Infection also occurs through contact with infected areas of the body under favorable conditions - high temperature and humidity. Therefore, the chance of contracting onychomycosis is very high in baths, saunas and gyms. Nail fungus, which can be treated at home, is one of the most unpleasant subtypes of this disease.
Symptoms
It is very difficult to ignore the symptoms of nail fungus.
The most common symptoms are:
- change in color of the damaged nail plate to poisonous gray or dirty yellow,
- itchy skin around the area of infection,
- gradual peeling of the nail, it crumbles,
- painful sensations when touching an area of skin affected by inflammation that has acquired a red color.
Reasons for difficulty treating nail fungus
Many people are faced with the following problem: a person has cured a fungus, but after a while it manifests itself again. There could be several reasons for this:
- improper treatment, because of something the fungus can penetrate deep into the tissues and become resistant to various means,
- error in choosing a medicine,
- initially weak immunity caused by living in a polluted environment (for example, in a big city),
- other diseases that can prevent stable recovery. For example, diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, etc.
- the inability to completely destroy nail fungus. Every year new strains of this disease appear, resistant to certain medications,
- low level of sanitary conditions.
Treatment of onychomycosis
There are many ways to treat nail onychomycosis. For example, laser procedures in a clinic. But they are all very expensive and suitable for a narrow circle of people - a full treatment of 10 nail plates will cost, on average, a decent amount of money.
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, you should file as much as possible or, better yet, remove the damaged nail plate. This can be done with a file or in the surgeon's office.
All medicines for onychomycosis are divided into several groups:
- pills,
- ointments,
- varnishes and solutions.
The choice of a specific antimycotic depends on three factors: the size of the affected area, the person's physiological state (antibiotics are contraindicated for the elderly, for example) and the duration of the illness. Based on them, the attending physician prescribes the necessary medications to the patient. Various remedies and treatment methods are well described in any short thematic video.
Cheap tablets and capsules for onychomycosis
Medicine for the treatment of fungal infections
Tablets based on the active substance are prescribed for any fungal disease. It is best to combine them with special ointments. Used internally in capsule form. Contraindications: not recommended for use by people with hypersensitivity or during lactation and pregnancy. Perhaps this medicine is the best choice for patients, as there are no serious contraindications or side effects for medicines based on this substance.
Broad-spectrum synthetic antifungal agent
Antifungal capsules have a similar action to the previous medication, but have fewer options for use. Thanks to this, the fight against specific strains of nail fungus is much more effective.
The capsules are taken immediately after meals and washed down with water. It is not recommended to take this medicine for people who are hypersensitive to its components. Sometimes the patient may experience itching, burning in the vagina and a rash on the skin near the external genitalia. This is a normal reaction of the body, you should not stop treatment because of this.
Antimicrobial medication for systemic use
Cheap pills. They are used for many types of onychomycosis, including foot and toe fungus. The advantage of the medicine is its good combination with antibiotics.
It must be taken once a day before meals, which is also an advantage. But it is highly not recommended for people with severe organic damage to the nervous system and children. The drug is effective.
Antifungal ointments and creams
Medicinal solution for the treatment of skin infections of fungal origin
The most famous and "advertised" cream for ringworm. Used to treat toenails and fingernails. Before using, you need to file your nails. Apply ointment 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 it is not recommended to use the drug in children, pregnant women, and also during lactation.
Antifungal agent intended for external use
An expensive medication developed specifically for the treatment of nail fungus. It can be used to treat onychomycosis in children over 4 years of age. Unlike analogues, the patient feels the effect of this colorless serum after just 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 the high cost is justified.
Medical product with patented formula
A modern and inexpensive remedy for nail fungus. Before use, it is recommended to cut the area affected by ringworm. 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. When applying (apply strictly once a day, due to its effectiveness), you may feel a slight burning sensation, but don't panic, it will pass quickly.
Cream and tablets for preventing and treating foot fungus
There are ointments and pills. The latter are not recommended, as there are more effective analogues. On the other hand, the ointment is worth trying.
It is rubbed under the nail (it is cleaned and trimmed in advance), depending on the severity of the fungus - once or twice a day. The effect becomes noticeable on the second day. But even if the patient feels that the mycosis is localized, the treatment must be completed. It is 1 week for a mild form of fungus and 2 weeks for a severe form.
Contraindications: the cream can cause severe allergies or itching if taken incorrectly. Therefore, before starting effective treatment for foot fungus, consult a specialist.
Antimycotic varnishes
Broad-spectrum antifungal agent with good penetration ability
Expensive but effective varnish against fungi. Suitable for treatment and prevention of various fungal diseases. But the drug is a kind of "antibiotic". Therefore, if it has been used for treatment before, it is not worth using it a second time - the effect will not justify the money spent, since the fungus has probably developed immunity to the drug.
Before application, the damaged nail is filed with a file, after which the varnish itself is applied. Leaves an undesirable shine for men. The drug is used every other day! During this time, it will have time to be absorbed and reach the source of the infection.
Varnish for treating and preventing nail fungus
Well-known expensive varnish. It is also an antifungal antibiotic, which makes it not recommended for repeated use. The method of application does not differ from the previous varnish, but, on the contrary, this medicine is allergenic.
Contraindications: not recommended for use by pregnant women and children, as well as people with allergies. The varnish is very toxic.
Apply varnish to the damaged nail once or twice a week, after pre-treatment and cleaning with a nail file.
Nail fungus prevention
Onychomycosis is extremely contagious and difficult to treat. A person infected with this disease requires treatment, which can last more than a month. After all, even if the disease is destroyed, a few remaining spores on the legs can bring it back. It must be treated with care and under the supervision of an experienced specialist.
But even if the disease has not affected a person, there is no need to sit at home and wait for infection. Prevention will help not to be afraid of fungus. Just remember a few simple rules:
- Never use the same products to treat diseased and healthy nails, as well as affected areas of the skin. As strange as it may seem, this way there is less risk of infection of healthy nails, especially those on neighboring hands and feet,
- Wash socks more often. This rule especially applies to men, because. . . They are the ones who care least about cleaning. Do not wear the same socks for several days,
- 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 from the same family should have their own. After all, the fungus is very contagious - if one member of the family becomes infected, the rest will also be infected,
- On the beach, only wear flip flops. No closed shoes!
- visit the sauna or bathhouse opposite with closed shoes. Try to avoid splashing water,
- After showering and swimming, dry your feet completely and treat them with an antifungal ointment. This rule especially applies to swimming in public rivers and lakes.