Onychomycosis is responsible for 50% of visits to a dermatologist for nail problems.This is a fungal infection of the nail plate on the hands or feet.Treatment of advanced fungus requires almost complete removal of the nail plate.The earlier you start treatment, the better your chances of keeping your nails healthy and beautiful.
first signs of onychomycosis
Mycobacterial penetration into the nail plate is asymptomatic.A person who does not feel anything may not pay attention to the condition of the cuticles in his limbs for a long time.People often go to the doctor with overgrown and thick nails that even affect the roots.
You can contract onychomycosis in public places with high humidity - saunas, swimming pools, beaches, and even beauty salons.This fungus is especially common in older people (statistically, 5 to 30 percent of people over 45 have this problem).In this case, microorganisms may attach to the nails of healthy family members who wear the same shoes.If you walk around barefoot, you run the risk of getting fungal infections in shared bathrooms and throughout the house.The source of fungal infections can be the person themselves.If he suffers from dermatomycosis, the lesion process will most likely be transferred to the nail plate.
In order not to miss time and start treatment promptly, a thorough "audit" of the nails is performed every week.The first signs of fungal infection:
- dull nails– Healthy plates have a soft sheen; its absence indicates mechanical or infectious damage to the surface layer;
- shape change– If a previously straight nail begins to grow sideways, becomes ridged, or rises like a springboard, there is reason to suspect the presence of fungus;
- Surface changes– Normal steel plates are uniform and smooth, and the presence of ribs or nodules indicates fungal damage;
- uneven color– The initial form of onychomycosis is characterized by barely noticeable changes in the color of the nails: the translucent plates become cloudy, whitish or yellow;
- unusual inclusions– White, grayish-yellow or brown spots, stripes, and stains may appear on the surface of the cuticle.
Slow growth of the nail plate may indicate a fungal disease.If a person who previously trimmed his nails every 1-2 weeks suddenly finds no reason to have a pedicure again, then it is necessary to take a closer look at his situation.
Sometimes the symptoms of onychomycosis are discomfort in the base, ridge area of the nail.Sudden dryness, hangnails, burning, or itching should alert you.
The reasons for the development of advanced onychomycosis are inattention to the condition of the nails and underestimation of the dangers of the disease.This is not a cosmetic problem but a medical problem, fraught with complete loss of plates and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
You should get your pedicures done on time, abandoning the permanent nail coating in favor of a decorative varnish, which must be replaced every week.In summer, onychomycosis infections often occur from the outside due to open shoe styles, increased foot sweating, and walking barefoot.However, the cooler seasons also favor conditions for the development of nail fungus.Warm shoes, sweating and lack of hygienic procedures are major factors in onychomycosis infection during winter.
What to do if you develop symptoms
After noticing the first signs of onychomycosis, you should contact the clinic.People with dermatomycosis and onychomycosis see a dermatologist.Usually just a consultation is enough, but sometimes he can make a referral to a mycologist.The doctor will check the condition of the plates and skin on the limbs.Objectively assess signs of fungal lesions.The specialist will determine the severity of the infection - how much of the nail is involved in the pathology, which areas of the plate have changed.
To find out the nature of the pathogen, experts will conduct a microscopic examination of scrapings from the nail plate.This will enable you to choose an effective antiseptic medication.Patients 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 biochemical results, the doctor will find out if there are any contraindications to prescribing systemic antifungal drugs.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of certain biocides.
For minor injuries to the nail plate, there is no need to see a doctor.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the medication is used incorrectly, the risk of exacerbation of the problem, further damage to the nail, development of drug resistance by microorganisms, and the development of serious cosmetic defects increases.
How to Treat the Early Stages of Onychomycosis
There are many over-the-counter antifungal medications on the modern pharmaceutical market.Fungicidal and fungistatic substances are produced in the following dosage forms:
- solutions (using a dropper, pipette or sprayer);
- Lotions (usually dietary supplements, liquid or gel substances);
- cream;
- ointment;
- Pastes (containing high concentrations of active substances);
- Varnish (specifically used to treat onychomycosis).
Not all antifungal medications can be used to treat onychomycosis.Standard topical preparations (ointments, creams, gels, sprays) are used to treat dermatomycoses.When applied to nails, the active substance remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed away with water and disappears on contact with clothes or shoes.Use of such medications can lead to further spread of the fungus and worsening of onychomycosis.
Concentrated products (paste)
Most pharmacists recommend using a paste to treat onychomycosis.This product contains broad-spectrum antifungal substances.The second ingredient of the paste - urea - is designed to soften damaged nail plates.Initial removal of the affected nail portion increases the chances of complete cure of onychomycosis.Such drugs are used even in advanced cases.
In the early stages of onychomycosis, it is not advisable to use ointments.First, the area and depth of the lesions are small and there is nothing that can be removed.Secondly, over-scratching healthy nails can cause unnecessary damage, may be painful when moving, and can cause additional cosmetic imperfections.The 7-day paste treatment must be supplemented by the use of special creams from the same series.The course of treatment is 6-7 weeks.
Antifungal solutions
Liquid products (solutions and lotions) are suitable for treating fungus in its early stages.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If treatment is started when the first changes occur in the plate, healing will occur quickly.The solution is designed to treat damaged (and adjacent) nails twice daily.
The product must be applied under the free edge of the nail and onto the base of the nail.Treatment must be regular.Skipping reduces the concentration of active substances in the nails and increases the risk of the spread of pests in the cuticle structure of the epidermis.You will need to use these solutions until the damaged portion of the board is cut away.After elimination, it is best to extend the treatment for another month.Another advantage of this solution is that they can be used on the skin.Families of patients can use these funds for preventive purposes.
Repair varnish
Antifungal varnishes are fundamentally different from other treatments for onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of active substances in the deck.The coating is water and soap resistant and maintains germicidal concentration for 7-10 days.This layer of products needs to be updated 1-2 times a week, which is very convenient.Antifungal varnish can be used as a decorative coating (not gel polish or nail extensions).The disadvantage is that the price is higher.Varnish should be applied periodically until the damaged board has completely grown back and is removed.
The varnish kit includes a file, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before treatment, the nail plate must be thinned and degreased with alcohol before the product can be used.Remove varnish with any makeup before updating layers.
fungal gel preparation
Antifungals in gel form contain substances that strengthen and accelerate the growth of the nail plate.Thanks to special organosilicon compounds, they form a protective film on the nail surface, creating unfavorable conditions for the survival and growth of fungi.
You will need to use the medication twice daily until the affected nail has fully grown.Once applied, allow product to dry for 3 minutes and apply a second coat.Once it's completely dry, you can start working.When using the drug, decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails.
Treated with traditional methods
Traditional methods are not effective against advanced onychomycosis, but they do help in the early stages.The most famous and effective nail "home remedies":
- vinegar.It is recommended to use a cotton swab dipped in apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar and wrap it on the damaged nails for 3-5 hours, twice a day.This product can work overnight if well tolerated.
- iodine.You can lubricate damaged nails with iodine twice a day.To do this, you should use a cotton swab.When handling, you need to ensure that the solution does not come into contact with skin and nail folds.One significant drawback is the brown color of the nail plate.
- garlic.Apply a thin layer of grated garlic to the nail plate, cover with cotton wool and cellophane, and seal with tape.Let the product work overnight.The procedure takes place daily.
- Propolis.A mixture of propolis and honey is used to apply nails.Exposure time 12 hours.Frequency of use - daily.
- Onions and aloe vera.Treat your nails with a mixture of aloe vera juice and onion juice 3 times a day.
- Kombucha.Apply kombucha tablets to the affected nails at night.Repeat this procedure daily until complete recovery.
A footbath is also available.Decoctions of soda-salt solution, oak bark, celandine, and juniper were considered effective.If you need to soften and remove damaged nails, bathing with soda and salt can really help.The antifungal effects of salt and herbs are too weak to ensure the elimination of fungus from the nail structure.
Systemic treatment of fungi
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.The reasons for their use are any combination of nail plate damage, deep fungal penetration, marked hyperkeratosis in the area of the cuticle, dermatoses and onychomycosis.Doctors should prescribe systemic antiseptic drugs.These drugs have a range of contraindications (ranging from personal sensitivities to liver and blood disorders) and can have numerous side effects.To reduce the possibility of unwanted behavior, doctors conduct pre-examinations of patients.Antifungal tablets and capsules are prescribed as part of special treatment regimens.The choice of treatment strategy depends on the type of pathogen, the stage of onychomycosis, and overall health.Unauthorized use may cause significant damage to health, which may be irreversible.The fungus can become resistant (resistant) to inappropriate treatment.If a pathogen adapts to a bactericidal substance, it becomes difficult to remove it from the body.
Systemic treatment options may vary widely based on individual differences.
Helpful treatment tips
Treatment of onychomycosis is a long and laborious process.Treatment of mild infections may take several months.If the treatment process is controlled by a doctor, the chances of eliminating the fungus are greatly increased.During this process, it is important to follow a few rules.
Tip 1: Prepare well
Before the first treatment with antifungal drugs, it is necessary to prepare the nails.Take a shower, remove dead skin, and trim the plates as short as possible.For mild fungus, there is no need to file your nails.However, this significantly facilitates the penetration of medicinal substances into the nails.
Minor cosmetic imperfections (thinning, unevenness in certain areas) will become identifying marks for the patient.As it grows together, progress in treatment will become apparent.If spots, streaks or inclusions form on the board, these must also be completely removed during the first stage of treatment preparation.
Tip 2: Mind your own business
To prevent reinfection and increase the likelihood of complete cure, the patient must treat his shoes (all shoes are treated from the inside with an antifungal solution or spray) or replace them with new ones.It's a good idea to buy a few pairs of high-quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.They need to be washed daily and ironed after drying.If a family member has onychomycosis, he or she should have his or her own manicure supplies.They cannot be used to care for healthy nails.After each pedicure, equipment should be disinfected using a disinfectant solution.
Tip 3: Don’t spread the fungus
The spread of microorganisms occurs unconsciously – during everyday handling and touching.In order not to spread the fungus around the house, it is necessary to start treatment promptly, try to walk only in clean socks and avoid using someone else's slippers (even for a minute).Wear only your own indoor shoes when walking in the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, as fungi multiply particularly quickly here.
Once you start using antiseptic medications, the risk of infecting your loved ones is minimized, but until you fully recover, it's best to stick with preventive measures.
To avoid contracting onychomycosis, you must avoid walking barefoot (especially at the beach, bathhouse, sauna or swimming pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (it is best not to trust the "disposable" and rubber slippers provided).In the store you will need to try on the shoes with socks (which you should bring with you).Your feet should be treated with antifungal medication after each visit to a potentially infected site.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatment can be given once a week.