The fungal disease of toenails - onychocomycosis - is caused by dermatophyte fungi and microsporia.In a study of leg diseases carried out 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, traditional medicine recipes 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 consultant mycologist or dermatologist will recommend the best way to treat toenail fungus.In approximately 50% of cases, patients have a non-fungal deformity of the nail plate.
What to know before starting fungal treatment
The main route of transmission of infection is contact.Fungal spores reproduce well in warm, humid environments.Therefore, you can become infected with onychomycosis:
- through the patient's personal belongings – shoes, towels, socks;
- in public baths, 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 enters 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;
- previous viral illnesses;
- take antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs;
- HIV, immunodeficiency.
A fungal infection, having passed through the “open door”, begins an active life.Worsen the progression of the disease:
- hyperhidrosis of the feet - increased sweating;
- constant wearing of tight shoes made of poor 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 provoking the development of onychocomycosis can really help.This disease is known for its frequent relapses.
Tests before starting treatment for toenail fungus
During the appointment, a dermatologist examines the infected area, determines changes in the color and structure of the nails as well as the nature of the lesion.He takes tissue samples for analysis by scraping them 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 takes from 15 minutes to a day.When sowing, a piece of infected tissue is placed to germinate in favorable conditions for 25-30 days.
External manifestations of onychocomycosis are similar to the symptoms of other diseases: psoriasis, keratoderma, onychodystrophy and lichen planus.Laboratory diagnosis determines:
- presence of fungus;
- its type;
- quantitative characteristics of infection;
- sensitivity to medications.
Urine and blood tests are prescribed to identify the stage of the disease, infection of internal organs and possible side effects of medications.After treatment, the 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 drug and accelerates recovery.
Preparatory procedure for treatment
For the treatment to bring benefit 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 pliers or files.The patches soften the affected areas of the nail without pain or trauma.After that, they are 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 plaster.After a day, the softened areas are cleaned and the procedure is repeated until the affected areas are completely eliminated.At the same time, treatment with local antimycotics is started.
Important.Proper preparation of nail plates allows drugs to quickly penetrate deep into the nails and destroy fungal mycelium.
Medicines and medical treatments
All medications intended 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 drugs.
The following effective drugs have been used successfully:
Medicines in tablets - Terbinafine, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole.The active ingredients have high activity against pathogenic fungal species.The recommended dosage is indicated in the medication leaflet.The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, usually 1.5 to 18 months.The use of pulse therapy is effective - taking a high dose of the drug in 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.Products are applied to cleaned and dried nail plates 2-3 times a day.Good results are obtained in combination with drugs in tablet form.
Gels, solutions, serums - Terbinafine, etc.The antifungal component accumulates in keratinized cells, kills the fungus and its spores.
Anti-fungal nail polish
One of the best treatments for toenail fungus is antifungal nail polish.It covers the surface with a thin airtight film, blocking oxygen access to the affected area.
The active components of the drug penetrate deep into the tissues, accumulate and destroy the pathogen.The coating is durable and does not collapse.Some varnishes can be applied decoratively.This is an added advantage if the treatment takes place in summer.
Varnishes have a good therapeutic effect;they contain active ingredients - terbinafine, amorolfine, ciclopirox.Apply to a clean, dry nail 1 to 2 times a week for 1 to 12 months.They have contraindications.
Folk remedies for home treatments for 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, frictions 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 anti-mycotic effect.
Important.Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus may have contraindications.You should consult your doctor before using them.
How to avoid needing treatment
To avoid getting a fungal infection and requiring treatment, you should follow preventive measures:
- avoid contact with other people's personal belongings;
- wear shoes in public baths, 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 consult a doctor, undergo an examination and undergo treatment with effective remedies for toenail fungus.