6-7 weeks.
Antifungal solutions
Liquid products (solutions and lotions) are suitable for treating fungi in the early stages.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If you start therapy as soon as the first plate changes occur, healing will occur quickly.The solutions are intended to treat damaged (and adjacent) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to drip the product under the free edge of the nail and on its base.The treatments must be carried out regularly.Skipping reduces the concentration of the active ingredient in the nail and increases the risk of spreading the pest in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You need to use the solutions until the damaged part of the board is cut off.After elimination, it is better to extend therapy for another month.Another advantage of the solutions is that they can be used on the skin.The funds can be used by family members of the patient for preventive purposes.
Healing varnishes
Antifungal varnishes differ qualitatively from other means for treating onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of the active ingredient in the nail plate.The water and soap resistant coating maintains fungicidal levels for 7-10 days.You need to renew the product layer 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 should be applied regularly until the damaged panel completely grows back and is removed.
The varnish kit includes files, alcohol pads and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate must be diluted, degreased with alcohol and only then apply the product.Before renewing the layer, the varnish is removed with any cosmetic product.
Gel preparations against fungi
Antifungal drugs 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 unfavorable living conditions and the growth of fungi.
You need to take the medication twice a day until the affected nail grows back completely.After application, the product is dried for 3 minutes and covered with a second layer.After it has completely dried, you can go about your work.Decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails while using the medication.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are ineffective in advanced onychomycosis, but can be really useful in the initial stages.The most famous and effective “home remedies” for nails:
- Vinegar.It is recommended to apply apple or wine vinegar to a cotton swab and wrap it on damaged nails twice a day for 3-5 hours.If tolerated well, the product can be left on overnight.
- Iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine twice a day.You should use a cotton swab for this.When processing, care must be taken to ensure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and nail folds.A significant disadvantage is the brown coloring 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.For compresses on the nails, a mixture of propolis and honey is used.Exposure time 12 hours.Frequency of use – every day.
- Onion and aloe.Treat your nails with a mixture of aloe juice and onion juice three times a day.
- Kombucha.Kombucha pieces are applied to the affected nails at night.The process is repeated daily until complete recovery.
Foot baths are also used.Soda-salt solutions, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Baths with soda and salt really help in 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 treatment of fungi
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.The reasons for their use are damage to all nail plates, deep penetration of the fungus, pronounced hyperkeratosis in the area of the horny plates, a combination of dermato- and onychomycosis.A doctor should prescribe systemic fungicidal medications.These drugs have a whole range of contraindications (from individual sensitivity to liver and blood diseases) and can cause many side effects.To reduce the likelihood of undesirable actions, doctors pre-examine the patient.Antifungal tablets and capsules are prescribed in special treatment plans.The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of pathogen, the stage of onychomycosis and the general state of health.Unauthorized use can cause significant harm to health and may not lead to recovery.The fungus can react to improper therapy with resistance (resistance).If the pathogen adapts to fungicidal substances, it becomes difficult to remove it from the body.
The systemic therapy regimen can vary considerably from person to person.
Helpful tips for treatment
Treating nail fungus is a long and labor-intensive process.Treatment of mild forms of infection can 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 follow some rules.
Tip one: thorough preparation
Before the first treatment with an antifungal drug, it is necessary to prepare your nails.Make a bath, remove dead skin, cut the plates as short as possible.If the fungus is mild, the nail does not need to be filed.However, this makes it much easier for the drug to penetrate the nail.
A small cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, unevenness) is an identifying sign for the patient.As they grow together, the progress in therapy becomes noticeable.If spots, streaks or inclusions have formed on the plate, these must also be completely removed in the first step of preparing for treatment.
Tip two: Mind your own business
To prevent re-infection and increase the likelihood of a complete cure, the patient needs to treat his shoes (all pairs are treated from the inside with an antifungal solution or spray) or replace them with new ones.It is better to get several pairs of high-quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They need to be washed daily and ironed after drying.If one of the family members suffers from onychomycosis, they should have their own manicure tools.They cannot be used to maintain healthy nails.After each pedicure, the devices should be disinfected with antiseptic solutions.
Tip three: Don't spread the fungus
The spread of microorganisms occurs unconsciously - through everyday manipulations and touches.In order not to spread the fungus throughout the house, it is necessary to start treatment on time, try to walk exclusively in clean socks and not use other people's slippers (not even for a minute).Only go into the kitchen, bathroom and toilet in your own slippers, as fungi multiply particularly quickly here.
After starting to take fungicides, the risk of infecting loved ones is minimized, but until full recovery it is better to adhere to preventive measures.
To avoid infection with nail fungus, you should avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bathhouse, in the sauna or in the swimming pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (better not to rely on the “disposable” and rubber slippers provided).In stores you need to try on shoes in a sock (you should take this with you).Every time after visiting places with potential infection, you should treat your feet with antifungal medications.For prevention, antifungal treatments can be performed once a week.