Infection also occurs through contact with infected parts of the body under favorable conditions - high temperature and humidity. This is why the chance of contracting onychomycosis is very high in bathrooms, saunas and gyms. Toenail fungus, which can be treated at home, is one of the most unpleasant subspecies of this disease.
Symptoms
It is very difficult to ignore the symptoms of toenail fungus.
The most common symptoms are:
- a change in the color of the damaged nail plate to toxic gray or dirty yellow,
- itching of the skin around the area of infection,
- gradual peeling of the nail, it crumbles,
- painful sensations when touching the area of the skin affected by the inflammation that has turned red.
Reasons for difficulty in treating nail fungus
Many people face the following problem: a person has cured the fungus, but after some time it manifests itself again. There can be several reasons for this:
- due to improper treatment, for some reason, the fungus can penetrate deep into the tissues and become resistant to various agents,
- error in drug selection,
- initially weak immunity caused by living in a polluted environment (for example, in a big city),
- other diseases that can prevent a stable recovery. For example, diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, etc.
- inability to completely destroy nail fungus. Every year, new strains of this disease appear, resistant to certain drugs,
- low level of sanitary conditions.
Treatment of onychomycosis
There are many ways to treat nail onychomycosis. For example, laser procedures in the clinic. But all of them are quite expensive and suitable for a narrow circle of people - a complete treatment of 10 nail plates will cost a decent amount of money on average.
Unlike laser procedures, special creams, ointments and tablets are suitable for a wide range of people and are sold in every pharmacy. Before using them, it is necessary to grind as much as possible, or even better, remove the damaged nail plate. This can be done either with a file or in the surgeon's office.
All medicines for onychomycosis are divided into several groups:
- tablets,
- fats,
- varnishes and solutions.
The choice of a specific antifungal depends on three factors: the size of the affected area, the physiological state of the person (antibiotics are contraindicated in elderly patients, for example) and the duration of the disease. Based on them, the doctor prescribes the necessary medication to the patient. Different drugs and treatment methods are well described in any short topic video.
Cheap tablets and capsules for onychomycosis
A drug for the treatment of fungal infections
Tablets based on the active substance are prescribed for any fungal disease. It is better to combine them with special fats. It is used internally in the form of capsules. Contraindications: not recommended for people with hypersensitivity or during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Perhaps this drug is the best choice for patients, because there are no serious contraindications or side effects for drugs based on this substance.
A broad-spectrum synthetic antifungal agent
Antifungal capsules are similar in action to the previous drug, but have fewer options for use. Thanks to this, the fight against specific strains of nail fungus is much more effective.
Capsules are taken immediately after meals and washed down with water. It is not recommended to take this medicine for people with hypersensitivity to its components. Sometimes the patient may experience itching, burning in the vagina and a rash near the external genitalia. This is a normal reaction of the body and therefore the course of treatment should not be interrupted.
Antimicrobial drug for systemic use
Cheap pills. They are taken for many types of onychomycosis, including foot and toe fungus. The advantage of the drug is its good combination with antibiotics.
It should be taken once a day before meals, which is also an advantage. But it is not recommended for people with severe organic damage to the nervous system and children. The medicine is effective.
Antifungal ointments and creams
Medicinal solution for the treatment of skin infections of fungal origin
The most famous and "advertised" cream for mycosis. It is used to treat nail plates and feet and hands. Before use, it is necessary to grind the nails. Apply grease underneath. After application, the substance remains under the nail for a long time, which speeds up the healing process and the duration of the effect.
There are practically no contraindications, except that the use of the drug is not recommended for children, pregnant women, and during breastfeeding.
Antifungal agent intended for external use
An expensive drug designed specifically to treat nail fungus. It can be used to treat onychomycosis in children older than 4 years. Unlike analogues, the patient feels the effect of this colorless serum after only a few days of use. There are practically no contraindications: it can be used even during pregnancy.
The only thing that scares me is the high price for 5 grams. this medicine. It varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, but patients say that the high price is well justified.
Medical product with a patented formula
A modern, inexpensive remedy for toenail fungus. Before use, it is recommended to cut off the area affected by mycosis. After that, the product should be applied directly to the nails (not under them! ). This medicine is contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. It is prescribed by the attending physician. During application (use strictly once a day, due to its effectiveness) you may feel a slight burning sensation, but do not panic, it will pass quickly.
Cream and tablets for the prevention and treatment of foot fungus
There are ointments and tablets. The latter is not recommended, as there are more effective analogues. On the other hand, fat is worth trying.
It is rubbed under the nail (cleaned and trimmed beforehand), depending on the severity of the fungus - once or twice a day. The effect becomes visible already on the second day. But even if the patient feels that mycosis is localized, the course of treatment must be completed. It is 1 week for the mild form of the fungus and 2 weeks for the severe form.
Contraindications: the cream can cause severe allergies or itching if used incorrectly. Therefore, before starting a course of effective treatment of foot fungus, consult a specialist.
Antimycotic varnishes
Broad-spectrum antifungal agent with good penetration ability
Expensive but effective anti-fungal varnish. Suitable for the treatment and prevention of various fungal diseases. But the medicine is a kind of "antibiotic". Therefore, if it was previously used for treatment, it is not worth using it a second time - the effect will not justify the money spent, the cockroach has most likely developed immunity to the drug.
Before application, the damaged nail is filed with a file, after which the varnish itself is applied. It leaves behind a shine, which is undesirable for men. The medicine is used every other day! During this time, it will have time to be absorbed and reach the source of infection.
Lacquer for the treatment and prevention of nail fungus
Famous expensive varnish. It is also an antifungal antibiotic, which is why it is not recommended for repeated use. The method of application does not differ from the previous varnish, but, in contrast, this medicine is allergenic.
Contraindications: not recommended for pregnant women and children, as well as those with allergies. Varnish is very toxic.
Once or twice a week, apply nail polish to the damaged nail, after pre-treatment and cleaning with a file.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Onychomycosis is extremely contagious and difficult to treat. A person infected with this disease requires treatment that can last more than a month. After all, even if the disease is destroyed, a few spores left on the legs can bring it back. It must be treated carefully and under the supervision of an experienced specialist.
But even if the disease did not affect a person, there is no need to sit at home and wait for infection. Prevention will help you not to be afraid of fungi. Just remember a few simple rules:
- Never use the same tools to treat diseased and healthy nails, as well as affected skin areas. As strange as it sounds, this way there is less risk of infection of healthy nails, especially on the adjacent hands and feet,
- Wash your socks more often. This rule is especially true for men, because. . . They are the ones who care least about cleanliness. Don't wear the same socks a few days ago,
- do not wear other people's clothes and shoes. This applies to any clothing that comes into contact with hands and feet (gloves, socks) and absolutely any footwear. Even slippers in the same family should have their own. After all, the fungus is highly contagious - if one member of the family becomes infected, the rest will also become infected,
- Only wear slippers on the beach. No closed shoes!
- visit the sauna or bath opposite in closed shoes. Try to avoid splashing water,
- After showering and swimming, be sure to dry your feet completely and treat them with antifungal ointments. This rule specifically applies to swimming in public rivers and lakes.