The defeat of nail fungus not only affects the aesthetic appearance, quality of life, but can cause severe complications. Especially dangerous is the disease of people with weakened immune systems, as well as the abnormal hormonal levels. Treatment of fungal infection is difficult, takes a long time. The later measures taken, the harder it is get rid of the nail parasites, when it detects the first signs of the disease need to consult a dermatologist.
Causes of nail fungus
The defeat of the nail plate parasitic fungi called dermatophytes onychomycosis. The etiology of the disease, not only the penetration of the parasite into the body, but also repair the Horny layer, which can not happen without the creation of certain conditions. The main reason in the event the nail fungus presence of a favourable environment for the reproduction of the microorganisms. Infection occurs contact exposed areas of the body with contaminated objects or an infected person.
After penetration of the parasites in the skin, improving the surface layer of the epidermis, and gradually spread to healthy skin.
Before penetration of the fungi to the deeper layers, the disease is asymptomatic, but the absence of favourable conditions for pathogens is replaced by the newly formed healthy cells in addition to the Horny plates. The presence of certain conditions conducive to the formation of the favorable environment for increase in the total mass of the fungi in the penetration of the nail plate, as well as the rapid pace of development of the nail.
The effects of the fungus on the nails
In the absence of timely treatment, the fungus spread to healthy nails. Violation of the aesthetics of appearance, the fingers — not the most dangerous consequence of the disease. Athlete's foot represents the focus of infection, which can provoke inflammation of the skin, because increased sensitivity of the organism. As the allergen products of micro-organisms, which possess highly toxic for the human body.
Secreted by the pathogens of onychomycosis biological substances that can trigger the development of body disorders, including the very difficult. Under the influence of toxic, biologically active materials may develop the following disorders:
- the inflammation of the skin allergic nature;
- liver;
- acute lesion of the entire surface of the skin and mucous membranes.
Persons diagnosed with diabetes are not only at greater risk of fungal infection, but also often suffer from the effects of onychomycosis. The sugar patients is a violation of the sensitivity in the limbs, to interfere in time to detect the first signs of the disease and delay in treatment of the disease in these patients, the infection is full of cracks, the skin of the athlete. The most common complications of yeast infection is the diabetes or:
- infection of the bone;
- gangrene of the lower limbs;
- trophic ulcers of the leg.
Treatment of nail fungus
The duration of the therapeutic course of onychomycosis depends on the stage of the disease, the nature of the flow. The goal of treatment is the eradication (total destruction) of fungal parasites. The system of the antifungal therapy, developed by a dermatologist on the basis of the result of the diagnosis, which revealed that the type of pathogen and control the body of other pathogens (in the case of bacterial complications).
In the Arsenal of medical techniques a number of methods of destruction, the fungi, the feasibility of which is determined by the physician based on the degree of deformation of the nails. Treatment of fungus on the nails is one of the following methods:
- Drug – disease occurring in the form of light, and as a local antifungal agents (creams, ointments, gels, creams, dyes, sprays) monotherapy in onychomycosis with moderate to severe forms of the therapeutic frame is added to tablets, capsules for oral use.
- Laser therapy is indicated for minor injuries, the absence of opportunistic infections, an alternative method that can replace the long-term use of the drug.
- Removal of the nail plate – a radical method of therapy of onychomycosis is often recurrent, severe form of the disease.
- Antibiotic therapy administration in the case of the complications of fungal diseases bacterial infection.
The removal of the affected nail
Before the modern methods of medical treatment, the fungal infection of the nail removal was the only way to get rid of the yeast infections. The classic method for removing the affected nail plate surgery. Currently, this is extremely shocking, painful method to use rarely, which is related to the risk of postoperative complications (wound infection, prolonged and difficult recovery period).
An alternative, less painful methods of removal include pedicure, laser therapy. In these procedures, the disk softens keratolytic preparations, and layers of removal, special tools (cone-shaped cutters, abrasive coating, or laser equipment). The disadvantage is that these methods include the risk of allergic reaction, infection, incomplete removal of the fungus.
Remove the nail plate without mechanical stress, as well as special preparations. Medications, la to alleviate the keratin (material part of the nail) is called ceratolici. The mechanism of action is based on the ability of the major components of (urea acid), to change the structure of the disk, this floppy, soft.
The pills
Tablet medication is indicated for moderate to severe fungal infections. The system of treatment of onychomycosis include, especially in the 2 group of antifungal agents, the allylamines. The effectiveness of the therapy with oral application of funds increase significantly, but the tablets should be administered under medical supervision due to the presence of taking a highly specific action of the antifungal agents.
Ointments, creams
In the absence of the necessary systemic therapy of fungal infections (mild form, if the lesion is not more than 2/3 of the area of the nail plate) drugs, local measures can be applied as monotherapy. Fungicidal ointments, creams, to enhance the action of the drugs, taken orally, therefore, the combined use of systemic and local treatment accelerates the healing process.
The medicine the nail fungus should appoint a dermatologist based on the clinical picture of the disease-specific diagnosis of the pathogen. An incorrect choice means that the treatment may be not only ineffective, but dangerous. Advantages, creams, ointments to get rid of the fungus, less side effects, rapid elimination of unpleasant symptoms, disadvantages, treatment duration, and ineffectiveness of severe disease.
Treatment of fungus on the feet and hands of the Polish
It means that the local action, used for direct application to the nail antifungal nail Polish. The inclusion of a therapeutic treatment varnish does not eliminate the other pharmaceutical form of the anti-fungal agents. Regardless of how these tools can only be used as prevention. The advantage of complementary therapy varnishes, to eliminate aesthetic defects in the form of a change of color or deformation, the disadvantage is the high cost of the treatment.
The mechanism of action of the antifungal drugs in the form of a varnish on the basis of the fungicidal properties of the constituent components. To enhance the effectiveness of the means that should be applied daily, and clean the dead tissue, degreased nail plate (the old layers of varnish must be removed with solvent).
Laser treatment
One of the modern methods of treatment of fungus laser therapy – hot laser beam on the fungal colonies in a matrix of keratin plates without destroying the healthy tissue. Indications in the case of this procedure can be to all forms and stages of onychomycosis. The use of the laser ensures the immediate death of the parasite, accelerates the healing process. The number of sessions, the laser therapy (duration approximately 30 minutes) is determined on the basis of how serious the defeat. Produced manipulations do not cause pain, but almost never have side effects.
Treatment of nail fungus folk remedies
The use of recipes of traditional medicine for the treatment of onychomycosis, is permitted only as one of the methods of traditional therapy to enhance the therapeutic effect. If for any reason there is no opportunity to seek medical advice if signs of fungus, take measures as soon as possible to prevent the transition of the disease in severe form (in the advanced heal can lead to very dangerous consequences).
As the most common fungal infections alternative medicine there are several ways to solve this problem, using internal and external sources. The most popular folk remedy for the treatment of nail fungus:
- Vinegar (70% point). Efficient, quick, means that the paste made of vinegar, eggs, butter. In a vessel pour 200 ml of vinegar, omit the whole egg and remove the dark place. If dissolved, the eggs, strain the liquid and add 1 teaspoon of oil. The resulting paste is applied 12-14 h during the movie, the steamed plots. As for softening the plate should be cut off until the complete disappearance of signs of fungal infections.
- The iodine. If the sighting was immediately after the first symptoms of onychomycosis are available, an antiseptic, such as iodine, – can you solve the problem already 1-2 treatment. In the later stages, this method is ineffective. Manipulations should be applied on the affected areas of iodine to the point, while the substance does not cease to absorb. Before the procedure you need to steam the foot or the hand, or give them to dry. When a strong burning sensation during the treatment, it is necessary that the lower limb in a bowl of cold water.
- Juice of the celandine. The plant has a bactericidal effect, which leads to the use in the treatment of fungal diseases. Therapeutic manipulations are carried out to clean the feet or the hands. The juice of the stems of fresh-fried celandine, it is necessary, that on one occasion, a cotton pad, and apply to the affected areas, covering them with gauze. Three times daily, this procedure will help for 2-3 weeks to get rid of the signs of the disease.
- The hydrogen peroxide. One of the methods to contribute to the fast elimination of a yeast infection three-step procedure, application of hydrogen peroxide. The affected surface is first processed with a mixture of vinegar (3%) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) in the ratio 1: 1, after which the fingers of immersion of 30 minutes. a very weak solution of sodium hypochlorite. After soaking, the instruments should be thoroughly washed, dry fingers or feet, and then put your nails mix tea tree oil, vaseline. The duration of treatment is 1 week.
- Tincture Of Euphorbia. The treatment of skin, nail diseases, you can use all varieties of milkweed. To prepare the tincture, pour a small amount of raw materials with hot water and leave to infuse for 2-3 h. cooled down to 45-50 degrees in the infusion is necessary to steam the legs or arms, for half an hour. After 3-4 weeks of daily treatments, the symptoms go away.
- The tea-tree oil. The content this means that the materials, such as limonene, alpha-terpinene, sabine, alpha-phellandrene, cineole. has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect. The destruction of the fungi-dermatophytes recommended 8-10 weeks of bath, add 15-20 drops of oil.
Prevention
Parasite organizations everywhere completely limit your contact with them is impossible, but by taking certain precautions to reduce the risk of infection. The prevention of onychomycosis is designed to reduce the likelihood of infection, protection of the immune system to prevent the consolidation of pathogens in the body. The main preventive measures are:
- regular hygiene measures for the care of the skin, the feet and hands;
- get rid of the increased sweating of the feet;
- removes excessive dryness of the skin;
- limit contact with the open skin with household items in public places;
- daily change socks, stockings, tights, etc.;
- wearing comfortable shoes and clothes made of breathable material;
- timely treatment of micro trauma, degenerative changes of the nail plate;
- compliance with equipment sterilization, disinfection of instruments, manicure, pedicure;
- avoiding harmful habits;
- adherence to the principles of a balanced diet, limiting the intake of sugary foods;
- seasonal (spring, autumn) the intake of vitamin complexes.
You can't ignore the symptoms or attempt to self-diagnose. Most of the demand for medical care has been in the severe stage of the disease, which is related to the confidence in patients that they can't develop onychomycosis if you adhere to all listed rules. Note that even with the medical recommendations for the prevention of fungal infection, the infection probability is reduced, but a small risk of infection remains.