The defeat of the nails with fungus not only affects their aesthetic appearance and quality of life, but can cause serious complications. Especially dangerous is the disease for people with weakened immune systems and abnormal hormonal levels. For the treatment of fungal infections is difficult and takes a long time. Later measures taken, the harder it is to get rid of the nail parasites, so that, when it detects the first signs of disease should be consulted with a dermatologist.
![Nail fungus](/images/article/495/Nail%20fungus.png)
Causes of nail fungus
The defeat of the nail plate parasitic fungi, called dermatophytes onychomycosis. In the etiology of disease is associated not only with the invasion of the parasite in the body, but also by setting in the Horny layers, which cannot happen without the creation of certain conditions. The main reason for the occurrence of nail fungus is the presence of a favourable environment for reproduction of microorganisms. Infection occurs at contact of exposed parts of the body with contaminated objects or an infected person.
After penetration of the parasites on the skin, which are fastened to the surface layers of the epidermis and gradually spread to healthy skin.
Before the penetration of the fungi into the deeper layers of the disease are asymptomatic, and in the absence of favourable conditions, that are pathogenic is replaced by newly formed healthy cells outside of the Horny plates. In the presence of certain conditions conducive for the creation of a favourable environment for the increase of the total mass of the fungi is their penetration into the nail plate and the rapid advancement in the nail.
The effects of the fungus on the nails
In the absence of timely treatment, the fungus spreads to healthy nails. A violation of the aesthetics of the look of fingers and toes — not the most dangerous consequence of the disease. Athlete's foot represents the focus of infection, which can cause inflammation in the dermis and cause increased sensitivity of the organism. As allergen products are micro-organisms that have a high toxicity for the human body.
Secreted by pathogens for onychomycosis of biological substances, which may initiate the development of physical diseases, including very heavy. Under the influence of toxic bio-active substances which may develop in the following diseases:
- inflammation of the skin allergic nature;
- liver;
- acute damage to the entire surface of the skin and mucous membranes.
Persons with a diagnosis of diabetes are not only at greater risk of fungal infections, but also often suffer from the consequences of onychomycosis. In diabetics it is a violation of the sensitivity of the extremities that interferes with the timely detection of the first signs of disease and delay in treatment of the disease, in these patients the infection is full of cracks on the skin of the athlete. The most common complications of fungal infections in diabetes are:
- bone infection;
- gangrene of the lower extremities;
- trophic ulcers on the legs.
![Laser therapy](/images/article/495/Laser%20therapy.png)
Nail fungus treatment
The duration of the therapeutic course of onychomycosis depends on the degree of disease and the nature of its flow. The goal of treatment is eradication (total destruction) of fungal parasites. The scheme of antifungal therapy, which is developed by a dermatologist on the basis of the results of diagnostics, in which it reveals the type of the producer and the verification body to other pathogens (in the case of bacterial complications).
Arsenal of medical techniques includes several methods for the destruction of fungi, the feasibility of which is determined by the doctor based on the degree of deformation of the nails. Treatment of fungus on the nails on one of the following ways:
- Drug is disease, which appear in the form of light, is called the local antimycotic agents (creams, ointments, gels, lotions, dyes, sprays), as a monotherapy, with onychomycosis of moderate and severe forms of the therapeutic framework is complemented by tablets, capsules for oral use.
- Laser therapy is suitable for small injury in the absence of opportunistic infections, is an alternative method, which can replace long-term use of the drug.
- The removal of the nail plate – a radical method of therapy of onychomycosis is often repeated and severe forms of the disease.
- Antibiotic therapy administered in case of complications, a fungal disease, a bacterial infection.
Removal of the affected nail
Before the development of modern methods for the treatment of fungal infections of the nail, removal is the only way to get rid of the fungal infection. The classical method of removing the influence of the nail plate is surgically. Currently, this very traumatic and painful method is decided to rarely, which is associated with the risk of postoperative complications (infection sores, prolonged and difficult recovery).
On the alternative, less painful methods of disposal include pedicure and laser therapy. During these procedures the plate softens keratolytic preparations and layers is removed with special tools (cone-shaped cutters with abrasive coating or laser equipment). The disadvantages of this method include the risk of allergic reactions, infection, incomplete removal of the mold.
If you want to remove the nail plate without mechanical load, and with the help of special preparation. Drugs, lza for softening the keratin (material, labour, nails) are called ceratolici. The mechanism of their action is based on the ability of the principal components (urea and acid) to change the structure of the plate, making it pliable and soft.
Pills
Pills the medicine is suitable for moderate and severe fungal infections. In the scheme of treatment of onychomycosis include in particular 2. a group of antifungals – the azoles and the allylamines. The effectiveness of therapy with an oral application of funds increases significantly, but the pills must be administered under medical supervision due to the presence of adverse effects associated with a very specific operation of the antifungals.
![Creams and ointments](/images/article/495/Creams%20and%20ointments.png)
Ointments and creams
In the absence of the need for systemic treatment of fungal infections (mild forms, the extent of the injury not more than 2/3 of the area of the nail plate) drugs local actions, which can be used as monotherapy. Antimycotic ointments and creams to potentiate the operation of medicines taken by mouth, therefore the combined use of systemic and local therapy speeds up the healing process.
Medicines from nail fungus should appoint a dermatologist, who based on the clinical picture of the disease and specific for the diagnosis of the pathogen. Inappropriate choice of treatment methods, which can be not only ineffective, but dangerous. Advantages of the use of creams and ointments to get rid of the fungus have fewer side effects, rapid elimination of unpleasant symptoms, dysfunction, duration of treatment and ineffectiveness in severe disease.
Treatment of fungus on the feet and hands with nail Polish
Means of local action, which is used for direct application to the nail Polish antifungal nail Polish. The inclusion of the therapeutic regimen of nail, which does not preclude the use of other pharmaceutical forms for antifungals. Independently, these tools can be used as a prevention. The advantage of the add-on therapy polishes for the elimination of aesthetic defects in the form of changed colors, or deformation, the disadvantage is the high price of the treatment.
Mechanism of action of the antifungal medicines in the form of lacquers, which is based on the fungicidal properties of their constituent parts. To increase the effectiveness of their means that should be used every day on cleansed from the dead tissues and degreased nail plate (the old layers of varnish must be removed with a solvent).
Laser therapy
One of the modern methods of treatment of fungus is laser therapy – burning laser beam of fungal colonies in a matrix of keratin plates, without destroying the healthy tissue. The indications for this procedure can come in all forms and stages of onychomycosis. Using the laser provides the immediate death of the parasite and accelerates the healing process. The number of sessions of laser therapy (duration about 30 minutes) shall be determined on the basis of the severity of the defeat. Produced manipulations do not cause pain and almost never have side effects.
![The juice of celandine](/images/article/495/The%20juice%20of%20celandine.png)
The treatment of nail fungus folk remedies
Using the prescriptions for traditional medicine in the treatment of onychomycosis are permitted only as one of the methods of traditional treatment enhance its therapeutic effect. If for any reason there is no opportunity to seek medical care if you notice signs of fungus, should take measures as soon as possible, to prevent the passage of disease in the severe form (at the advanced stage of self-healing can lead to very dangerous consequences).
Due to the prevalence of fungal infections, alternative medicine offers many ways to solve this problem, using internal and external resources. The most popular folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus:
- Vinegar (70% of the essence). Effective and quick means, that is a paste from vinegar, eggs and butter. In a vessel pour 200 ml of vinegar, omit the whole egg and remove in a dark place. When dissolved, the eggs would strain the liquid and enter the 1 tsp oil. Consequently, the paste used for 12-14 h under the film on the steamed plots. As the softening of the plate should be cut off until the complete disappearance of the signs of mycosis.
- Iodine. If immediately after the detection of the first symptoms of onychomycosis are available with an antiseptic, such as iodine, – you can resolve the problem over 1-2 treatments. In later stages, this method is ineffective. Manipulations are applied to the affected areas of iodine to the point, while the substance, which does not cease to absorb. Before the procedure you need to steam the legs or arms and them to dry completely. When a strong burning sensation during the treatment has to be reduced body in a bowl of cold water.
- The juice of celandine. The plant has a bactericidal effect, which leads to its use for the treatment of fungal diseases. Therapeutic manipulations are carried out to clean your feet or hands. The juice from the stems of fresh-plucked celandine, is required, dampen a cotton pad and apply it on 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.
- Hydrogen peroxide. One of the methods that contribute to the rapid elimination of a fungal infection, is a three-stage procedure with the use of hydrogen peroxide. The affected surface is first processed with a mixture of vinegar (3%) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) in the ratio of 1 to 1, after which the fingers are immersed for 30 sec. in a very weak solution of sodium hypochlorite. After soaking in a tool, which should be thoroughly washed, dry fingers or legs and to put on nails mixture of tea tree oil and petrolatum. The duration of treatment is 1 week.
- Tincture Of Euphorbia. For the treatment of skin and nail diseases, you can use all varieties of milkweed. For the preparation of the tincture, pour a small amount of the raw materials with boiling 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 should disappear.
- Tea tree oil. The content in this means of the substance, such as limonene, alpha-terpinene, sabine, alpha-phellandrene, cineol contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. For the destruction of fungi-dermatophytes is recommended for 8-10 weeks of baths with add 15-20 drops of oil.
![Vitamin complex](/images/article/495/Vitamin%20complex.png)
Prevention
Parasitic organisms that spread everywhere and completely limit the contact with them is impossible, but by observing certain precautions, you can reduce the risk of infection. Prevention of onychomycosis is to reduce the likelihood of infection and the immune protection to prevent the consolidation of pathogens in the body. The main preventive measures are:
- regular hygiene measures for the care of the skin on the feet and hands;
- how to get rid of hyperhidrosis of the feet;
- removing excessive dryness of the skin;
- limit the contact of open skin with household items in public places;
- daily changes of socks, stockings, socks, etc;
- wearing comfortable footwear and clothing made from breathable materials;
- timely treatment of microtrauma, degenerative changes of the nail plate;
- compliance with equipment sterilization and disinfection of tools for manicure and pedicure;
- prevention of harmful habits;
- the observance of the principles of a balanced diet, limiting intake of sugary foods;
- periodically (spring and autumn) the intake of vitamin complexes.
It is impossible to ignore the symptoms or attempt to self-diagnose. Most of the demand for health care, is already on the severe stage of the disease, which is associated with the confidence of patients not develop onychomycosis as will be in accordance with all those rules. Note that, even with all the medical recommendations for the prevention of fungal infection the likelihood of infection is reduced, but some risk of infection still remains.