50% of cases of consultation with a dermatologist concerning 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 treatment, the greater your 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 plaques on the limbs for a long time.Often people come to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails, affected all the way to the base.
You can become infected with onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - in a sauna, swimming pool, on the beach, even in a beauty salon.Among the elderly population, the fungus is especially widespread (according to statistics, from 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 wearing the same shoes.There is a risk of getting fungus in the shared bathroom and throughout the house if you go barefoot.The source of a fungal infection may be the person himself.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a high chance that the pathological process will be transferred to the nail plates.
In order not to waste time and start treatment on time, it is necessary to conduct a thorough “audit” 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 rise like a springboard, there is reason to suspect a fungus;
- surface change– a normal plaque is flat and smooth, the appearance of ribs or tubercles indicates mycotic damage;
- uneven color– the first forms of onychomycosis are manifested by barely noticeable changes in the color of the nails: the translucent plaque 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 plaques.
Mycotic diseases may be indicated by slower growth of nail plates.If a person has already cut his nails every 1-2 weeks and suddenly noticed that there is no reason to do another pedicure, it is necessary to take a closer look at his condition.
Sometimes onychomycosis manifests itself as discomfort at the base of the nail, at the ridges.Sudden dryness, cravings, burning or itching should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is inattention to the condition of the nails and frivolity about the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic problem, but a medical one, fraught with complete loss of plaques and invasive fungal damage of the epidermis.
You need to do a pedicure on time, abandon permanent varnishes in favor of decorative varnish, the layer of which must be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs from the outside due to the style of open shoes, increased sweating of the feet and walking barefoot.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail fungus also occur in the cool season.Warm shoes, sweating and lack of hygiene procedures are the main factors of onychomycosis infection in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms
After identifying the first signs of nail fungus, you should contact the clinic.People with dermato- and onychomycosis consult a dermatologist.Often, a simple consultation is enough, but sometimes it can refer you to a mycologist.The doctor will examine the condition of the plaques and skin of the extremities.Objectively assess signs of mycotic lesions.The specialist will determine the severity of the infection - how many nails are involved in 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 from the nail plates.This will allow you to select an effective fungicidal 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 determine whether there are contraindications to the prescription of systemic antimycotics.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicidal agents.
In case of minor damage to the nail plates, there is no need to consult a doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of aggravation of the problem, additional damage to the nails, the formation of resistance of microorganisms and the appearance of serious cosmetic defects will increase.
How to treat the early stages of onychomycosis
There are many over-the-counter antifungal drugs on the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solutions (with dropper, pipette or spray);
- lotions (often food supplements, liquid or gel substances);
- creams;
- ointments;
- pastes (with high concentration of active substance);
- varnish (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 fades on contact with clothes or shoes.The use of such drugs will lead to increased 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 complete cure of onychomycosis.These drugs are used even in advanced cases.
In the early stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is inappropriate.First, the area and depth of the lesion are small and there is nothing to remove.Second, excessive scratching of a healthy nail constitutes an unwanted injury, a risk of pain when moving and an additional cosmetic defect.The paste treatment for 7 days should be supplemented with the use of a special cream from the same range.The duration of treatment will be 6 to 7 weeks.
Antifungal solutions
Liquid products (solutions and lotions) are suitable for early treatment of fungus.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If you start treatment at the first changes in the plaque, healing will occur quickly.The solutions are intended to treat damaged (and neighboring) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to flow the product under the free edge of the nail and onto 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 need to use the solutions until the damaged part of the plate is cut off.After eliminating it, it is better to extend the treatment for another month.An added benefit of the solutions is that they can be used on the skin.The funds can be used by the patient's family members for preventive purposes.
Healing varnishes
Antifungal varnishes are qualitatively different from other means of treating onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of the active substance in the nail plate.The coating, resistant to water and soap, maintains fungicide concentrations for 7 to 10 days.You have to renew the layer of product 1 to 2 times a week, which is very practical.Anti-fungal polish can be applied as a decorative coating (no gel polish or nail extensions).The downside is the high price.The varnish should be applied regularly until the damaged plaque completely grows back and is removed.
The polish kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate should be diluted, degreased with alcohol and only then the product should be applied.Before renewing the coat, the varnish can be 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 need to use the medications 2 times a day until the affected nail grows completely.After application, the product is dried for 3 minutes and covered with a second layer.After complete drying, you can go about your business.When using drugs, decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails.
Treatment with traditional methods
Traditional methods are ineffective in advanced onychomycosis, but they can be very useful in the early stages.The best-known and most effective “home remedies” for nails:
- Vinegar.It is recommended to apply apple or wine vinegar to a cotton swab and roll it over damaged nails for 3-5 hours, 2 times a day.If well tolerated, the product can work all night.
- Iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you need to use a cotton swab.During treatment, you must ensure that the solution does not come into contact with 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 tape.Leave the product to act 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.Application frequency – daily.
- 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 healing.
Foot baths are also used.Soda salt solutions, decoctions of oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.Baths with soda and salt will really help in 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 treatment of the fungus
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 horny plates, a combination of dermato- and onychomycosis.A doctor should prescribe systemic fungicidal drugs.These drugs have a whole series of contraindications (from individual susceptibility to liver and blood diseases) and can have many side effects.To reduce the risk of adverse actions, doctors pre-examine the patient.Antifungal tablets and capsules are prescribed as part of special diets.The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of pathogen, stage of onychomycosis and general health.Unauthorized use may cause significant harm to health and may not lead to cure.The fungus can respond to improper treatment with resistance (resistance).If the pathogen adapts to fungicidal substances, it will be difficult to eliminate it from the body.
The systemic treatment regimen may vary considerably between individuals.
Useful tips for treatment
Treatment of nail fungus is a long and laborious process.Treatment for 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 respect several rules.
First tip: careful preparation
Before the first treatment with antifungal medication, it is necessary to prepare your nails.Take a bath, remove dead skin, cut the patches as short as possible.For mild forms of fungus, it is not necessary to file the nail.However, this greatly facilitates the process of penetrating the medicinal substance into the nail.
A minor cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, irregularities) will be an identifying sign for the patient.As they grow, progress in therapy will become noticeable.If stains, scratches or inclusions have formed on the plate, they must also be completely removed at the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Tip Two: Take Care of Your Own Stuff
To avoid reinfection and increase the chances of complete recovery, 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's 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 suffers from onychomycosis, they should have their own manicure equipment.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 daily handling and contact.In order not to spread the fungus around the house, it is necessary to start treatment on time, try to walk exclusively in clean socks and avoid using other people's slippers (even for a minute).In the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, walk exclusively in your own indoor shoes, as fungi multiply there particularly quickly.
After starting to use fungicidal drugs, the risk of infecting loved ones is minimized, but until complete recovery, it is better to adhere to preventive measures.
To avoid becoming infected with toenail fungus, you should avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in public baths, in the sauna or swimming pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (it is better not to rely on the “disposable” and rubber slippers provided).In stores you need to try on shoes in a sock (you need to take them with you).Every time after visiting places of potential infection, you need to treat your feet with antifungal agents.As a preventative measure, antifungal treatments can be carried out once a week.