Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply deep within the nail and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate is gradually deformed. Can effectively treat the initial stages of nail fungus.
How is the initial stage
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease can look the same on the arms and legs. At first, the nail plate changes color. From pink to yellow and dull, sometimes gray. The structure of the plate can be altered - nodules or other bumps appear on the plate.
In the future, visible longitudinal streaks, yellow spots or stains will appear on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, while becoming brittle. The skin next to the nails can also become infected with fungus, become inflamed and red. Most of the time, spore infections occur on the legs, first, onychomycosis occurs on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In the initial stages of the disease, the fungus affects only one side of the nail plate. There are the following types of lesions:
- Distal form - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side view - the fungus is on the side of the board;
- Superficial lesions - damage to the surface of the plate;
- Proximal form - periungual rollers are affected.
In the photo you can see the appearance of the nails, in the initial stages of onychomycosis.
How is the treatment
If you suspect onychomycosis, you should seek help from a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nails and, if necessary, scrape them for the presence of mycelial fungus. After a diagnosis is made, your doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Topical treatments aim to remove inflammation and restore blood supply to the diseased nail. The formulations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, lotions. They are applied to the affected nail plate and the skin around them.
The most famous antifungal agents:
- Varnish. They are applied several times a week. The active substance penetrates deep into the nails. They are one of the most powerful antifungal agents;
- cream. Specifically designed to treat the skin and periungual ridges. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from fungal penetration;
- drop. These medicines are used for diseased nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- The lotion kills the fungus on the surface of the nail.
Sprays are used as a convenient way to prevent onychomycosis. They process soles, fingers and shoes.
In addition to topical treatments, doctors also prescribe systemic treatments. The patient is taking antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill infections and help quickly respond to pathology. Duration and dosage are prescribed by the attending dermatologist.
other treatments
- Laser Therapy - The effect of laser beams on microorganisms. In the initial stages of the disease, patients only need to undergo three or four surgeries. This method not only kills pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone Therapy - Ozone is injected into the skin near the affected nail plate. Cells are filled with ozone, which fights infection. The body's immunity is enhanced. But this procedure is only effective in the initial stages of the disease.
Both of these approaches complement traditional treatments only in the initial stages. They are prescribed along with pills and topical treatments.
How Traditional Medicine Can Help
Curing the fungus at an early stage will help with the advice of traditional healers. Their advantage is the use of natural products and no chemical additives.
Primary treatments include:
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Take a bath and soak for 15 minutes. Do this procedure every day until all symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating foot fungus.
- In the first stage of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively inhibits the fungus. Add soda water (one tablespoon for every two liters of hot water) and soak your fingers in the water. Soak a cotton pad in peroxide, place them on the affected nail and secure with a Band-Aid. Wear the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree oil helps in healing. This antiseptic is used as an additional remedy for ailments of various degrees. Rub a few drops of the extract onto the affected nail plate without washing off the oil. Treatment was started from 2 weeks until complete cure. But this method is not suitable for children and women in interesting positions.
- Soda water helps fight fungus. Dilute a tablespoon of soda water and a few drops of liquid soap (or ground laundry soap) in two liters of hot water. Dip your hands or feet in the solution. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medications or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine can help get rid of onychomycosis. Lubricate your nails daily with an iodine solution. You can do a sanitizing bath - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water and let your feet or hands soak in it for 10 minutes.
After bathing and other folk remedies, nails, fingers, and the skin between the fingers should be thoroughly dried. Then put on your socks.
What are the complications
If you ignore this problem, the fungus won't go away on its own, and the microbes will keep multiplying.
This is full of consequences:
- The nail plate is completely deformed;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- The infection can spread to healthy nail plates;
- The immune system will decline, creating a favorable environment for other viral or bacterial infections to develop.
precautionary rule
Treatment of onychomycosis is lengthy and requires financial investment. 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 files;
- Wear only rubber shoes when walking in public places (sauna, bathroom or swimming pool);
- Do not try on new shoes or socks in a store or market barefoot.
Relapse is a common phenomenon. Looking at the number of recoveries, this occurs in 6% - 8% of cases.
in conclusion
Fungal diseases can affect people regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in its early days and doesn't value nail changes. Treatment in the early stages of the disease is easy, and new healthy nails grow in place of the affected nails.
Treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to topical methods, a comprehensive course of antifungal drugs is carried out. In the early stages of onychomycosis, in addition to traditional medicines, folk recipes can be used.