The question of how to cure nail fungus is asked by many, but not everyone chooses the right solution to this problem and turns exclusively to traditional medicine. Using household products can sometimes be helpful, but it is better to trust the specialists and not experiment with your health.
Another misconception is the assumption that nail fungus is not a serious disease that needs to be treated immediately, but this is by no means true. Fungi or onychomycosis manifest in connection with the spread of bacteria on the horny plaque and if they do not prevent their spread, then the infection will penetrate into all the surrounding tissues and the body. In this case, you will have to decide not how fast the nail fungus should heal, but how to save the limb and overall health.
How the fungus appears
In the initial stages, it is much easier to deal with the infection. It is possible to give up the use of special therapeutic agents and prevent the destruction of the nail, leading to complete or partial removal of the horny plaque.
Basically, anyone who pays attention to their feet and takes care of their toes regularly can detect a fungal infection. This is evidenced by the following signs:
- Appearance of areas that differ from the natural color of the nail. What the changes will be depends on the type of infection. These can be light stripes or brown, yellow "dots". There is a likelihood of the formation of other shadows, which must be a reason to find the reason for the appearance of such changes;
- Fragility. If your toenail is shattering, shaking, then it is very likely that it is time to decide how to cure toenail fungus. In some cases, brittle nails are caused by other diseases, vitamin deficiencies and poor nutrition, therefore, in any case, a specialist consultation will not hurt;
- Deformation of the horny plate. The growth of bacteria, lack of treatment leads to significant modifications of the nail, is significantly deformed. Not only does the appearance of the foot deteriorate, but there is also discomfort when walking with shoes;
- Itching, soreness in the affected area;
- Bad smell. Highly it is highly undesirable to bring the condition of the nails to the stage when a specific odor is already released, there are signs of suppuration, an inflammatory process. Such symptoms may already indicate not only that it is time to cure nail fungus, but also take measures to save the body from the spread of infection.
Signs have different manifestations depending on the development of nail disease, which led to the proper classification of mycosis lesions:
- Phase 1. An initial degree, which can only be discovered by a very attentive person or a specialist dermatologist. Minor color changes, slight itching is possible;
- Phase II. The nail can be deformed, the color changes, the frame layer is partially destroyed. There is still a chance to cure nail fungus without surgery, but the delay will only make the situation worse;
- Phase III. It is considered as one of the advanced degrees of fungal infection. It is no longer necessary to treat only the nail, but perhaps also the surrounding tissues, as well as the root itself, as at this stage the infection is very deep. Various inflammations, suppurations and so on can become accompanying factors. Summer very dangerous to bring the condition of the feet to such an advanced stage, as the treatment will require considerable physical and financial costs and there is no guarantee that the restored nail will be equal.
What can be the treatment for a foot fungus
Modern medicines on the market for medicinal products against various types of infections make possible the effective treatment of fungi at home. Depending on the stage, type and degree of infection, it is possible to choose the optimal medicine.
In addition, certain medications have a complex effect, their use allows you to not only solve the problem of how to cure nail fungus, but also how to stimulate cell regeneration and speed up healing.
From the many medicines that are actively advertised, have positive reviews or are simply recommended for nail diseases, the following subgroups can be distinguished:
- Lucky It is recommended to use the spray as an additional treatment, for example, during a period when it is not possible to use oil, compresses or other external means. There are varnishes that contribute to the gradual stratification of the affected area, which is necessary for better penetration of the active compounds to destroy the infection. The main advantage of varnishes is the ability to mask the fungus, as a decorative varnish can be temporarily applied over the medicinal varnish. Reviews of such solutions are contradictory; it is not recommended to use spray in advanced stages;
- Pika. The solutions are applied to the cleaned nail, or even after its removal, so that the active ingredients penetrate to the site of infection. Prescribed in conjunction with other medicines, if there is a significant damage to the nail;
- Ointments and lotions. The most diverse assortment of medicines are special oils and creams. They differ not only in efficiency, complexity of action, but also in price. As part of any medication, the active ingredients, concentration and possible side effects are indicated. Since bacteria that vary in types of action (yeast, dermatophytes) can provoke fungi, their treatment methods should be chosen accordingly. There are oils and creams of complex action, that is, their use is permissible for various infections. Along with blocking the spread of infection, the oil can help in better healing. The purpose of such drugs is different, from the fact that it is advised to be used to remove the nail and ending with the usual prevention. In this regard, it is better to visit a specialist before use, discover reviews, carefully read the instructions in order to get rid of the fungus in the near future;
- Band aid. They are mainly used for partial or complete removal of nails. With advanced stages, such a procedure is necessary, as it is impossible to restore a diseased nail. The patch is impregnated with special substances that slowly dissolve the corneal layer affected by the infection. After a few applications, it is enough to clean the nail from the layered particles and apply an oily oil. All of this is easy to do at home;
- Oral preparations. If the infection has spread not only to a nail, but there is a risk of infection entering the body, then it is advisable to use special medications. In practice, such treatment is mainly described in stage III. In addition to antifungal suspensions or tablets, a vitamin-mineral complex can be prescribed to maintain the functions of the whole body, to enhance the properties of immunity.
In addition to home treatment, you can use equipment to get rid of the fungus. These include laser therapy, cosmetic procedures combined with the application of solutions to eliminate the source of infection, to restore the nail in a natural way.
You can choose a remedy for treating the fungus that has appeared on the nails themselves. This is facilitated by the media, advertising in pharmacies, advice from a pharmacist, online reviews. Not to be mistaken, the best option is to visit a doctor. But even in this case, you can ask for alternative treatment, as there are funds with a similar composition, but significantly different in cost, complex action on the disease.
If the medicine is chosen correctly, then improvements will be noticed after a while. When pulsation, rash appears, onychomycosis already progresses to other areas, an unpleasant odor becomes apparent, then you should immediately contact a specialist. With such phenomena, further self-medication can be dangerous.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail fungus
Decades ago, there were no universal remedies for the complex treatment of a fungus, there was no way to find reviews about medicines, and then prescriptions from traditional medicine were mostly used. Iodine was especially popular, which is still an excellent preventative solution against the spread of infections of various origins. Among the most common methods of curing mycosis at home are:
- Warm baths. The solutions are prepared with a variety of ingredients, but their action is mainly aimed at softening the affected area, disinfecting it. A good effect can be achieved with a bath with sea salt, diluted vinegar, celandine, weak potassium permanganate. Each of the options has a certain effect, there is the possibility of allergic reactions. Often, after such procedures, it is recommended to clean the nails mechanically (with a special brush, tuff stone), the application of iodine or a special antifungal medicine;
- Uthull. It is believed that a vinegar solution copes well with such lesions, the main thing is to dilute the suspension to the right proportions and not to burn the already damaged tissues;
- Compresses. A variety of products are used for such procedures. This is a baking powder diluted with water, potatoes, garlic, chopped onion, aloe leaves, gargle, mountain ash, etc. When doing such experiments, you need to be aware of a number of serious consequences, including an acquired allergy, burning or the most harmless result - no effect;
- Essential oils, herbal decoctions. Essential oil, especially tea tree oil, is a natural antiseptic. It can be used during the treatment period, as well as as a preventive or cosmetic treatment for the feet. Marjoram, eucalyptus oil is also used;
- Salicylic acid can be used to fight onychomycosis, but mainly in the early stages of wound development.
The feasibility of using self-prepared home remedies is debatable. Since for some, such treatment ends successfully, while for others it leads to a prolonged recovery not only of the nails, but also of health in general.
Preventing nail fungus or how not to infect others
Knowing certain rules will help reduce the risk of an unpleasant nail infection, as well as protect loved ones and other people from infection if the question of how to treat mycosis has already been decided.
Basic rules for fungal protection and prevention include:
- Regular hygiene, individual bathing facilities;
- Use of special slippers in public places (sauna, swimming pools);
- Strengthening the immune system. The weakened body is unable to fight the infection and the infection spreads;
- Periodic cleaning and disinfection of shoes, especially if the feet often sweat on them;
- Purity of socks, they should be changed daily, preference should be given to natural fabrics;
- Thoroughly wipe the feet after water procedures, high humidity provokes the development of fungi;
- Use only your shoes, your clothes;
- Periodic disinfection of tools for a pedicure or manicure and, of course, only their individual use. If we compare professional offices, then special sterilizers are used for these purposes;
- Proper foot care. It is necessary not only to regularly clean the feet with special equipment, but also to nourish the skin of the feet and nails. If possible, you should visit beauty salons where professional nail treatment is performed, supplemental nutrition of horny plates and skin.
These simple rules, accuracy and attention to your health will help protect you from further problems with the treatment of mycosis. Similar rules should be followed if the disease is already being treated. This will help prevent other people from becoming infected and speed up the healing process.
If an infection with a fungus has occurred, then it may not appear immediately, sometimes after a few months. It is important to detect in time the formation of a focus of infection and take measures that will help maintain the health and beauty of the feet.