Nail fungus, called onychomycosis, occurs in every fifth person on the planet. Pathogenic microorganisms provoke the development of this unpleasant problem - microsporia and dermatophytes. You can catch a fungus not only while visiting public places such as a swimming pool, gym or sauna. Many become infected through direct contact with loved ones, as well as when using personal hygiene items belonging to the fungus carrier. One of the effective means that can quickly and effectively eliminate the fungus on the nails is Exoderil, which will be discussed below.
Release Forms
According to the instructions for Exoderil, a fungus in a neglected state can lead to the loss of the nail plate. Therefore, it is important to take measures to eliminate the pathology in time, without delaying the trip to the dermatologist.
The medicine is produced in two convenient forms: a solution, which can often be found on the Internet under the name “varnish”, and “Exoderil” ointment.
Description
The drug is an easy to use and effective remedy for fungus on the nails. The tool has a pronounced antimycotic effect. Many of these drugs are not able to penetrate deep into the stratum corneum of the nail, which explains their average degree of effectiveness.
Drops for Exoderil nails are able to absorb and penetrate deep into the tissue to the inflammatory focus. The drug is one of the first artificially created local antifungal agents. It has been used for several decades.
Exoderil varnish or solution is presented in the form of a clear liquid, which may have a yellowish tint and a pronounced smell of alcohol. The cream is available in white with a specific smell.
Structure
In accordance with the instructions for Exoderil, the cream and solution are made on the basis of one active ingredient called naphthyne. The substance has a fungicidal property, due to which it is possible to stop the development and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Naphthyne in the composition of "Exoderil" is included in the category of allylamines and is used for external application. The substance is capable of disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol, which is one of the components of the structure of a fungal cell.
The properties
Exoderil cream and varnish are active against many harmful microorganisms, which quite often join a fungal infection, complicating the course of onychomycosis and provoking the development of the inflammatory process.
The medication helps to eliminate the discomfort, accompanied by redness and itching of the area around the affected nail, and also activates the recovery processes, thanks to which it is possible to save the nail plate. Naftifin can penetrate even the deepest layers of the nail, thereby creating a barrier to the ingress of nutrients to fungal colonies. Thanks to naphthyne, bacteria and fungi die faster, which speeds up the healing process.
Indications for use
The causative agents of onychomycosis at the moment, there are at least five hundred. As the instruction for Exoderil tells us, it is necessary to start using it after consulting a doctor and receiving an appointment.
The drug is considered the most effective in relation to the following types of microorganisms:
- Yeast-like fungi provoking nail candidiasis.
- Dermatophytes of various types.
- Trichophytons.
- Spore fungi.
In addition, the solution demonstrates the effective elimination of various microorganisms that are activated against the background of a decrease in the protective qualities of the body or after receiving microtrauma of the dermis.
According to the instructions for use, Exoderil is able to solve several problems with nails at once, so it is quite widely used. So, the drug is often prescribed in the treatment of the following pathological conditions:
- Onychomycosis, provoked by any type of fungus.
- Candidiasis localized on the nail plate.
- Dermatomycosis, against the background of which there is pronounced itching and burning.
- Deprived of the pityripe type.
- Epidermophytosis.
- Microsporia arising on the head in the area of the hairline.
There are frequent cases when, after defeating the entire area of the nail plate, the infection passes to the skin of the hands, bed or cuticle, exerting a destructive effect in the nail root. If a sprout occurs, then Exoderil can cure the formation in the epidermis, which can also be complicated by an infection of a bacterial origin.
Instructions "Exoderil"
The duration of the therapeutic course of using the drug differs depending on the location of the fungus. This period should be determined by a dermatologist on the basis of the examination and obtaining the results of laboratory tests.
The main objective of medical procedures is to ensure that naftifin penetrates into the layers of the affected nail as deeply as possible. For this, the following preparatory procedures are carried out:
- Nails are soaked in warm water with the addition of sea salt or iodine. It is also possible to use chamomile decoction.
- Application of keratolytic paste on the nail. This is done to soften the affected nail plate.
- Gradual removal of dead cells to healthy tissues.
- Drying the nail and the skin around it.
- Application of a small amount of Exoderil on the affected nail, as well as the cuticle and folds between the fingers.
In the case when onychomycosis is neglected and it is not possible to save the nail affected by the fungus, it is partially or completely removed. The nail removal procedure should be carried out by a dermatologist or surgeon. After removing the nail plate, a bandage should be applied to the finger to protect the base of the nail from bacteria.
Treatment duration
The duration of the course of therapy with Exoderil solution or ointment directly depends on the site of manifestation of the fungus:
- Treatment of the fungus on the hands will take about 4-6 weeks.
- Damage to the toenails can last up to two months.
Such a discrepancy in the timing of treatment is due to the fact that on the legs the nails grow several times slower than on the hands. During the specified period of treatment, the nail is completely replaced by a healthy one, and spores and pathogens of the fungus are subject to gradual destruction. Doctors recommend using the drug as a prophylaxis if one of the family members has a fungus. Also, treatment with Exoderil can be carried out once a week with regular visits to the sauna or pool.
Contraindications
This is a relatively safe drug, but there are a number of conditions in which its use is prohibited:
- Intolerance to the components that make up the drug.
- Open wounds at the site of infection caused by fungal infection.
Careful reception
With caution, an antifungal agent should be used during the bearing of the baby and during breastfeeding. It is strictly forbidden to apply the solution to the mucous membranes. In case of accidental ingestion, gastric lavage is recommended. In case of contact with eyes, rinse with plenty of running water.
Adverse reactions
The composition of "Exoderil" practically does not cause adverse reactions. Rarely, local reactions can occur, accompanied by itching of the skin around the nail plate, burning and redness. If there is a suspicion of the development of an allergic reaction, then the use of the drug should be abandoned and a similar drug should be selected.
Analogues of Exoderil
There are quite a few antifungal drugs for topical use. Exoderil has complete synonyms that have the same effect, but differ in cost. Such drugs are interchangeable, however, even their use must be agreed with the attending physician.
Naftifin is part of several antifungal drugs, and you can find an analogue cheaper. The most popular analogues of "Exoderil" from the fungus are the following drugs:
- Mycoderil. It is made in Russia, the cost is about 400 rubles per cream package.
- "Naphthyne." According to the manufacturer, it can completely eliminate the fungus in two weeks.
- Microderm. Also has identical properties and similar composition.
No less often, broad-spectrum drugs are used to treat fungal infections. Such drugs show a high degree of effectiveness and are suitable for the treatment of most pathological processes caused by pathogenic microorganisms. The most commonly prescribed drugs are:
- Atifin. It is active against most infections of fungal origin. The likelihood of adverse reactions to the drug is minimal, and its cost is about 250 rubles.
- "Batrafen." The drug is widely used not only in the treatment of fungal infections of the nails and dermis, but also shows activity to richomonads and other parasitic organisms on the organs of the reproductive system. Its cost is an average of 400 rubles.
- "Lamisil." The drug is effective even in case of damage to a large area of the nail or skin. Its cost, however, is not much lower than that of Exoderil, and is 550 rubles.
- "Thermicon" refers to a less expensive drug, but is also effective in the treatment of fungi. The drug will cost an average of 220 rubles.
- "Nitrofungin" is presented in the form of an alcohol-based solution. Doctors often prescribe it to treat foot fungus, especially since its cost is quite acceptable. One package will cost about 280 rubles.
Reviews
Among those who used the drug “Exoderil” for the treatment of fungus on the nails, quite a lot of people consider the drug unreasonably expensive and not effective enough. He didn’t help some of them, others took a very large amount of time to achieve the desired result.
Experts emphasize that the duration of treatment of the fungus will directly depend on the neglect of the pathology itself. If fungal infection has not been given attention for a long period of time, then treatment of the problem will require no less time.
There are those in whom the use of "Exoderil" provoked an allergic reaction. However, this is more likely the result of intolerance to the components of the drug of an individual nature.