Infection also occurs through contact with infected areas of the body under favorable conditions: high temperature and humidity. Therefore, in baths, saunas and gyms, the possibility of contracting onychomycosis is very high. 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:
- color change of the damaged nail plate to poisonous gray or dirty yellow,
- itchy skin around the area of infection,
- gradual peeling of the nail, crumbling,
- painful sensations when touching an area of skin affected by inflammation that has acquired a red color.
Reasons for the difficulty of treating nail fungus.
Many people face the following problem: a person has cured a fungus, but after a while it manifests itself again. There may be several reasons for this:
- inadequate treatment, for some reason the fungus can penetrate deeply into the tissues and become resistant to various media,
- error when choosing a medicine,
- initially weak immunity 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.
- the inability to completely destroy nail fungus. Every year new strains of this disease appear, resistant to certain drugs,
- Low level of sanitary conditions.
Onychomycosis treatment
There are many ways to treat nail onychomycosis. For example, laser procedures in a clinic. But they are all quite expensive and suitable for a small circle of people: a full treatment of 10 nail plates will cost on average a decent amount of money.
Unlike laser procedures, special creams, ointments and tablets are suitable for a wide range of people and are sold in all pharmacies. Before using them, it is advisable to grind them as much as possible or, even better, remove the damaged nail plate. This can be done with a file or in the surgeon's office.
All drugs for onychomycosis are divided into several groups:
- tablets,
- ointments,
- varnishes and solutions.
The choice of a specific antifungal drug depends on three factors: the size of the affected area, the physiological state of the person (antibiotics are contraindicated, for example, in sick elderly people), and the duration of the illness. On its basis, the attending physician prescribes the necessary medications to the patient. Various remedies and treatment methods are well described in any short thematic video.
Inexpensive tablets and capsules for onychomycosis.
Medication for the treatment of fungal infections.
Tablets based on the active substance are prescribed for any fungal diseases. It is better to combine them with special ointments. Used internally in the form of capsules. Contraindications: not recommended for people with hypersensitivity or during lactation and pregnancy. Perhaps this medicine is the best option for patients, since medicines based on this substance have no contraindications or serious side effects.
Broad spectrum synthetic antifungal agent.
Antifungal capsules have a similar action to the previous drug, but have fewer options for use. Thanks to this, the fight against specific strains of nail fungus is much more effective.
The capsules are taken immediately after meals and washed down with water. It is not recommended to take this medication for people with hypersensitivity to its components. Sometimes the patient may experience itching, burning in the vagina and a rash near the external genitals. This is a normal reaction of the body, treatment should not be stopped for this reason.
Antimicrobial drug for systemic use.
Cheap pills. They are taken for many types of onychomycosis, including foot and toe fungus. The advantage of the drug is its good combination with antibiotics.
It should be taken once a day before meals, which is also an advantage. But it is not highly recommended for people with serious organic damage to the nervous system and children. The drug is effective.
Antifungal ointments and creams.
Medicinal solution for the treatment of skin infections of fungal origin.
The most famous and "advertised" cream for mycosis. It is used to treat nail plates on the feet and hands. Before use, you must polish your nails. Apply ointment underneath. After application, the substance remains under the nail for a long time, which accelerates the healing process and the duration of the effect.
There are practically no contraindications, except that the use of the drug in children, pregnant women and during lactation is not recommended.
Antifungal agent intended for external use.
An expensive medication designed specifically for the treatment of nail fungus. It can be used to treat onychomycosis in children over 4 years of age. Unlike its analogues, the patient feels the effect of this colorless serum after 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 of 5 grams. this medicine. It varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, but patients say the high cost is well justified.
Medical product with patented formula.
A modern and inexpensive remedy 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 nails (not under them! ). This medication is contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. It is prescribed by the treating doctor. When applying it (apply strictly once a day, due to its effectiveness), you may feel a slight burning sensation, but don't panic, it will pass quickly.
Cream and tablets for the prevention and treatment of foot fungus.
There are ointments and pills. It is not recommended to take the latter, since there are more effective analogues. On the contrary, the ointment is worth trying.
It is rubbed under the nail (cleaned and trimmed in advance), depending on the severity of the fungus, once or twice a day. The effect is already noticeable on the second day. But even if the patient feels that the mycosis is localized, the treatment should be completed. It is 1 week for a mild form of the fungus and 2 weeks for a severe form.
Contraindications: The cream may cause severe allergies or itching if taken incorrectly. Therefore, before starting an effective treatment for foot fungus, consult a specialist.
antifungal varnishes
Broad spectrum antifungal agent with good penetration capacity.
Expensive but effective varnish against fungi. Suitable for both the treatment and prevention of various fungal diseases. But the drug is a kind of "antibiotic. "Therefore, if it has been used previously for treatment, it is not worth using it a second time; the effect will not justify the money spent, becausemost likely the fungus has developed immunity to the drug.
Before application, the damaged nail is filed with a file, and then the varnish is applied. It leaves a shine that is not desirable for men. The medicine is used every other 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.
Expensive and well-known varnish. It is also an antifungal antibiotic, so repeated use is not recommended. The method of application is no different from the previous varnish, but, unlike it, this drug is allergenic.
Contraindications: not recommended for pregnant women and children, as well as for allergy sufferers. The varnish is very toxic.
Apply varnish to the damaged nail once or twice a week, after pre-treating it and cleaning it with a file.
Prevention of toenail fungus.
Onychomycosis is extremely contagious and difficult to treat. A person infected with this disease requires treatment, which can last more than a month. After all, even if the disease is destroyed, a few spores left on the legs can cause it to reappear. It should be treated carefully and under the supervision of an experienced specialist.
But even if the disease has not affected a person, there is no need to stay at home waiting for infection. Prevention will help not to be afraid of fungi. Just remember a few simple rules:
- Never use the same tools to treat diseased and healthy nails, as well as affected areas of the skin. Oddly enough, this way there is less risk of infection of healthy nails, especially on the neighboring hands and feet.
- Wash your socks more often. This rule especially applies to men, because. . . They are the ones who care the least about cleanliness. Do not wear the same socks from several days ago,
- do not wear other people's clothes or shoes. This applies to any clothing that comes into contact with hands and feet (gloves, socks) and absolutely any footwear. Even sneakers from the same family should have their own. After all, the fungus is very contagious: if one member of the family becomes infected, the rest will also become infected.
- On the beach, wear only slippers. No closed shoes!
- Visit the sauna or bathhouse opposite in closed-toe shoes. Try to avoid splashing water,
- After showering and swimming, be sure to dry your feet completely and treat them with an antifungal ointment. This rule especially applies when swimming in public rivers and lakes.