Infection also occurs through contact with infected areas of the body under favorable conditions - high temperature and humidity. That is why the chance of contracting onychomycosis is very high in baths, saunas and gyms. Toenail 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 toenail fungus.
The most common symptoms are:
- change in color of the damaged nail plate to poisonous gray or dirty yellow,
- itching of the 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.
![medicinal baths against fungus](/images/articles/122/medicinal%20baths%20against%20fungus.png)
Reasons for the difficulty of 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 may be several reasons for this:
- improper treatment, because of something the fungus can be driven deep into the tissues and become resistant to various means,
- mistake in choosing a drug,
- initially weak immunity caused by living in a polluted environment (for example, in a big city),
- other diseases that may 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 drugs,
- low level of sanitary conditions.
![diagnosis of toenail fungus](/images/articles/122/diagnosis%20of%20toenail%20fungus.png)
Treatment of onychomycosis
There are many ways to treat nail onychomycosis. For example, laser procedures in a clinic. But they are all 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, you should grind off as much as possible, or better yet, remove the damaged nail plate. This can be done either with a file or in the surgeon’s office.
All medications for onychomycosis are divided into several groups:
- pills,
- ointments,
- varnishes and solutions.
The choice of a specific antimycotic drug depends on three factors: the size of the affected area, the physiological state of the person (antibiotics are contraindicated for old sick people, for example), and the duration of the disease. Based on them, the attending physician prescribes the necessary medications to the patient. Various remedies and methods of treatment are well described in any short thematic video.
Inexpensive tablets and capsules for onychomycosis
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 ointments. Used internally in capsule form. Contraindications: not recommended for use by people with hypersensitivity or during lactation and pregnancy. Perhaps this drug is the best choice for patients, since there are no serious contraindications or side effects for drugs based on this substance.
Synthetic broad-spectrum 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 drug 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; you should not end the course of treatment because of this.
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 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 mycosis. Used to treat nail plates of both feet and hands. Before use, you need to grind off 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 for children, pregnant women, and also during lactation.
Antifungal agent intended for external use
An expensive drug designed specifically for the treatment of nail fungus. 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 away is the high price for 5 grams. this medicine. It varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, but patients say the high cost 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 this, the product should be applied directly to the nails (not under them! ). This drug is contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. It is prescribed by the attending physician. When applied (apply 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 is ointment and tablets. The latter are not recommended to be taken, as there are more effective analogues. In contrast, the ointment is worth a try.
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 already on the second day. But even if the patient feels that the mycosis is localized, the course of treatment must be completed. It is 1 week for a mild form of fungus and 2 weeks for a severe one.
Contraindications: the cream can cause severe allergies or itching if taken incorrectly. Therefore, before starting a course of effective treatment for foot fungus, consult a specialist.
Antimycotic varnishes
Broad-spectrum antifungal agent with good penetration ability
Expensive, but effective varnish against fungus. Suitable for both 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, becausethe fungus 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 drug is used every other day! During this time, it will have time to be absorbed and reach the source of infection.
Varnish for the treatment and prevention of nail fungus
Well-known expensive varnish. It is also an antifungal antibiotic, which makes it not recommended for repeated use. The method of application is no different from the previous varnish, but, unlike that, this drug is allergenic.
Contraindications: not recommended for use by pregnant women and children, as well as those with allergies. The varnish is very toxic.
Apply varnish to the damaged nail once or twice a week, after pre-treating and cleaning it with a nail file.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Onychomycosis is extremely contagious and difficult to treat. A person infected with this disease requires treatment, which can last more than one month. After all, even if the disease is destroyed, a few spores remaining 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 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 tools to treat diseased and healthy nails, as well as affected areas of the skin. No matter how strange it may sound, this way there is less risk of infection of healthy nails, especially on neighboring hands and feet,
- Wash your socks more often. This rule especially applies to men, because. . . They are the ones who worry least about cleanliness. Don't wear the same socks several 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 shoes. Even slippers in the same family should have their own. After all, the fungus is very contagious - if one family member becomes infected, the rest will also become infected,
- On the beach, wear only slippers. No closed shoes!
- visit the sauna or bathhouse 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 ointment. This rule especially applies to swimming in public rivers and lakes.