Nail fungus, or fungal disease, is an extremely annoying and, unfortunately, very common disease. Onychomycosis refers to chronic, difficult to cure conditions - sometimes an effective cure for toenail fungus cannot be found for months, even years. The symptoms went away for a while, everything seemed to be behind and the nails were healthy. But after a few weeks, the nail turns yellow, thickens, starts to scab again - and you have to find a cure for nail fungus, itchiness, discomfort, and an unpleasant odor.
Finding effective drugs for the treatment of toenail fungus is necessary not only because the affected foot is not well cared for and is prone to relapses. The constant presence of fungal infections in the body negatively affects the state of the immune system, the general health of a person and can become a driving force for the development of other pathologies, no less. annoying and more dangerous. Pharmacies offer a wide variety of toenail fungus remedies at different prices. All of them have different composition and mechanism of action, which one is most suitable, in most cases you have to determine by trial and error.
A good remedy for nail and foot fungus costs a lot of money. In order to avoid unnecessary expenses and prevent illness from occurring, it is advisable to be prepared before going to the pharmacy. Specifically - to find out what antifungal drugs exist today, their differences, how they work and are used. And, of course, you should definitely consult your doctor. Adhering to his recommendations is a personal matter for each person, but at least he will correctly diagnose and identify the pathogen.
Main antifungal drugs
All drugs offered in pharmacies for the treatment of athlete's foot are divided into two broad categories according to the method of use:
- outside - ointments, creams, varnishes;
- cabinet - tablets and capsules.
To find the best and effective cure for toenail fungus, you need to identify the pathogen. Different fungi are sensitive to different drugs, so it's important to see a doctor. Otherwise, the treatment could be extended indefinitely, leading to deterioration of the foundation and unnecessary waste.
Each group has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is necessary to review each drug in detail and evaluate the effectiveness of their most popular drugs, based on the opinion of the doctor and the assessment of the patient.
Azole toenail fungus home remedies
These toenail fungus products may contain substances such as triazole or imidazole. They work in two directions:
- kills the spores of the fungus and thus stops its spread;
- destroys the cells of the fungus themselves.
These drugs can be produced in various forms for external and internal use. Tablets and capsules are taken from 1 to 4-5 pieces per day for 3-14 days, ointment and cream are rubbed into the nail plaques in courses at the same time.
Advantages of azoles
- Is effective against most types of fungi - yeast, yeast-like, mildew.
- Suitable for long term treatment - up to three months or more.
- Offered at a wide range of prices.
Cons
- Oral medications can have side effects.
- Some expensive.
- Recurrence is not excluded even after complex therapy.
However, many patients in this group find the most effective treatment for nail fungus. Such drugs have received the best reviews and recommendations.
Introduction
Only a comprehensive treatment can get rid of toenail fungus.
For a good result, there are a few methods you can take to combat the fungus.Only with the right method can the disease get better quickly.
Diagnosis of fungal diseases of the feet
Diagnosing the disease is easy and can be done at home. Carefully examine the fingernails and the spaces between the fingers - itching, redness, transparency of the nail, a burning sensation, discoloration of the nail are signs of the disease.
You can also do the diagnosis in another way, dilute the purple potion to a light purple color and wet your nails - healthy nails will stain and the patient will not change. As soon as the problem was discovered, the question of what to treat the fungus was asked, and then everyone made their own decision.
Start home treatment with folk remedies or medicine or see a doctor.Our advice is to consult a therapist, only a doctor can prescribe an accurate, comprehensive treatment that yields positive results.
What will happen when you go to the clinic if fungus is found:
- The dermatologist will carefully examine the fungus under a microscope.
- Indicates the focus of the infection.
- Determine the cause of the disease.
- Will give an exact diagnosis consistent with the tests performed.
- Prescribe treatment.
It should be noted that the diagnosis is absolutely painless; Skin scales and particles from the diseased nail were collected for analysis.
Main types (programs, courses) of onychomycosis complex therapy
In the treatment of fungus, only complex therapy is used with the use of different drugs and means to enhance the effects of each other.
A qualified specialist develops a personalized treatment regimen, based on the characteristics of the patient's body, the type of pathogen, and the developmental status of a fungal infection.
Untimely treatment of nail fungus can lead to the following consequences:
- reduced immunity;
- the appearance of eczema on the skin of the feet; allergy
- ;
- if the infection gets into the bloodstream, the fungus can infect internal organs.
Fast action to get rid of the fungal infection from the body contributes to effective fungal treatment. There are many types of pathogens andcan only be detected under laboratory conditions, so when contacting a dermatologist, he will take particles from the affected nail. sick.
In the final stage, it is very difficult to get rid of the infection, as it has penetrated deep enough into the body. At this stage, the nail plaques become thick and brittle, and the surrounding skin becomes deformed. In this situation, recovery depends on the dermatologist's precise approach to the treatment and the patient's own actions.
Antifungal varnish and putty: type and effectiveness
Special putty is often recommended by mycologists to help kill fungal spores quickly.
Stickers that soften affected nails, making it easier to remove later.
Removing nails and treating fungus with a patch is quite effective, but before using it you need to consult a specialist, because using this patch will not relapse if the disease has penetrated deeply. body.
In addition to putty, a large amount of varnish has been developed to effectively fight nail fungus. The following popular and effective varnishes will help cure onychomycosis:
If the fungus is still not cured, other treatments must be found.
Preparations for the easy removal of damaged nails
You can now buy quick and painless nail removal drugs at pharmacies, but use them according to the instructions.
Antifungal nail tablets
If the fungus is already strong enough to just apply the topical medication alone will not work, you will need to use the antifungal inside.
Creams and ointments
Medical studies have proven that ointments and creams for nail fungus treatment are not effective enough, as they practically do not seep into the nail and quickly wear off.
But do not completely exclude these drugs from the treatment regimen, they can significantly help as an additional or preventive treatment.
Doctors prescribe creams and ointments to prevent relapses.
Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat fungus, can be used alone or added to foot lotions.
It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal effects. The course of treatment is very long, and the main rule for a positive effect is regular use.
Traditional therapy
Despite the fact that many medicines for fungal infections have been developed, it is not so easy to get rid of the disease. So, the folk remedies of fungal treatment are often applied a heap of drugs.
Garlic
This ingredient is often used in many folk recipes to treat fungi. It can be used alone or with several ingredients.
The easiest waybut quite effective is to apply fresh garlic juice to the affected nail. This process must be repeated at least 5 times a day - apply the juice with a cotton swab. The course of treatment is prolonged - until complete recovery. If the disease is raging, then experts recommend adding Nystatin tablets and Clotrimazole ointment.
Acetic acid
Vinegar is not only effective against fungal infections, but also has the following properties:
- antibacterial effect
- ;
- disinfects the skin around the nails;
- fungicidal and antiseptic effects.
The principle that vinegar essence works on fungi and fungal diseases is to penetrate the affected area and destroy the fungal infection spores.
As a result of prolonged use, the colonies of the fungusare completely destroyed by the acid.
Compressed dilute acetic acid 8 times, used to treat, and bandaged at night.
Onions and lemons
There are a lot of popular onion-based recipes for treating nail fungus. You can take the onions, peel them, squeeze the juice, and cook the hoof. Usually this method is used at night, but since the product does not require rinsing, it can be applied in the morning.
There is another recipe, you need to scrape peeled onions, put grit on your feet, then wrap in cellophane and put on warm socks. Apply overnight, the next morning wash your feet with soap to remove persistent onion smell.
And if you combine lemon and onion, you can enhance the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects of the drug. Grate the onion and add the lemon juice. Use these masks at night. The condition should improve after a few days. But what is the frequency - use the remedy over a long period of time, until it's gone.
General antifungal prophylaxis
Can get fungal infections in public places like bathrooms, saunas, salons. To prevent this trouble, you need to take the following precautions:
- doesn't wear shoes that aren't the right size, which can lead to deep nail growth and fungal infections;
- if you sweat excessively, do not wear sneakers and sneakers;
- don't try shoes in store without socks;
- does not wear sandals when visiting;
- dry and disinfect shoes regularly;
- does not wear synthetic socks;
- should do manicures or pedicures in professional salons where special attention is paid to the disinfection of tools;
- For seriously dry feet, apply an emollient cream.
Top 10 best folk remedies for nail fungus disease
The early stages of a fungal infection don't always require medication. Sometimes you can cope with them with the help of proven folk remedies. These treatments are rated as safe for human health. In parallel, they show a clear therapeutic effect, of course, provided they are used properly.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful natural antiseptic that can fight fungal diseases. The most effective is to use natural oils as it has excellent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. As for cosmetic oil (40%), it actually has no effect. Using an inexpensive analogue you will only waste precious time, letting the disease spread even more.
The treatment with tea tree oil is as follows:
- First you need to get out a lot of sweat and clean your feet in general. To do this, prepare warm water and add a few drops of oil to it. The feet should be thoroughly washed, paying special attention to the fingers and nails. Do not miss an area of skin during cleaning process.
- The feet should be dry with a clean cloth. Next, you need to apply the quantitative oil over all the affected nail patches and gently rub them evenly. Wait for the product to dry completely. At this time should not perform any movements, let the legs "breathe". To be more effective, the oil must be applied to the skin around the nail.
The treatment with tea tree oil is extremely simple, but it requires regularity. The product must be applied 2 times a day for two months. Before each oiling session, feet should be steamed with fortified warm water.
Vinegar, Garlic, Peroxide - Cheap Home Treatment
For the treatment of onychomycosis, apple cider vinegaris most commonly used.Everyone knows this solution disinfects and kills bacteria perfectly. It is therefore possible to perform therapy with this tool successfully, but you need to know some of the intricacies of its use:
- Vinegar should be natural;
- Vinegar is not intended to treat fungi in its pure form, should be diluted without spoiling;
- if you have too sensitive or allergic skin, it is better to refuse to use the product.
Vinegar gives best results in the following variations:
- Trays - To prepare 2-4 cups of vinegar, dilute in warm water. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes. It should be taken at least 2 times a day for two weeks. In the future, the procedure is repeated every 3 days until complete recovery.
- Cream - cotton swab or sponge is soaked in diluted vinegar (1: 2 ratio) and applied to the affected nail. Such compression must be fixed and held for about 20-30 minutes.
- Ointment - gives good results when combined with other products. To do this, you need to take olive oil, glycerin and dimethyl phthalate and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The ingredients must be thoroughly mixed. Apply this ointment for the treatment of fungus 2 times a day until it is completely eliminated.
Garlicis a pretty specific remedy for fungus, not everyone is suitable and not everyone can use it. Garlic powder will help best. It must be applied to the affected nail and wrapped tightly with polyethylene for 1-2 hours. However, such a remedy often causes burns and redness on sensitive skin. You can get rid of nail fungus with this treatment in 2 months.
Treatingnail fungus with hydrogen peroxideis an affordable method that won't always give clear results. This treatment is most suitable in the early stages of the disease. For the peroxide to work correctly, the foot must first be thoroughly steamed with hot water with added soda (1 teaspoon of this substance per liter). In the future, each affected nail must be carefully disposed of with peroxide. You need to repeat this process at least 2-3 times a day. It should be noted that this method gives the best results when combined with other treatments.
Plastic apricot
Not many people know that dream gum actually has beneficial and healing properties. Usually, this substance can be found where the bark is damaged, it accumulates and solidifies as clear, dark yellow droplets. Plastic must be collected by carefully cutting it with a knife.
Plastic is a great fungicide when used properly. 1 tablespoon of the substance is infused in 250 ml. vodka for 3 days. The resulting product is used to lubricate the nails affected by the disease.
Strong Coffee
There are wonderful medicinal properties. Only coffee beans are suitable for antifungal therapy. The soluble version of this drink is not suitable for treatment. The tray based on the coffee beans shows the best effect.
The ground coffee beans must be aged with high intensity. Wait for the water to cool a bit and soak your feet in the solution. You need to withstand 10-15 minutes. Do not clean your feet after the procedure, but wait until the liquid is completely absorbed and dry. Such treatment is carried out at least once a day.
Topical anesthetic
Allows to prevent the spread of fungus in the early stages. For treatment, simply buy a tube anesthetic at the pharmacy and use it as a lotion on the affected area of the nail. Several procedures allow you to get rid of the disease completely.
Only effective in the early stages of a fungal infection. It is necessary to lubricate the affected nail plate with iodine. You should not take it too far as this remedy has a detrimental effect on the condition of the skin. Adjacent fingers should be lubricated with kerosene to avoid irritation.
The royal tree
Celery juice is a powerful substance that can literally kill fungus. You will need to use fresh plants after you have lubricated your nails with hydrogen peroxide. If you are afraid of getting burned, you should use cineraria, which can be successfully purchased at any pharmacy.
Successful tips against nail fungus
To fight fungus quickly and effectively, there are some simple but very important rules to know:
- Wash your feet.Before applying medication to the damaged nail, it is important to wash your feet thoroughly with warm water and laundry detergent. Then, you need to steam your feet with fungal nails in warmer water for 5-7 minutes. This will allow the medicinal products to penetrate as deeply as possible into the autoclaved tissue. The main thing is to remember that the foot sauna in hot water is contraindicated in the case of hypotension, varicose veins and high temperature.
- Nail care.It is very important to monitor the regrowth of the diseased nail. Once the nail grows back, it will need to be removed. Therefore, it is possible to give the drug maximum access to tissues damaged by fungus.
- Leather processing.The treatment requires not only the fingernail but also the surrounding soft tissues. The treatment should extend 1 cm around the nail. You need to carefully apply the drug, covering the most difficult to reach places.
- See your doctor promptly.In particularly difficult situations, when the fungus recurs many times, contact a doctor. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to cure the disease on your own. In addition, some medications may simply be unsuitable, and it can be difficult to make your own choice of the necessary drugs.
- Take care of the tool.When you have a manicure or pedicure, as well as removing painful nails, only use sterile implements. These must be treated with a "before" and "after" disinfectant for each procedure. In addition, nail clippers, clips and files used to care for sick nails should be kept separate from other manicuring tools.
Using these simple rules, you can cure nail fungus much faster.
Conclusion
Fungi are an unpleasant and difficult disease to cure unless you use complex therapies. For the best effect, you not only need to use topical medicines, western medicines, folklore, but also have to be treated with oral medicine. The correct approach and treatment regimen will help you get rid of the fungal infection permanently.
Nail fungus can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. The disease leads to intense itching, burning in the affected area, and even loss of the nail. That is why, nail (hand) fungus remedies should be applied as soon as the problem is discovered. In this way, the best and most effective treatment can be achieved.
The right choice is not always easy. Many people who encounter fungi for the first time tend to neglect and use less proven folk remedies as therapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe a truly effective nail fungus remedy. So the ability to get rid of the problem increases dramatically. However, there are a number of proven remedies that guarantee the removal of nail fungus in the shortest possible time. This not only applies to medicines, but also to traditional medicine.