Fungal diseases should never be ignored. You need to get rid of them as soon as possible, and this must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist. Self-medication in this case is highly undesirable, since improperly selected drugs can either be completely ineffective, or bring only a short-term improvement.
In the article, we will consider such a thing as mycosis of the toenails: treatment, symptoms and ways to prevent the occurrence of such a nuisance.
Fungus symptoms
Before considering how to get rid of the problem, you should familiarize yourself with its symptoms.
Fungus (mycosis) of the nails can appear as:
- loss of elasticity and shine 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 typefungus;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor and exfoliation from the nail bed, this process is called "onycholysis" and is the last stage before the loss of the nail;
- the skin of the feet becomes dry and cracked, a rash may appear, and in some cases even ichor or blood.
If one or more of the above symptoms are found, you should contact 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 means for treatment. This takes into account the area affected by the fungus, its shape and prevalence, the age of the patient and the possible presence of concomitant diseases.
Fungiform 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 intervention of drugs for internal use.
In addition, it is possible to use the so-called folk methods of treatment, for example, it can be a foot bath with soda and so on.
Let's take a closer look at each of the components of general therapy. They will help prove that completely curing mycosis of the nails and feet is a very real task. And the main thing in that case is to approach him with all responsibility.
Varnishes and oils
At the initial stage of the disease "mycosis of the toenails" treatment canconsist exclusively of products for external use. For example, it can be special healing oils and varnishes. They must be applied daily to a clean nail. The old layer of the product must first be erased.
Useful properties of varnishes are that they improve the condition of the nail, soon give it a he althier look and eliminate the unpleasant odor.
In the pharmacy, such drugs can be found under the names "Nigtein", "Cyclopirox", "Nigtivit", "Vicks".
Urea drugs
In order to defeat mycosis fungoides, you can also use a variety of urea-based products. They are available in the form of ointments, lotions, creams. It is only important to consider that such drugs should not be used alone, but in combination with oral agents. This is due to the fact that they do not relieve the disease, but are used to prevent the appearance of various forms of fungi (candida).
As an example, we can cite such well-known drugs as "Exoderil", "Mikozan", "Dimethylphthalate", "Nizoral", "Loceryl", "Exifin".
Keratolytic patches 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 patches. They help to soften the affected nail, as a result of which it can be painlessly removed from the nail.lodge.
As a keratolytic component, modern patches contain salicylic acid or urea. In some cases, they may include topical antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) or antiseptics (iodine, chinosol).
The method of applying the keratolytic patch is very simple. To begin with, it must be applied to the surface of the affected nail. Next, seal with adhesive tape and bandage. This bandage 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 fungus treatment can take up to 9-12 months.
An example of such a tool can be considered a special set of "Mikospor". It contains a patch, a nail scraper and an ointment with keratolytic and antifungal effects.
Oral drugs
For the treatment of 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? Drugs 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 medications. An exception can only be essential drugs.
Modern dermatologists consider pulse therapy to be the most effective and safe method of treating fungus using tablets. It involves 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 act for about one more year.
Pills for fungus, as a rule, need to be taken for a long period of time, during which the patient must be constantly registered with a dermatologist. It is obligatory to visit and control examinations, which are initially carried out with regularity once every two weeks, and then once a month.
Iodine cleaning
Folk remedies for the treatment of mycosis of the nails are distinguished by their diversity. First, consider cleaning nails with iodine. Judging by the feedback, this method is quite effective.
An iodine solution should be applied to the nail plate and the skin around it twice a day. With it, the nail is disinfected and active spores are killed at the same time. It is only important to consider that iodine dries the skin and nails, so they need to be given time to rest. For example, you can repeat the procedure for a week, and then take a break for a few days.
Garlic mask
Many people know about the beneficial properties of garlic. It turns out that he is also an excellent assistant in the fight against mycosis. Garlic has a disinfectant effect and kills bacteria.
How to treat fungus with this product? Needs to be cleaned and rubbedgrate a clove of garlic. The resulting slurry is applied to the damaged nail, bandaged and left overnight. Wash off with water in the morning. The procedure must be repeated daily until the condition improves.
Soda foot bath
To prepare a bath, mix three tablespoons of baking soda with liquid antibacterial soap and dilute in seven liters of warm water.
You need to keep your feet in the resulting solution for several minutes, then blot them with a paper towel and remove the affected areas of the nail with nippers, nail scissors or a nail file. The procedure must be repeated twice a week. The course of treatment in this case will be approximately 2-3 months.
Apple cider vinegar
To prepare the solution, dilute about 200 ml of vinegar in a bowl of cool water. Twice a day you need to wipe your feet with the resulting mixture, while it is important to apply it not only to problem areas, but also to the skin around them.
In addition to treating the fungus, this method will help get rid of excessive sweating and bad breath.
Vinegar compress
To prepare the remedy, 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 areas.
Celandine
The plant is famous for its ability to get rid of warts. But it turns out that it "knows" how to treat the fungus.
Need to break a leaf of celandine. At the site of the break, a reddish or yellow liquid will stand out, which needs to be lubricated with damaged nails.
This method cannot be used every day, so after a week of treatment it is important to take breaks lasting from 3 to 5 days. In addition, it is important to test yourself for allergies in advance 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 remission remains high. Therefore, in the future, it is worth adhering to simple preventive measures that will help avoid such a problem.
Firstly, it is worth limiting the use of antibiotics. They are able to kill not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria, resulting in a decrease in 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 take good care of your shoes - they should be dry and not tight.
The third point concerns people who often visit saunas, swimming pools, gyms, baths. They are recommended prophylactic use of antifungal sprays, creams, ointments, and so on.
Summing up
Finally, I would like to sum up a little. So, the treatment of the fungus may include the use of several types of therapy at the same time. If in some situations local preparations are sufficient, then in othersprovide for their combination with oral agents against mycosis.
Folk methods of dealing with the disease are quite effective. However, their use is possible only as an auxiliary component in the main therapy.
It is very important to follow all the recommendations of a dermatologist and use exactly the drugs that he prescribed. At the same time, it is necessary to follow absolutely all of his instructions so that the treatment carried out brings the expected result.
Don't self-medicate and stay he althy!
