Nail fungus, or ringworm, is an extremely unpleasant and, unfortunately, very common disease. Ringworm refers to intractable chronic pathologies - sometimes, it is not possible to find an effective remedy for nail fungus for months or even years. The symptoms go away for a while, it seems like everything is left behind and the nails are healthy. But after a few weeks, the nail plate turns yellow again, thickens, starts to crumble - and again you have to look for nail fungus cures, which suffer from itchiness, discomfort and an unpleasant odor.
Finding effective drugs to treat nail fungus is necessary not only because the affected feet do not look well maintained and are not 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 become an impetus for the development of other pathologies, no less unpleasant and more dangerous. Pharmacies offer a wide variety of various remedies for toenail fungus at a very different price. They all have a different composition and mechanism of action, which are the most appropriate, in most cases you must determine by trial and error.
A good remedy for nail fungus on the hands and feet is very expensive. To avoid unnecessary expenses and not 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 is their difference, how they work and are used. And, of course, you should definitely consult your doctor. Whether or not to follow his recommendations is a personal matter for everyone, but at least he will diagnose and accurately identify the pathogen.
The main types of antifungal drugs
All medications offered in pharmacies for the treatment of athlete's foot are divided into two broad categories according to the method of administration:
- external - ointments, creams, varnishes; internal
- - tablets and capsules.
To find the best and most effective remedy for nail fungus, you need to identify the pathogen. Different fungi are sensitive to different medications, so it is very important to see a doctor. Otherwise, the treatment can stretch indefinitely, leading to deterioration of the condition of the nails and unnecessary waste.
Each group has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is worth considering each one in detail and evaluating the effectiveness of their most common medications, based on the opinion of doctors and patient assessments.
Remedies for azole nail fungus
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 prevents its spread;
- destroys the cells of the fungus itself.
These drugs can be produced in different forms for external and internal use. Pills and capsules are taken from 1 to 4-5 pieces a day for 3-14 days, ointments and creams are rubbed on the nail plates in courses of the same duration.
Pros of the azoles
- Effective against almost all types of fungi - yeast, yeast-like, moldy.
- Suitable for long-term treatment - up to three months or more.
- Offered in a wide price range.
Cons
- Oral medications can have side effects.
- Some are expensive.
- Relapses are not excluded even after complex treatment.
However, many patients in this category find the most effective remedy for nail fungus. These drugs received the best reviews and recommendations.
Introduction
Only a comprehensive treatment can eliminate the fungus in the toenails.
For a positive result, you need to apply several methods to combat the injection of fungi.Only the right approach can get rid of the disease quickly.
Diagnosis of ringworm in 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, nail plate transparency, burning sensation, nail discoloration are signs of the disease.
You can also perform the diagnosis in another way, dilute the potassium permanganate to a light purple color and moisten the nails in it - healthy nail plates will be stained and patients will remain unchanged. As soon as the problem is discovered, the question arises of how to treat the fungus, and then each one decides for himself.
Start treating a disease at home using folk remedies or pharmaceuticals, or go to the doctor.Our advice is to consult a specialist, only a doctor can prescribe the correct and comprehensive treatment that will lead to positive results.
What to expect from a trip to a medical center if a fungus is found:
- A dermatologist will carefully examine the fungus under a microscope.
- Indicates the focus of the infection.
- Identify the cause of the disease.
- You will make an accurate diagnosis according to the tests performed.
- Prescribe the treatment.
It should be noted that the diagnosis is completely painless; scales of skin and particles from a diseased nail are collected for analysis.
The main types (schemes, courses) of complex therapy for onychomycosis
In the treatment of fungi, only complex therapy is used with the use of various drugs and means that will potentiate each other's action.
A qualified specialist develops an individual treatment regime, based on the characteristics of the patient's body, the type of pathogen and the stage of development of the fungal infection.
Early treatment of nail fungus can lead to the following consequences:
- decreased immunity;
- the appearance of eczema on the skin of the legs;
- allergies;
- If an infection enters the bloodstream, the fungus can infect the internal organs.
The quick action to eliminate fungal infection from the body contributes to an effective fungal treatment. There are many varieties of the disease-causing agent andcan only be detected in laboratory conditions, so when contacting a dermatologist, he removes particles from a diseased nail.
In the last stage, it is very difficult to get rid of the infection, as it has penetrated deep into the body. At this stage, the nail plates become thick and brittle, and the skin around them becomes deformed. In this situation, recovery depends on the dermatologist's correct approach to treatment and the patient's own actions.
Antifungal varnishes and plasters: types and degree of effectiveness
Special plasters, generally recommended by mycologists, help to quickly destroy fungal spores.
The adhesive softens the affected nail, making it easier to remove later.
Removing plaques from the nails and treating the fungus with adhesives is very effective, but before using you need to consult a specialist, as the use of an adhesive will not relieve a relapse if the disease penetrates deeply into the body.
In addition to plasters, a large number of varnishes have been developed that effectively combat nail fungus. The following popular and effective varnishes will help to cure onychomycosis:
If the fungus is not cured, another treatment must be found.
Preparations that remove damaged nails without pain
Now at the pharmacy you can buy medicines that help to remove an injured nail quickly and painlessly, but they must be used strictly according to the instructions.
Pills against onychomycosis
If the fungal lesions have grown strongly, then the use of only external medications will be useless, you need to take antifungal medications internally.
Creams and ointments
Medical studies have proven that ointments and creams in the treatment of 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 drugs from the treatment regimen, they can help significantly as an additional treatment or as prophylaxis.
Doctors prescribe creams and ointments to prevent relapse.
Tea tree oil is often used in the treatment of fungi, which can be used alone or added to foot cream.
It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. The treatment is very long and the main rule for a positive effect is regular use.
Traditional therapy
Although many drugs have been developed to treat fungal infections, it is not so easy to get rid of this disease. Therefore, traditional methods of treating the fungus are often used in conjunction with medications.
Garlic
This ingredient is often used in many popular recipes for treating fungi. It can be used alone or with some components.
The easiest, but quite effective, way is to rub freshly squeezed garlic juice on a sore nail. This process must be repeated at least 5 times a day - apply the juice with a cotton swab. The course of treatment is long - until complete recovery. If the disease is working, experts recommend taking additional nystatin pills and clotrimazole ointment.
Acetic acid
Vinegar not only effectively fights yeast infections, but it also has the following properties:
- antimicrobial effect;
- disinfection of the skin around the nail;
- fungistatic and antiseptic action.
The principle of action of the vinegar essence on fungi and ringworm is the penetration in the affected area and the destruction of the spores of the fungal infection.
As a result of prolonged use,colonies of the fungus are completely killed by the acid.
Acetic acid compresses diluted 8 times are used for treatment, a dressing is applied at night.
Onion and lemon
There are many popular onion-based recipes for treating nail fungus. You can take the onion, peel it, squeeze the juice and process your nails. This method is often 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 grate the peeled onion, put the porridge on your feet, wrap it in cellophane and put on warm socks. The compress is left overnight and in the morning they wash their feet with soap to remove the lingering onion odor.
And if you combine lemon and onion, it can increase the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect of the medication. Grate the onion in the porridge and add the lemon juice. Apply these masks at night. An improvement in the condition can be seen after a few days. But the main thing is the frequency - the use of the medicine for a long time, until it is completely cured.
General antifungal prophylaxis
The fungus can be infected in public places, such as baths, saunas, beauty salons. To avoid this problem, you need to take the following preventive measures:
- do not wear shoes that are out of size, as this can cause the inner nail plate to grow and a fungal infection to develop;
- if you sweat your feet excessively, you should not wear sneakers and sneakers;
- don't try shoes in the store without socks;
- do not wear slippers when visiting;
- dry and disinfect your shoes regularly;
- do not wear synthetic socks;
- the pedicure or manicure should be performed in professional salons, where special attention is given to disinfecting the instrument;
- for very dry skin on the feet, apply emollient creams.
The 10 best folk remedies for nail fungus
The early stages of yeast infections do not always require medication. Sometimes, you can deal with them with the help of time-tested folk remedies. These treatments are considered safe for human health. At the same time, they demonstrate a clearly visible treatment effect, of course, as long as they are used correctly.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful natural antiseptic that can fight pathogenic fungi. It is more effective to use natural oil as it has excellent anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. As for cosmetic oil (40%), it actually has no effect. Using a cheap analogue, you will only lose precious time, allowing the disease to spread further.
The tea tree oil treatment is as follows:
- First, you need to get rid of excessive sweating and clean your feet in general. To do this, prepare warm water and add a few drops of oil. Feet should be well washed, with special attention to fingers and nails. Do not lose a single area of your skin during the cleansing procedure.
- The feet should be well dried with a clean towel. Then, you need to apply the dosed oil to all affected nail plates and rub gently. Wait for the product to dry completely. At this point, take no action, let your legs "breathe". For greater effectiveness, the oil should be applied to the skin around the nails.
Tea tree oil treatment is incredibly simple, but requires regularity. The product should be applied twice a day for two months. Before each rub in the oil, the legs should be steamed with warm water with the addition of a substance.
Vinegar, garlic, peroxide - cheap home treatments
For the treatment of nail fungus, themost commonly used apple cider vinegar.Everyone knows that this solution disinfects and kills bacteria perfectly. Thus, it is possible to carry out therapy with this tool with great success, but you need to know some of the intricacies of its use, namely:
- The vinegar must be natural;
- Vinegar is not used to treat fungi in its pure form, it must be diluted without fail;
- If you have excessively sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, then it is better to refuse to use the product.
Vinegar offers 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 performed at least 2 times a day for two weeks. In the future, the procedure will be repeated once every 3 days until complete recovery.
- Lotions - a cotton swab or sponge is soaked in diluted vinegar (1: 2 ratio) and applied to the affected nail. This type of compress must be fixed and maintained for about 20-30 minutes.
- Ointments - show good results when combined with other products. To do this, you need to bring olive oil, glycerin and dimethyl phthalate and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The ingredients must be mixed well. Apply this ointment to treat the fungus 2 times a day until it is completely eliminated.
Garlicis a specific remedy for the treatment of fungi, which is not suitable for everyone and not for everyone. Garlic porridge helps better. It should be applied to the affected nail and well wrapped with polyethylene for 1-2 hours. However, this remedy often causes burns and redness on sensitive skin. You can get rid of nail fungus using this treatment method in 2 months.
Therapy of nail funguswith hydrogen peroxideis an accessible method that, unfortunately, does not always give significant results. This method of treatment is preferable in the early stage of the disease. For the peroxide to work accurately, the legs must first be thoroughly steamed with hot water with the addition of soda (1 teaspoon of the substance per 1 liter). In the future, each affected nail should be treated carefully with peroxide. You need to repeat this procedure at least 2-3 times a day. It should be noted that this method offers the best results in combination with other methods of therapy.
Apricot resin
Few people know that apricot gum really has beneficial and healing properties. Most of the time, this substance can be found in places of damage to the bark, it accumulates and solidifies in the form of small transparent drops of dark yellow color. The resin must be collected by carefully cutting it with a knife.
Resin is an excellent remedy for fungi when used correctly. 1 tablespoon of the substance is infused in 250 ml. vodka for 3 days. The resulting product is used to lubricate nails affected by the disease.
Strong coffee
It has excellent medicinal properties. Only real coffee beans are suitable for fungal therapy. The soluble version of this drink is not suitable for treatment. Trays based on coffee beans have the best efficiency.
Ground coffee beans must be fermented with a strong consistency. Wait for the water to cool slightly and dip your feet in the resulting solution. You need to resist 10 to 15 minutes. Do not clean your feet after the procedure, but wait until the liquid is completely absorbed and dry. This treatment is performed at least once a day.
Lotions with anesthetic solution
Allows to stop the spread of ringworm in the early stages. For therapy, just buy an anesthetic in ampoules from the pharmacy and use it as a lotion on the affected area of the nail. Various procedures allow you to get rid of the disease completely.
Effective only in the early stages of fungal infection. It is necessary to lubricate the affected nail plate with iodine. Do not get too excited, as this remedy has a detrimental effect on the condition of the skin. It is recommended to lubricate the adjacent fingers with petroleum jelly to avoid irritation.
Celandine
Celandine juice is an aggressive substance that can literally burn fungi. You need to use a new plant after lubricating your nails with hydrogen peroxide. If you are afraid of burns, it is recommended to use celandine oil, which can be purchased successfully at any pharmacy.
Tricks to successfully fight nail fungus
To fight the fungus quickly and effectively, there are some simple but very important rules:
- Washing your feet.Before applying the medicine to the affected nail, the feet should be thoroughly rinsed with warm water and washing powder. After that, you need to vaporize the leg with the affected nail in hotter water for 5 to 7 minutes. This will allow the drugs to penetrate the steam-treated tissue as deeply as possible. The main thing to remember is that vaporizing your feet in hot water is contraindicated in case of hypotension, varicose veins and high temperatures.
- Nail care.It is very important to monitor the growth of the diseased nail. As the nail plate grows back, it will need to be cut. Thus, it is possible to provide maximum access of the medicine to tissues damaged by the fungus.
- Leather processing.Processing requires not only the nail, but also the soft tissues located around it. The treatment should extend 1 cm around the nail. You need to apply the medicine carefully, blurring all the most inaccessible places.
- Timely visit to a doctor.In especially difficult situations, when the fungus often returns, it is worth contacting a doctor. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to cure this disease on your own. In addition, some types of medication may simply not be suitable and it is quite difficult to choose the necessary medications yourself.
- Care of the instrument.When performing a manicure or pedicure, as well as cutting a sore nail, you should only use sterile instruments. These instruments should be treated with an antiseptic "before" and "after" each procedure. In addition, nail scissors, forceps and files used to care for a diseased nail should be kept strictly separate from other manicure tools.
Using these simple rules, you can cure nail fungus much faster.
Conclusion
Fungus is an unpleasant disease and very difficult to cure if you don't apply complex therapy. For the best effect, you need to use not only external, pharmacy and folk remedies, but also treatment with pills. The right approach and treatment regimen will help to eliminate yeast infection forever.
Nail fungus can significantly impair a person's quality of life. The disease causes severe itching, burning in the affected area and even loss of the nail. That is why remedies for fungus on the nails of the nails (hands) should be applied immediately after the discovery of the problem. In this way, the best and most effective treatment can be achieved.
It is not always easy to make the right choice. Many of those who first encountered a fungus are negligent and use few proven folk remedies as therapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe a truly effective remedy for nail fungus. Therefore, the likelihood of getting rid of the problem increases significantly. However, there are several proven remedies that guarantee the elimination of nail fungus in the shortest possible time. This applies not only to medicines, but also to traditional medicine.