In no case should fungal diseases be ignored. They need to be disposed of as quickly as possible, and this must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist. Self-medication in this case is extremely undesirable, since improperly selected drugs can either be completely ineffective, or bring only short-term improvement.
In the article, we will consider such a concept as mycosis of toenails: treatment, symptoms and methods of preventing the appearance of such a nuisance.
Symptoms of the fungus
Before you consider ways to get rid of the problem, you should familiarize yourself with its symptoms.
Fungus (mycosis) of nails can manifest itself in the form of:
- loss of elasticity and gloss of the nail;
- thickening of the nail plate;
- fragility, brittleness or friability of the nail plate both near the edge and over the entire surface;
- scaly structure and shape distortion;
- blackening;
- cutting nails into the skin;
- the presence of a white or yellow circle under the nail, which can be dull or bright, with a cloudy structure or outlined edges; it depends on the variety of fungus;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor and peeling from the nail bed, this process is called "onycholysis" and is the last stage before losing the nail;
- the skin of the legs becomes dry and cracking, the appearance of a rash, and in some cases even a timbre or blood, is possible.
If one or more of the above symptoms is detected, you should consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the necessary type of therapy.
Therapy for fungal diseases
After the examination and confirmation of the diagnosis, the doctor decides on the choice of the necessary funds for treatment. In this case, the area affected by the fungus, its shape and degree of prevalence, the age of the patient and the possible presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account.
Mushroom mycosis at the beginning of its occurrence can be defeated using only external agents in the form of special ointments, gels, creams and sprays. More advanced stages require additional drug intervention for internal use.
In addition, it is possible to use the so-called alternative methods of treatment, for example, it can be a foot bath with soda and so on.
Let us dwell in more detail on the consideration of each of the components of general therapy. They will help to prove that completely curing mycosis of nails and feet is a very real task. And the main thing in that matter is to approach him with all responsibility.
Varnishes and oils
At the initial stage of the disease, "mycosis of the toenails" treatment may consist solely of external agents. For example, it can be special healing oils and varnishes. They must be applied daily to a clean nail. The old layer of funds must first be erased.
The beneficial properties of varnishes are that they improve the condition of the nail, soon give it a healthier appearance and destroy an unpleasant odor.
In the pharmacy, similar drugs can be found under the names "Nail", "Cyclopirox", "Nogtivit", "Vicks".
Urea preparations
In order to defeat the fungal mycosis, various urea-based products can also be used. They are available in the form of ointments, lotions, creams. It is only important to consider that such drugs should not be used independently, but in combination with oral agents. This is due to the fact that they do not eliminate the disease, but are used to prevent the appearance of various forms of fungi (candida).
As an example, you can cite such well-known tools as Exoderil, Mycosan, Dimethylphthalate, Nizoral, Loceryl, Exifin.
Keratolytic plasters and ointments
What other drugs will help get rid of such a nuisance as mycosis of toenails? Treatment may include the use of special keratolytic ointments and plasters. They help soften the affected nail, as a result of which it can be painlessly removed from the nail bed.
As a keratolytic component, modern patches contain salicylic acid or urea. In some cases, they may include local antifungal (for example, ketoconazole) or antiseptic agents (iodine, chinosol).
The method of applying the keratolytic patch is very simple. First, you need to apply it to the surface of the affected nail. Then stick with adhesive tape and bandage. This dressing should be worn on the leg for 2-3 days, then remove it, remove the affected areas of the nail and repeat the procedure.
This method of treating a fungus can take up to 9-12 months.
An example of such a tool can be considered a special set of "Mikospor". It consists of a patch, a nail scraper and an ointment with keratolytic and antifungal effects.
Oral medication
To treat the disease at more severe stages, special tablets have been developed for mycosis of the toenails. They increase the body's resistance to fungal infections.
How is mycosis of toenails treated in this case? Preparations of this kind of action can only be prescribed by a doctor after the final confirmation of the diagnosis - this is the first of the most important points.
The next thing I would like to draw attention to: during treatment with antifungal agents, it is desirable to limit the intake of other medicines. An exception may be only vital drugs.
The most effective and safe method of treating fungus with the help of tablets is modern dermatologists consider pulse therapy. It provides for the use of the drug at long intervals. For example, such a system is possible: a week of admission, then a three-week break and so on. At the same time, a full course of treatment is designed for 3 months, and the drug will last another one year.
Fungal tablets, as a rule, need to be taken for a long period of time, during which the patient must be constantly registered with a dermatologist. Be sure to visit and control examinations, which are first carried out with a frequency of once every two weeks, and then once a month.
Iodine purification
Folk remedies for the treatment of nail mycosis are distinguished by their diversity. First, consider cleaning nails with iodine. Judging by the recall, this method is quite high efficiency.
On the nail plate and the skin around it twice a day you need to apply iodine solution. With the help of it, disinfection of the nail is carried out and at the same time active spores are killed. It is only important to consider that iodine dries the skin and nails, so they need to give time to rest. For example, you can repeat the procedure for a week, and then take a break for several days.
Garlic mask
The beneficial properties of garlic are known to many. It turns out that he is also an excellent assistant in the fight against mycosis. Garlic has a disinfecting effect and kills bacteria.
How to treat fungus with this product? You need to peel and grate a clove of garlic. Apply the resulting slurry to the damaged nail, bandage it and leave it overnight. Wash off with water in the morning. The procedure must be repeated daily until the condition improves.
Foot bath with soda
To prepare the bath, you need to mix three tablespoons of soda with liquid antibacterial soap and dilute in seven liters of warm water.
In the resulting solution, you need to keep your legs for several minutes, then pat them with a paper towel and remove the affected areas of the nail with a pair of nippers, manicure scissors or a nail file. Repeat the procedure twice a week. The course of treatment will be approximately 2-3 months.
Apple vinegar
To prepare the solution, it is necessary to dilute about 200 ml of vinegar in a basin of cool water. Twice a day, you need to wipe the feet with the mixture, it is important to apply it not only to problem areas, but also the skin around them.
In addition to treating the fungus, this method will help get rid of excessive sweating and unpleasant odors.
Vinegar Compress
To prepare the product, you need to mix a glass of vinegar, 100 grams of butter and one egg. Leave the resulting slurry overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning it can be used for compresses on damaged places.
Celandine
The plant gained fame for its ability to relieve warts. But, it turns out, it “knows” how to treat the fungus.
Need to break the leaf of celandine. A reddish or yellow liquid will stand out at the site of the breakage, which should be used to lubricate damaged nails.
You cannot use this method every day, therefore, after a week of treatment, it is important to take breaks lasting from 3 to 5 days. In addition, it is important to check yourself for allergies in advance in order to avoid possible negative consequences.
Disease prevention
As you can see, there is nothing pleasant in such a phenomenon as mycosis of toenails. Treatment usually takes a fairly long period of time, and the likelihood of a remission remains high. Therefore, in the future, it is worth sticking to simple preventive measures that will help to avoid such a problem.
Firstly, you should limit your intake of antibiotics. They are able to kill not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria, resulting in reduced general and local immunity. The body in such a situation becomes more susceptible to spores and fungi.
Secondly, in no case should you use other people's things. It is important to carefully monitor your shoes - they should be dry and not cramped.
The third point concerns people who often visit saunas, pools, gyms, baths. They are recommended the prophylactic use of antifungal sprays, creams, ointments and so on.
To summarize
In the end, I would like to summarize the small results. So, the treatment of the fungus may include the use of several types of therapy at the same time. If in some situations there are enough local drugs, then others provide for their combination with oral anti-mycosis agents.
Alternative methods of combating the disease are quite effective. However, their use is possible only as an auxiliary component in the main therapy.
It is very important to adhere to all the recommendations of a dermatologist and use exactly those drugs that he prescribed. In this case, it is necessary to follow absolutely all his instructions so that the treatment carried out brings the expected result.
Do not self-medicate and be healthy!