Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the depths of the nail and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate gradually deforms. The initial stage of nail fungus can be effectively treated.
How is the initial phase
The symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same on the arms and legs. Initially, the nail plate changes color. From pink it becomes yellowish and without shine, sometimes it turns grayish. It is possible to change the structure of the plate - tubercles or other protrusions appear on it.
In the future, longitudinal streaks, yellow spots or stains will be visible on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, at the same time becoming brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungus, it becomes inflamed and red. Spore infection most often occurs on the feet, first of all, onychomycosis develops on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In the initial stage of the disease, the fungus affects only one side of the nail plate. There are the following types of lesions:
- distal shape - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side view - the fungus is located on the sides of the plate;
- superficial lesion - times the surface of the plate;
- proximal shape - the periungual roller is affected.
In the photo you can see the appearance of the nails, in the initial stage of onychomycosis.
How is the treatment
If you suspect onychomycosis, you should seek help from a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nails, if necessary, take a scraping for the presence of mycelial fungi. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy is aimed at eliminating inflammation, restoring the blood supply to the diseased nail. Preparations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, lotions. They are applied to the affected nail plates, to the skin around them.
The most famous antifungal agents:
- varnishes. They are applied several times a week. The active substances penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the most powerful antifungal agents;
- cream. Designed for the treatment of skin and periungual protrusions. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from fungal penetration;
- drops. Medications are applied to diseased nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- the lotion kills fungi on the surface layers of the nail.
Sprays are used as a suitable prophylaxis against onychomycosis. They process soles, toes and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, doctors conduct systemic therapy. The patient takes antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to quickly deal with the pathology. Duration and dose are prescribed by a dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - action on microorganisms by laser beams. In the initial stages of the disease, it is enough for the patient to undergo only three to four procedures. The method not only kills pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone therapy - ozone injection is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. The cells are saturated with ozone, they resist infections. Immunity in the body increases. But this procedure is effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
Both methods only complement the traditional treatment in the initial phase. They are prescribed together with pills and local treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
The advice of traditional healers will help to cure the fungus in the early stages. Their advantage is that natural products are used, without chemical additives.
The main methods of treatment include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute it in equal proportions with warm water. Take a bath, take 15 minutes. Do the procedure every day until all the symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating foot fungus.
- In the early stages of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Soak your fingers in water with the addition of soda (a spoonful of two liters of boiling water). Soak cotton pads in peroxide, put them on the affected nails and fix with a band-aid. Wear the wrap for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in healing. This antiseptic is used as an adjunct in all stages of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract into the affected nail plates, do not rinse the oil. Therapy should be carried out from 2 weeks until complete healing. But this method is not suitable for children and women in an interesting position.
- Soda baths help fight fungus. Dilute a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grated laundry soap) in two liters of boiling water. Dip your hands or feet into the solution. Hold them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medications or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps to solve onychomycosis. Smear the nail with iodine solution every day. You can make antiseptic baths - add a bottle of iodine in three liters of water, keep your feet or hands in it for 10 minutes.
After bathing and other folk remedies, nails, fingers and skin between the fingers should be well dried. Then put on your socks.
What are the complications
If the problem is ignored, the fungus will not disappear on its own, microorganisms will constantly multiply.
This is fraught with consequences:
- complete deformation of the nail plate;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- the infection will spread to healthy nail plates;
- the immune system will be reduced, a favorable environment will be created for the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention rules
Treatment of onychomycosis is long-term and requires financial investment. Preventive measures will help protect you from fungi, although they cannot be called a cure for the disease.
This includes:
- do not wear other people's things or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal drugs;
- use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail file;
- in public places (saunas, baths or swimming pools) walk only in rubber shoes;
- do not try on new shoes in the store or on the market barefoot, wear socks.
Relapse is common. It is observed in 6-8% of cases from the number of recovered.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect people, regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what fungus looks like in the early stages and does not attach importance to changes in the nails. Treatment in the initial stage of the disease is simple, new and healthy nails grow in the place of the affected ones.
The therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, a comprehensive course of treatment with antifungal drugs is carried out. In the initial stages of onychomycosis, in addition to traditional medicines, folk recipes can also be used.