50% of visits to dermatology for 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 the therapy, the more chances you have to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.
The first signs of onychomycosis
The penetration of mycobacteria into the nail plate occurs asymptomatically.A person does not feel anything and cannot pay attention to the condition of the heated plates on the limbs for a long time.Often people were impressed by the doctor with excessive and thick nails, this base.
Onychomycosis can be contracted in high humidity, high humidity places - sauna, swimming pool, beach, even on the beach in a beauty salon.Fungus is especially common among the older population (according to statistics, from 5% to 30% of people over the age of 45 suffer from this problem).In this case, microorganisms can be on the nails of healthy family members and wear the same shoes.If you walk around barefoot, you run the risk of catching fungus in the shared bathroom and everywhere else in the house.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 be transferred to the nail plates.
Vaxtı qaçırmamaq və vaxtında müalicəyə başlamaq üçün hər həftə dırnaqların hərtərəfli "auditi" aparmaq lazımdır.The first signs of fungal infection:
- nail biting- 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 does not start to grow sideways, grows into ridges or rises 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 is micotically damaged;
- uneven color- Initial forms of onychomycosis are manifested by barely noticeable changes in the color of the nails: the transparent plate becomes cloudy, white or yellowish;
- Unusual receipts- spots, streaks, white, gray-yellow or brown spots may appear on the surface of heated plates.
Mycotic diseases can be indicated by slow growth of nail plates.If a person previously cut his nails once every 1-2 weeks and suddenly found that there is no reason for another pedicure, it is necessary to take a closer look at his condition.
Sometimes onychomycosis is expressed by discomfort under the nail in the area of ridges.Sudden dryness, hangnails, burning or itching should alert you.
The reason for the development of advanced onychomycosis is carelessness with the condition of the nails and the state of their attractiveness due to the danger of the disease.This is not a cosmetic, not a medical problem, but a complete loss of plaque and invasive fungal damage to the epidermis.
You should have a pedicure on time, you should leave a permanent nail covering, which should be changed once a week, in favor of a decorative varnish, in favor of a layer.In the summer, onychomycosis infection is often caused by open shoe styles, sweaty feet and walking barefoot.However, favorable conditions for the development of nail mycosis also occur in 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
You should contact the clinic by identifying the first signs of nail fungus.People with dermato and onychomycosis go to a dermatologist.Often only one consultation is enough, but sometimes a mycologist may be consulted.The doctor will examine the condition of the plates and the skin on the extremities.Objectively assess the symptoms of mycotic lesions.The specialist will determine how serious the infection is - how many nails are involved in the pathology, what areas of the plates change.
To find out the nature of the pathogen, a specialist will prescribe a microscopic examination of nail plates.This will allow you to choose an effective fungicide drug.The patient undergoes general and biochemical blood tests.Laboratory tests reflect the general condition of the body and the presence of selective diseases.Based on the results of biochemistry, the doctor will find out if there are any contraindications for prescribing systemic antimycotics.Liver and kidney damage may limit the use of specific fungicidal agents.
It is not necessary to see a doctor for minor damage to the nail plates.You can self-medicate, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed.If the drugs are used incorrectly, the risk of worsening the problem, more damage to the nails, the development of resistance of microorganisms and the appearance of serious cosmetic defects will increase.
How to treat the initial stages of onychomycosis
There are many antifungal drugs available in 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;
- ointment;
- pastes (with a high concentration of the active ingredient);
- varnishes (intended only for the treatment of onychomycosis).
Not all antifungal drugs can be used to treat nail fungus.Standard external agents (ointments, creams, gels, sprays) are designed for the treatment of dermatomycosis.When applied to the nails, the active substance remains only on the surface of the plate, is quickly washed off with water and wears off after contact with clothing or shoes.The use of such drugs will lead to further spread of fungi and worsening of onychomycosis.
Concentrated products (pastes)
Most pharmacists recommend treating nail fungus with a paste.The products contain a broad-spectrum antifungal agent.The second component of the paste - urea - is designed to soften the damaged nail plate.Early removal of the affected part of the nail increases the chance of complete cure of onychomycosis.Such drugs are used even in advanced cases.
In the initial stages of nail fungus, the use of pastes is not suitable.First, the area and depth of the lesion is small and there is nothing to remove.Secondly, excessive breaking of a healthy nail is an unwanted injury, the possibility of pain when moving and an additional cosmetic defect.Treatment with the paste for 7 days should be ensured 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 the treatment of fungi in the early stages.They are affordable, economical, easy to use and effective.If you start the therapy at the first changes in the plaque, healing will happen quickly.The solutions are designed to treat damaged (and adjacent) nails twice a day.
It is necessary to remove the product under the free edge of the nail and at the base.Treatments should be regular.It reduces the concentration of the active substance in the jumping nail and increases the risk of spreading pests in the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.You should use the solutions until the damaged part of the board is cut.After eliminating it, it is better to extend the therapy for another month.An additional advantage of 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 for the treatment of onychomycosis.They ensure rapid penetration and accumulation of the active substance on the nail plate.The coating, which is resistant to water and soap, maintains fungicidal concentrations for 7-10 days.You need to update the product layer 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.Varnish should be applied regularly until the damaged plate grows back completely.
The varnish kit includes files, alcohol wipes and a spatula for applying the product.Before the treatment, the nail plate should be cut, rubbed with alcohol, and only then should the product be applied.Before renewing the layer, the varnish is 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, it forms a protective film on the surface of the nail, which creates unfavorable conditions for the growth of life and fungi.
You need to use the medicine 2 times until the affected nail grows completely.After application, the product is dried for 3 minutes and covered with a second layer.After it is completely dry, you can go about your business.When using drugs, decorative coatings should not be applied to the nails.
Traditional treatment
Traditional methods are ineffective for advanced onychomycosis, but can be really helpful in the early stages.The most popular and effective "home remedies" for nails:
- Vinegar.It is recommended to apply apple or wine vinegar to a cotton ball and wrap it on the 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 twice a day.To do this, you need to use a cotton swab.When processing, you must ensure that the solution does not come into contact with the skin and nail layers.A significant drawback is the coloring of the nail plates.
- Garlic.A thin layer is applied to the nail plates covered with grated garlic, cotton wool and cellophane and sealed with adhesive tape.Leave the product to act overnight.The procedure is carried out daily.
- Propolis.The mixture of propolis and honey compresses the nails.Exposure time 12 hours.Application frequency - every day.
- 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 recovery.
Foot baths are also used.The effects of soda-salt solutions, oak bark, celandine and juniper are considered effective.A bath with soda and salt will really help 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 fungi
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed to treat onychomycosis.The reasons for their use are damage to all nail plates, deep penetration of fungi, deep penetration of hyperkeratosis in the area of horny plates, combination of dermato and onychomycosis.A doctor should prescribe systemic fungicides.These drugs can have a number of contraindications (from individual sensitivity to liver and blood diseases) and many side effects.To reduce the possibility of unwanted actions, doctors examine the patient in advance.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 serious damage 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.
Systemic therapy regimen can vary significantly from individual to individual.
Useful tips for treatment
Treatment of nail fungus is a long and laborious process.For mild forms of infection, treatment may take several months.If the treatment process is managed by a doctor, the chances of getting rid of the fungus increase significantly.It is important to follow a few rules during the process.
Tip one: thorough preparation
Before the first treatment with an antifungal drug, you need to prepare your nails.Make a bath, remove the dead skin, the tiles are as short as possible.Mild forms of external fungi do not need to be nailed.However, this drug significantly facilitates the process of penetrating the nail.
A small cosmetic defect (thin, uneven in a certain area) will be a sign of identity for the patient.As you grow together, the progress of therapy will be noticeable.Stains, streaks, or inclusions on the boards should be completely removed at the first stage of preparation for treatment.
TWO TWO: Take care of your belongings
To prevent re-infection and increase the possibility of complete treatment, 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 is better to buy several pairs of high-quality cotton socks and throw away the old ones.After drying, they should be washed and ironed daily.If one of the family members has onychomycosis, they should have their own manicure.It cannot be used to care for healthy nails.After each pedicure, the devices must be disinfected with antiseptic solutions.
Third three: do not spread the fungus
The spread of microorganisms occurs unconsciously - during daily manipulations and touches.In order not to spread the fungus around the house, you need to start treatment in time, try to walk only in clean socks and do not use other people's slippers (for a minute).In the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, walk only in your own closed shoes, because fungi multiply especially quickly.
After starting to use fungicidal drugs, it minimizes the risk of infecting loved ones, but it is better to follow preventive measures until full recovery.
In order not to get infected with nail fungus, you should avoid walking barefoot (especially in the beach, bath, sauna or swimming pool).It is very important to have your own shoes in all public places (it is better not to rely on "disposable" and rubber slippers).In stores, you have to try on shoes in a sock (you have to take it with you).You should treat your feet with antifungal agents every time you visit potential infection sites.For preventive purposes, antifungal treatment can be carried out once a week.