50% of cases of visiting a dermatologist regarding 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 sooner you start therapy, the greater the chance 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.Often people come to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails, affected to the very 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 older population, the fungus is especially common (according to statistics, from 5% to 30% of people over 45 years of age suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can get on the nails of healthy family members and wearing the same shoes.There is a risk of catching fungus in the shared bathroom and throughout the house if you move around barefoot.The source of a fungal infection can be the person himself.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, there is a high chance that the pathological process will transfer to the nail plates.
In order not to miss time and start treatment in a timely manner, it is necessary to conduct a thorough “audit” of the nails every week.The first signs of 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 to the side, grow into ridges, or rise like a springboard, there is reason to suspect a fungus;
- surface change– a normal plate is even and smooth, the appearance of ribs or tubercles indicates mycotic 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, stains of white, gray-yellow or brown color may appear on the surface of the horny plates.
Mycotic diseases may be indicated by slower growth of nail plates.If a person previously trimmed their nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly noticed 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 area of the ridges.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 frivolity about the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic, but a medical problem, fraught with complete loss of the plates 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 must be changed once a week.In summer, onychomycosis infection often occurs from the outside due to open shoe styles, increased sweating of the feet, and walking barefoot.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis also occur during the cool season.Warm shoes, sweating, and lack of hygiene procedures are the main factors for onychomycosis infection in winter.
What to do if you have symptoms
Having identified the first signs of nail fungus, you should contact the clinic.People with dermato- and onychomycosis go to a dermatologist.Often just a consultation is enough, but sometimes he can give a referral to a mycologist.The doctor will examine 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, what 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 find out whether there are contraindications for prescribing systemic antimycotics.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicidal agents.
For minor damage to the nail plates, it is not necessary to see a doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of worsening the problem, further damage to the nails, the formation of resistance of microorganisms and the occurrence of serious cosmetic defects will increase.
How to treat the initial stages of onychomycosis
There are many over-the-counter antifungal drugs available on the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solutions (with a dropper, pipette or spray dispenser);
- 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 drugs 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 wears off upon contact with clothing or shoes.The use of such drugs 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.Such drugs are used even in advanced cases.
In the initial stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is inappropriate.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.Treatment with paste for 7 days will have to be supplemented with the use of a special cream from the same line.The course of treatment will be 6-7 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 at the first changes in the plate, healing will occur quickly.Solutions are intended for treating damaged (and neighboring) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to drip 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 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 family members of the patient 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 substance in the nail plate.The coating, resistant to water and soap, maintains fungicidal concentrations for 7-10 days.You need 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 should be applied regularly until the damaged plate grows back completely and is removed.
The varnish kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate must be thinned, degreased with alcohol, and only then the product must be applied.Before renewing the layer, the varnish is removed with any cosmetic product.
Gel preparations for fungus
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 conditions unsuitable for life and the growth of fungi.
You need to use the drugs 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.While using the 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 really be useful.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 for 3-5 hours, 2 times a day.If well tolerated, the product can be left to act overnight.
- Iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine 2 times a day.To do this, you should use a cotton swab.When processing, you need to ensure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and nail folds.A significant drawback is the coloring of the nail plates brown.
- 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 to act overnight.The procedure is done daily.
- Propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used for compresses on nails.Exposure time 12 hours.Frequency of application – every day.
- Onions 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.Soda-salt solutions, decoctions of oak bark, celandine, and juniper are considered effective.Baths with soda and salt will really help with 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 fungus from the nail structure.
Systemic treatment of fungus
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.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 drugs.These drugs have a whole range of contraindications (from individual sensitivity to liver and blood diseases) and can have a lot of side effects.To reduce the likelihood of unwanted actions, doctors pre-examine the patient.Anti-fungal tablets and capsules are prescribed in special regimens.The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of pathogen, the stage of onychomycosis, and general 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 will be difficult to remove it from the body.
The systemic therapy regimen may vary significantly on an individual basis.
Helpful tips for treatment
Treatment of nail fungus is a long and labor-intensive process.Treatment for 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 adhere to several 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, trim the plates as short as possible.For mild forms of fungus, the nail does not need to be filed.However, this significantly facilitates the process of penetration of the medicinal substance into the nail.
A minor cosmetic defect (thinning in a certain area, unevenness) will be an identifying sign for the patient.As it grows together, the progress of therapy will become noticeable.If spots, stripes, or inclusions have formed on the plate, they must also be completely removed at the first stage of preparation for treatment.
Tip two: taking care of your own things
To prevent re-infection and increase the likelihood of a complete cure, the patient must 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 has onychomycosis, he should have his own manicure supplies.They cannot be used to care for healthy nails.After each pedicure, devices should 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 using other people’s slippers (even for a minute).In the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, walk exclusively in your own indoor shoes, since fungi multiply especially quickly here.
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 nail fungus, you must avoid walking barefoot (especially on the beach, in the bathhouse, sauna, or pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (it is better not to trust the “disposable” and rubber slippers provided).In stores, you need to try on shoes in a sock (you should take it with you).Each time after visiting places of potential infection, you should treat your feet with antifungal agents.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatments can be carried out once a week.