Therapy of advanced forms of nail fungus takes more than a year. However, in the early stage, the disease can be treated more quickly. To do this, created nail fungus varnishes on the hands and feet.
Treatment of nails affected by fungi with varnish: indications and approach
Antifungal varnish is a tool that has recently gained relevance in combating nail fungus in the early stages of infection, that is, in cases where the plaque is less than 50% damaged.
The tool is convenient and practical: unlike ointments, it does not clean and is not washed after drying.
However, antifungal enamel is indicated only in 2 cases:
- In the early stage of the disease, when up to 30% of the plaque is affected and no more than 3 nails on one leg, arm. With more extensive and deeper foci, antimycotic pills cannot be dispensed with.
- For the prevention of onychomycosis. The coating reliably protects nails from reinfection.
The drug may be prescribed for self-therapy or as part of a complex treatment.
How does antifungal varnish work?
The varnish for the treatment of fungus on the nails of the legs and hands has a liquid structure, is quickly absorbed and penetrates even into micro-cracks. The active substance begins to destroy the cell membrane, enzymes and spores of the pathogen. After hardening, the coating clogs the board, preventing oxygen from leaking out. Left without the basis of vital activity, fungi stop multiplying and gradually die.
Mycologists also prescribe a remedy for the prevention of fungus, especially for people with excessive sweating and after acrylic extensions. The resulting protective film prevents moisture, fungus and infections from entering the nail. In addition, alcohol, oils and plant extracts in the composition are disinfected and dried.
treatment effectiveness
Fungal nail varnishes are only effective for the prevention and treatment of onychomycosis at the initial stage. The drug forms a protective layer, quickly eliminates the infection and prevents the appearance of a new one. Complete recovery occurs after 3 months of therapy, the first results are visible after 7-10 days.
A few weeks after the end of treatment, tests are required. A lab test will show whether the infection has completely cleared and whether a second course is necessary.
Before purchasing a product, consult a mycologist or dermatologist. The specialist will assess the degree and depth of the lesion, determine the stage and prescribe a suitable nail varnish or nail fungus.
How to apply nail varnish in the treatment of nail fungus?
The frequency of use of a specific tool is indicated in the instructions. As a rule, in the first month nails are varnished once every 2 days, in the second - twice a week, in the third - once a week. Therapy is carried out until a healthy plaque grows.
Lacquer against nail fungus on the legs and hands is applied according to the following scheme:
- Preliminary processing. Before treatment, the feet or hands are steamed in a bath of soda salt, washed thoroughly with soap and water. Then wipe the surfaces dry and give them a hygienic pedicure or manicure. Nails are trimmed, the top layer is polished with a nail file and cleaned with alcohol.
- Fund application. Fungus nail polish is applied with a brush or spatula onto dry plates. The actions are carried out slowly and carefully so as not to injure the surrounding skin. In this case, the composition should cover the entire nail area.
- Post processing. The applied drug should not be removed until the next procedure. However, after 10 minutes, after complete drying, the decorative varnish can be applied to the healing varnish. Whether the manufacturer allows this possibility is indicated in the instructions.
contraindications
The fungus's therapeutic enamel is not absorbed into the bloodstream and cannot cause intoxication. However, the drug is contraindicated in:
- individual intolerance to the components;
- prone to allergic reactions;
- increased skin sensitivity;
- children under 16 years of age;
- pregnancy and lactation.
Varnishes are prescribed with caution in diabetes mellitus, diseases of the immune system.
Side effects
Varnish for the treatment of toenail and fingernail fungus rarely causes adverse reactions. In case of accidental skin contact, the following may occur:
- burn;
- redness;
- peeling;
- swelling;
- irritation;
- itch.
If an allergic reaction occurs, it is worth choosing an analogue with another active substance.
Attention! Nail fungus varnish reduces the effectiveness of combined contraceptives.
Prevention
After a complete recovery, the patient is often reinfected with the fungus. To prevent recurrence, it is necessary to cover the nails with varnish within a month after completing the treatment.
Due attention should be paid to hygiene: washing feet and hands daily, changing socks, drying shoes. Towels and slippers must be individual.
Remember: even the best fungal nail polish requires regular application. Without re-treatment, the coating will be washed off gradually. As a result, there will be favorable soil for the development of fungi.
In conclusion, it should be said that in case of symptoms of nail damage from a fungal infection, and especially if this is accompanied by favorable factors, you need to seek qualified medical help.
Creating experiments by self-selection of therapy means will not only help nothing, but will also worsen the existing situation. Receiving a gift in the form of a nail fungus is very simple, but it is quite difficult to cure it. Therapy takes a long time and is often complex, so you should not start the course of the disease by self-medication.