Infection also occurs through contact with infected areas of the body under favorable conditions - high temperature and humidity. That is why the chances of contracting onychomycosis are very high in bathrooms, 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 the color of the damaged nail plate to toxic gray or dirty yellow,
- itching of the skin around the infected area,
- gradually exfoliate the nail, it crumbles,
- a painful sensation when touching the skin area affected by the inflammation that has acquired a red color.
Because of the difficulty in treating nail fungus
Many people are faced with the following problem: someone has cured the fungus, but after a while it reappears. There may be several reasons for this:
- improper treatment, because a fungus can be pushed deep into the tissue and become resistant to various methods,
- mistakes in choosing medicine,
- weak immunity initially 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 the disease appear, resistant to certain drugs,
- low level of hygiene.
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 quite a lot on average.
Unlike laser procedures, special creams, ointments and tablets are suitable for various people and are sold in every pharmacy. Before using it, you should 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 drugs for onychomycosis are divided into several groups:
- pills,
- ointment,
- 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 sick elderly 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 treatment methods are well explained in any short thematic video.
Cheap tablets and capsules for onychomycosis
Medicines for the treatment of fungal infections
Tablets based on the active ingredient are prescribed for any fungal disease. It is better to combine them with a special ointment. Used internally in capsule form. Contraindications: not recommended for use by people with hypersensitivity or during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Perhaps this drug is the best choice for patients, because there are no contraindications or serious side effects for drugs based on this substance.
Synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agents
Antifungal capsules are similar in action to the previous drug, but have fewer options for use. Thanks to this, the fight against certain strains of nail fungus is more effective.
Capsules are taken immediately after a meal 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 response of the body; you should not end the course of treatment because of this.
Antimicrobial drugs for systemic use
Cheap pills. They are taken for various types of onychomycosis, including foot and toe fungus. The advantage of the drug is a good combination with antibiotics.
It should be taken once a day before meals, which is also an advantage. But it is strongly not recommended for people with severe organic damage to the nervous system and children. The medicine works.
Antifungal ointments and creams
Medicinal solutions for the treatment of skin infections of fungal origin
The most famous and "advertised" cream for mycosis. Used to treat the nail plate of both feet and hands. Before use, you need to grind your nails. Apply ointment under it. After application, the material 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 breastfeeding.
Antifungal agent intended for external use
Expensive drugs designed specifically for the treatment of nail fungus. Can be used to treat onychomycosis in children over 4 years old. Unlike analogues, patients feel 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 the high cost is justified.
Medical product with a patented formula
Modern and inexpensive remedies for toenail fungus. Before use, it is recommended to cut the area affected by mycosis. After this, the product should be applied directly to the nail (not under it! ). This medicine is contraindicated in children and adolescents under the age of 18. It is prescribed by the attending physician. When used (apply tightly once a day, due to its effectiveness), you may feel a slight burning sensation, but do not panic, it will pass quickly.
Creams and tablets for the prevention and treatment of foot fungus
There are ointments and tablets. The latter is not recommended to take, because there are more effective analogues. Instead, ointments are worth trying.
It is applied under the nail (it is cleaned and cut first) depending on the severity of the fungus - once or twice a day. The effect became 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 mild forms of fungus and 2 weeks for severe ones.
Contraindications: the cream can cause severe allergies or itching if taken incorrectly. Therefore, before starting an effective course of treatment for foot fungus, consult a specialist.
Antimycotic varnish
Broad spectrum antifungal agent with good penetrating ability
Expensive varnish, but effective against fungus. Suitable for both treatment and prevention of various fungal diseases. But the medicine 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, because the 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 a shine, which is undesirable for men. Drugs are used every 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
Famous 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, unlike that, this medicine is allergenic.
Contraindications: not recommended for use by pregnant women and children, as well as those with allergies. Varnish is very toxic.
Apply varnish to damaged nails once or twice a week, after pre-treating and cleaning them with a nail file.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Onychomycosis is highly contagious and difficult to treat. A person infected with this disease needs treatment, which can last more than a month. After all, even if the disease is destroyed, some spores left on the leg can bring it back. It must be treated carefully and under the supervision of an experienced specialist.
But even if the disease does not affect a person, there is no need to sit at home and wait for infection. Prevention will help not to be afraid of fungus. Remember a few simple rules:
- Never use the same tool to treat diseased and healthy nails, as well as affected skin areas. No matter how strange it sounds, this way there is less risk of infection of healthy nails, especially on nearby hands and feet,
- Wash your socks more often. This rule especially applies to men, because. . . They are the least concerned about cleanliness. Don't wear the same socks from a few days ago,
- don't wear other people's clothes and shoes. This applies to any clothing that comes into contact with the hands and feet (gloves, socks) and any footwear. Even slippers in the same family should have their own. After all, fungi are highly contagious - if one family member is infected, the rest will also be infected,
- On the beach, wear flip-flops only. No closed shoes!
- visit the sauna or bathhouse opposite with 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 mainly applies to swimming in public rivers and lakes.