Onychomycosis is a common condition in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the depths of the nails and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate is gradually deformed. The initial stage of nail fungus can be effectively treated.
How is the initial phase?
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same in the arms and legs. At first, the nail plate changes color. From pink, it becomes yellowish and dull, sometimes changing to a grayish color. It is possible to change the structure of the plate - tubercles or other protuberances appear on it.
In the future, longitudinal stripes, yellow spots or spots are noticeable on the nails. The plaque begins to expand and thicken, at the same time it becomes brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungi, becomes inflamed and reddened. Most often, spore infection occurs in the legs, first of all, onychomycosis develops in the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In the early stage of the disease, the fungus affects only one side of the nail plate. There are the following types of injuries:
- distal form - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side view - the fungus is located on the sides of the plate;
- superficial injury - the surface of the plaque suffers;
- proximal form - the nailfold roller is affected.
In the photo you can see the appearance of nails, at 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, scrape them for the presence of mycelial fungi. After making a diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat the condition.
Local therapy aims to eliminate inflammation by restoring 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. Active substances penetrate deeply into the nail. They are among the most powerful antifungal agents;
- cream. Designed for the treatment of the skin and periungual creases. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from fungus penetration;
- drops. Drugs are applied to diseased nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- lotion kills fungus on the surface layers of the nail.
Sprays are used as a convenient prophylactic against onychomycosis. They process the soles of feet, toes and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, doctors perform systemic therapy. The patient is taking antifungal pills or capsules. They kill the infection and help to quickly deal with the pathology. Duration and dosage are prescribed by the attending dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - the impact on microorganisms by laser beams. In the early 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 - An injection of ozone is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. Cells are saturated with ozone, resist infections. Immunity increases in the body. But this procedure is effective only in the early stages of the disease.
Both methods only complement traditional treatment in the initial phase. They are prescribed along with pills and topical treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
Curing the fungus in the early stages will help the advice of traditional healers. The advantage is that natural products are used, without chemical additives.
The main treatment methods include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Take a shower, take it for 15 minutes. Do the procedure every day until all 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. Dip your fingers in water with the addition of soda (one tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak cotton pads in peroxide, place them on the affected nails and secure with a bandage. Use the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps with the treatment. This antiseptic is used as an additional remedy in all stages of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract on the affected nails, do not wash off the oil. Perform therapy from 2 weeks until complete healing. But this method is not suitable for children and women in an interesting position.
- Soda baths help fight fungi. Dilute a tablespoon of soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grated washing powder) in two liters of hot water. Dip your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medication or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps to get rid of onychomycosis. Every day, lubricate the nail with an iodine solution. You can make antiseptic baths - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water, keep your feet or hands for 10 minutes.
After baths and other folk remedies, nails, fingers and the skin between the fingers must be completely dry. Then put on the 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 decline, a favorable environment will be created for the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
prevention rules
The treatment of onychomycosis is time consuming and requires financial investments. Preventive measures will help protect yourself from the fungus, although they cannot be called a panacea for the disease.
These include:
- don't wear other people's things or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal medications;
- use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail file;
- in public places (saunas, baths or swimming pools) walk only with rubber shoes;
- don't try on new shoes in a store or market barefoot, wear socks.
Relapse is a common occurrence. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases of the number of recovered people.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect people regardless of age and sex. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and does not give importance to changes in the nails. Treatment at the initial stage of the disease is easy, new and healthy ones grow in place of the affected nails.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, a comprehensive course of treatment with antimycotic drugs is carried out. In the early stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can also be used.