Nail fungus or mycosis is an extremely unpleasant and unfortunately very common disease. Mycosis refers to chronic, untreatable pathologies - sometimes no effective cure for nail fungus can be found for months or years. The symptoms go away for a while, it seems to be behind everything and the nails are healthy. But after a few weeks, the nail plate turns yellow again, thickens, begins to crumble - and you have to look for nail fungus remedies again, suffering from itching, discomfort and unpleasant odor.
Finding effective drugs to treat nail fungus is not only necessary because the affected feet do not look well-groomed and repulsive. The constant presence of a fungal infection in the body negatively affects the state of the immune system, the general well-being of a person, and can give impetus to the development of other, no less unpleasant and more dangerous pathologies. Pharmacies offer a huge selection of different anti-fungal medicines at very different prices. Each has a different composition and mechanism of action, which one is best suited, in most cases it must be determined by trial and error.
A good remedy for nail fungus on hands and feet costs a lot. To avoid unnecessary expenses and to start the disease, it is worth preparing before going to the pharmacy. Namely - to find out what types of antifungal drugs exist today, what the difference is, how they work and how they are used. And of course you should definitely consult your doctor. Whether or not to follow its recommendations is a personal matter for everyone, but at least it accurately diagnoses and identifies the pathogen.
Main types of antifungal drugs
All medicines offered by pharmacies for the treatment of foot fungus are divided into two broad categories according to their mode of administration:
- exterior - ointments, creams, varnishes;
- internal - tablets and capsules.
To find the most effective and best remedy for nail fungus, you need to identify the pathogen. Different fungi are sensitive to different drugs, which is why it is so important to see a doctor. Otherwise, the treatment can be extended indefinitely, leading to deterioration of the nails and unnecessary waste.
Each group has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is worth considering each of them in detail and evaluating the effectiveness of the most common drugs based on the opinions of doctors and patients.
Azole Nail Fungus Remedies
These nail fungus products may contain substances such as triazole or imidazole. They work in two directions:
- destroys the spores of the fungus and thus stops its spread;
- destroys fungal cells.
These drugs can be prepared in different forms for both external and internal use. The tablets and capsules are taken in 1 to 4 to 5 pieces a day for 3 to 14 days, and ointments and creams are rubbed into the nail plates in the same duration.
Benefits of Azoles
- Effective against almost all kinds of fungi - yeast, yeast-like, moldy.
- Suitable for long-term treatment - up to three months.
- They are offered in a wide price range.
Disadvantages
- Oral medications can have side effects.
- Some expensive.
- Relapses cannot be ruled out even after complex treatment.
Nevertheless, many patients in this category find the most effective cure for nail fungus. Such drugs received the best ratings and recommendations.
Introduction
Only a comprehensive treatment can get rid of nail fungus.
To achieve a positive result, you need to use a number of methods to combat fungal injection.Only with the right approach can you get rid of the disease quickly.
Diagnosing mycosis of the legs
Diagnosing the disease is easy and you can do it at home. Carefully examine the nails and the space between the fingers - itching, redness, transparency of the nail plate, burning sensation, discoloration of the nails are a sign of the disease.
There are other ways to diagnose, diluting potassium permanganate to light purple and wetting your nails in it - healthy nail plates will be stained and patients will remain unchanged. As soon as the problem is discovered, the question of treating the fungus arises, and then everyone decides for themselves.
Start treating your illness at home with folk remedies or medicines, or see a doctor.Our advice is to consult a specialist, only a doctor can prescribe the right, comprehensive treatment that will result in positive results.
What to expect from a trip to a health facility if you find mushrooms:
- The dermatologist will carefully examine the fungus under a microscope.
- Indicates the focus of the infection.
- Determine the cause of the disease.
- You will make an accurate diagnosis according to the tests performed.
- Prescribes the treatment.
It should be noted that the diagnosis is completely painless: the skin scales and particles of the patient’s nails are intended for analysis.
Main types of onychomycosis complex therapy (schemes, courses)
In the treatment of fungi, only complex therapies are used, using various drugs and devices that enhance each other's functioning.
A trained professional will develop an individual treatment regimenbased on the characteristics of the patient's body, the type of pathogen and the state of development of the fungal infection.
Premature treatment of nail fungus can have the following consequences:
- decreased immunity;
- appearance of eczema on the skin of the feet;
- allergy;
- If an infection enters the bloodstream, the fungus can infect internal organs.
Rapid action to remove a fungal infection from the body contributes to effective fungal treatment. There are many variants of the pathogen of the disease, andcan only be detected under laboratory conditions, so when you contact a dermatologist, you take particles from a patient’s nail.
In the last 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 plates become thickened and brittle, and the skin around them is deformed. In this situation, healing depends on the dermatologist’s attitude toward proper treatment and the patient’s behavior.
Antifungal varnishes and plasters: types and degree of effectiveness
Special plasters, often recommended by mycologists, help to quickly destroy fungal spores.
The patch softens the affected nail, making it easier to remove later.
Removing nail plates and treating the fungus with patches is quite effective, but you should consult a professional before use, as using a patch will not relieve relapse if the disease has penetrated deep into the body.
In addition to plasters, a number of varnishes have been developed that effectively combat nail fungus. The following popular and effective varnishes help cure onychomycosis:
If the fungus has not healed, another treatment should be found.
Products that painlessly remove damaged nails
You can now buy medications at the pharmacy to help you remove sore nails quickly and painlessly, but these should be used strictly according to the instructions.
Pills against onychomycosis
If the fungal lesions are strongly increased, only the use of external drugs will be useless, you need to take antifungal drugs inside.
Creams and ointments
Medical studies have shown that ointments and creams used to treat nail fungus are not effective enough as they practically do not penetrate the nail plate and wear out quickly.
But do not completely exclude these medications from your treatment regimen, they can help significantly as adjunctive treatment or prevention.
Doctors prescribe creams and ointments to prevent relapse.
Tea tree oil, which can be added alone or to foot cream, is often used to treat fungi.
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal. The process of treatment is very long and the main rule of positive effect is the regularity of use.
Conventional therapy
Although many drugs have been developed to treat fungal infections, it is not so easy to get rid of this disease. Therefore, folk methods of treating the fungus are often used in heaps with drugs.
Garlic
This ingredient is often used in many folk recipes to treat mushrooms. Can be used alone or in combination with individual components.
The simplest but quite effective way is to rub freshly squeezed garlic juice into sore nails. This process should be repeated at least five times a day - the juice is smeared with a cotton swab. The process of treatment is long - until complete recovery. If the disease is running, experts recommend taking additional Nystatin tablets and Clotrimazole ointment.
acetic acid
Vinegar is not only effective in fighting fungal infections, but also has the following properties:
- antimicrobial effect;
- disinfection of the skin around the nail;
- fungistatic and antiseptic effect.
The principle of the effect of vinegar essence on fungi and mycosis is to penetrate the affected area and destroy the spores of the fungal infection.
Due to prolonged use, thecolonies of the fungus are completely killed by the acid.
8-fold dilute acetic acid compressors are used for the treatment, using a bandage at night.
Onions and lemons
There are many popular onion-based recipes for treating nail fungus. You can grab the onion, peel it, squeeze the juice and process the nail plates. This method is often used at night, but since the product does not require rinsing, it can also be used in the morning.
There’s another recipe, you have to grate the peeled onion, place the dough on your feet, then wrap it in cellophane and put on warm socks. The compress is left overnight and their feet are washed in the morning with soap to remove the persistent onion odor.
And when combined with lemon and onion, it can increase the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect of the drug. Grate the onion into the breadcrumbs and add lemon juice. Apply these masks at night. After a few days, an improvement in the condition can be observed. But the point is frequency - using the cure for a long time until it heals completely.
General antifungal prophylaxis
The fungus can also become infected in public places such as baths, saunas, salons. To prevent this problem, you should take the following precautions:
- Do not wear oversized shoes, as this may cause the nail plate to grow and develop a fungal infection;
- If you sweat excessively on your feet, do not wear sneakers and shoes;
- don’t try on shoes in the store without socks;
- Do not wear slippers when visiting;
- dry and disinfect shoes regularly;
- do not wear synthetic socks;
- pedicures or manicures can be performed in professional salons, where special attention is paid to disinfecting the instrument;
- with severe skin care creams for dry foot skin.
Top 10 Best Folk Remedies for Nail Fungus
Early stages of fungal infections do not always require medication. Sometimes you can deal with them with the help of folk remedies that are sometimes proven. These treatments are considered safe for human health. At the same time, of course, they show a clearly visible treatment effect, provided they are used correctly.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful natural disinfectant that can fight fungal pathogens. The use of natural oil is most effective as it has excellent anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. As for cosmetic oil (40%), it actually has no effect. Using a cheap analog only wastes valuable time, allowing the disease to spread further.
Here's how to handle tea tree oil:
- You need to get rid of excessive sweating first and usually clean your feet. To do this, make warm water and add a few drops of oil. The feet should be washed thoroughly, paying special attention to the fingers and nails. Do not leave any skin surface during the cleansing procedure.
- Dry your feet well with a clean towel. You should then lubricate the oil added to all affected nail plates and rub gently. Wait for the product to dry completely. Do not perform any operation at this time, let your feet "breathe". For greater effectiveness, the oil should be applied to the skin around the nail.
Tea tree oil is incredibly easy to handle, but requires regularity. The product should be used twice a day for two months. Before each rubbing of the oil, the feet should be steamed with warm water by adding a substance.
Vinegar, garlic, peroxide - cheap home treatments
The most commonly usedapple cider vinegar for the treatment of nail fungus.Everyone knows that this solution perfectly disinfects and kills bacteria. Thus, therapy with this device can be performed with great success, but you should be familiar with the intricacies of some of its uses, namely:
- Vinegar should be natural;
- Vinegar is not used to treat the mushroom in its pure form, it must be diluted without dilution;
- If your skin is too sensitive or prone to allergic reactions, it is better to refuse to use the product.
vinegar gives the 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 done at least twice a day for two weeks. In the future, the procedure is repeated once every 3 days until complete recovery.
- Body lotions - soak a cotton ball or sponge in dilute vinegar (1: 2) and apply to the affected nails. Such compression should be fixed and maintained for about 20-30 minutes.
- Ointments - show good results when combined with other products. To prepare, you should take olive oil, glycerin and dimethyl phthalate, as well as 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The ingredients must be mixed thoroughly. Apply this ointment to treat the fungus 2 times a day until it is completely gone.
Garlicis a rather specific cure for a fungus that is not suitable for everyone and not for everyone. Garlic puree helps best. Apply to the affected nail and wrap tightly with polyethylene for 1-2 hours. However, such treatments often cause burns and redness on sensitive skin. With this method of treatment, you can get rid of nail fungus in 2 months.
Nail fungus therapy withhydrogen peroxideis an affordable method that unfortunately does not always produce significant results. This method of treatment is most preferred in the very first stage of the disease. For the peroxide to work accurately, the feet must first be well steamed with hot water by adding soda (1 teaspoon of material / 1 liter). In the future, all affected nails should be treated carefully with peroxide. You must repeat this procedure at least 2-3 times a day. It should be noted that this method, in combination with other therapeutic methods, gives the best results.
Apricot resin
Not many people know that apricot gum has really beneficial and healing properties. Most often, this substance is found at sites of damage to the cortex, accumulating and solidifying in the form of small, transparent, dark yellow droplets. The resin should be collected by carefully cutting with a knife.
resin is a suitable antifungal agent 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
It has excellent medicinal properties. Only real coffee beans are suitable for mushroom therapy. The soluble version of this drink is not suitable for treatment. Coffee bean based trays show the best efficiency.
Ground coffee beans should be brewed vigorously. Wait for the water to cool slightly and immerse your feet in the resulting solution. It should last 10-15 minutes. After the procedure, do not wipe your feet, but wait until the liquid is completely absorbed and dry. Such treatment is performed at least once a day.
Lotions with anesthetic solution
Allows you to stop the spread of mycosis at an early stage. For therapy, it is sufficient to buy an anesthetic drug in ampoules at a pharmacy and use it as a cream for the affected area of the nail. There are several procedures that allow you to get rid of the disease completely.
Only effective in the earliest stages of a fungal infection. It is necessary to lubricate the affected nail plate with iodine. It should not be taken too much as this treatment has a detrimental effect on the condition of the skin. To avoid irritation, it is recommended to lubricate adjacent fingers with Vaseline.
Celandin
Celandine juice is an aggressive substance that can literally burn out mushrooms. You should use a fresh plant after lubricating your nails with hydrogen peroxide. If you are afraid of burns, it is recommended to use celandin oil, which you can successfully buy at any pharmacy.
Tricks to successfully fight nail fungus
To control the fungus quickly and effectively, there are some simple but very important rules to know:
- Foot washing.Before applying the medicine to the affected nail, the feet should be rinsed thoroughly with warm water and washing soap. You should then warm the foot with the affected nail for 5-7 minutes. This allows the drugs to penetrate the steamed tissue as deeply as possible. Most importantly, keep in mind that steaming your feet in hot water is contraindicated for hypotension, varicose veins and high temperatures.
- Nail Care.It is very important to monitor patient regrowth. As soon as the nail plate returns, it should be cut off. This makes it possible for the drug to have maximum access to the tissues damaged by the fungus.
- Leather processing.Processing requires not only the nail, but also the soft tissues around it. The treatment should spread 1 cm around the nail. The medicine should be used with caution, smearing all inaccessible areas.
- Timely doctor's appointment.In particularly difficult situations, when the fungus returns many times, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to cure this disease alone. In addition, certain types of medications are simply not suitable and it is quite difficult to select the medications you need on your own.
- Instrument Care.Use only sterilized tools when performing a manicure or pedicure and cutting a sore nail. These instruments should be treated with an antiseptic before and after each procedure. In addition, nail scissors, tweezers, and files used to care for a patient’s nails should be strictly separated from other manicure tools.
Use these simple rules to heal your nail fungus much faster.
Conclusion
The fungus is an unpleasant disease and is quite difficult to cure if you do not use complex therapy. For best results, you should use not only topical, pharmacy, and folk medications, but also treatment with tablets. The right approach and treatment plan will help you get rid of the fungal infection forever.
Nail fungus can significantly impair a person's quality of life. The disease leads to severe itching, burning in the affected area and even loss of the nail. Therefore, nail (hand) nail fungus medications should be applied immediately after the problem is discovered. In this way, the best and most effective treatment is achieved.
Choosing the right one is not always easy. Many who have encountered mushrooms for the first time are careless and use few proven folk remedies as therapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe a really effective cure for nail fungus. So the probability of getting rid of the problem increases significantly. There are a number of proven treatments that guarantee the elimination of nail fungus as soon as possible. This applies not only to medicines, but also to traditional medicine.