The defeat of nails with fungus not only affects their aesthetic appearance and quality of life, but can cause serious complications. Especially dangerous is the disease for people with a weakened immune system and abnormal hormonal level. Treatment of fungal infections is difficult and takes a long time. Later measures taken, the harder it is to get rid of the nail parasites, so when it detects the first signs of the disease, you should consult a dermatologist.
Reasons for nail fungus
The defeat of the nail plate parasitic fungi called dermatophytes onychomycosis. The etiology of the disease is associated not only with the penetration of the parasite in the body, but also with the fixing of it in the Horny layer, which can not happen without the creation of certain conditions. The main reason for the occurrence of nail fungus is the presence of a favorable environment for multiplication of micro-organisms. Infection occurs through contact exposed areas of the body with contaminated objects or an infected person.
After penetration of the parasites on the skin, they are fixed in the surface layer of the epidermis and gradually spread to healthy skin.
Before the penetration of the fungi into the deeper layers of the disease are asymptomatic, and in the absence of favorable conditions the pathogens are replaced by newly formed healthy cells out of the Horny plates. In the presence of certain conditions that contribute to the creation of a favorable environment for the increase of the total mass of the fungi is their penetration into the nail plate and the rapid progress in the nails.
The effects of the fungus on the nails
In the absence of timely treatment, the fungus spreads to healthy nails. Violation of the aesthetics of the appearance of the fingers of the hands and the feet — not the most dangerous consequence of the disease. Athlete's foot represents the focus of infection, which can cause inflammation in the dermis and cause increased sensitivity of the organism. As of the allergen are products of microorganisms that possess a high toxicity for the human body.
Secreted by pathogens onychomycosis of the biological substances can cause the development of bodily diseases, including very heavy. Under the influence of toxic bio-active substances may develop the following diseases:
- inflammation of the skin allergic nature;
- liver;
- acute injury of the whole surface of the skin and mucous membranes.
Persons with diagnosed diabetes are not only at greater risk of fungal infection, but also often suffer from the effects of onychomycosis. In diabetics there is a violation of the sensitivity of the extremities that interfere with the timely detection of the first signs of the disease and delay in treatment of the disease in these patients infection is fraught with fissures of the skin to the athlete. The most common complications of yeast infection in diabetes are:
- infection of the bone;
- gangrene of the lower limbs;
- trophic ulcers of the feet.
Treatment of nail fungus
The duration of the therapeutic course in onychomycosis depends on the stage of the disease and the nature of its flow. The goal of treatment is eradication (total destruction) of fungal parasites. Scheme of antifungal therapy was developed by a dermatologist on the basis of the result of the diagnosis, during which reveals the type of the causative agent and checks in the body of the other pathogens (in the case of bacterial complications).
The arsenal of medical techniques includes several methods of destruction of fungi, the feasibility of which is determined by the doctor based on the degree of deformation of the nail. Treatment of fungus of the nails is one of the following methods:
- Drug – disease occurs in the form of light, designated by the local antimycotic agents (creams, ointments, gels, lotions, dyes, sprays) as monotherapy, with onychomycosis of moderate and severe forms of the therapeutic framework is supplemented with tablets, capsules for oral administration.
- Laser therapy is indicated for minor damage in the absence of opportunistic infections, is an alternative method that can replace the long-term use of the drug.
- Removal of the nail plate – a radical method of therapy of onychomycosis is often recurrent and severe forms of the disease.
- Antibiotic therapy is conducted in case of complications of fungal diseases bacterial infection.
Removal of the affected nail
Before the development of modern methods of treatment of fungal infections of the nails, removal is the only way to get rid of fungal infections. The classical method of removal of the affected nail plate is the surgical. Currently, this very painful and painful method is resorted to rarely, which is associated with the postoperative risk of complications (wound infection, prolonged and difficult recovery period).
To alternative, less painful methods of removal include pedicures and laser therapy. In the course of these proceedings on the plate softens keratolytic preparations and layers is removed with special tools (cone-shaped cutters with an abrasive layer or laser equipment). The disadvantages of these methods include the risk of allergic reaction, infection, incomplete removal of the fungus.
To remove the nail plate without mechanical stress, and with the help of special preparations. Drugs, lfor of softening the keratin (material, part nails) are called ceratolici. The mechanism of their action is based on the ability of the major components (urea and acid) to change the structure of the plate, which makes it pliable and soft.
Pills
Tablet drug that is indicated for moderate and severe fungal infections. In the scheme of treatment of onychomycosis include, mainly, the 2 groups of antifungal medications – azoles and allylamines. The effectiveness of the therapy with oral application of funds increases significantly, but the pills must be administered under medical supervision are due to the presence of side-effects associated with many of the specific action of antifungal drugs.
Ointments and creams
In the absence of the need for systemic therapy of fungal infections (mild forms, the extent of the lesion not more than 2/3 of the area of the nail plate) drugs local actions can be used as monotherapy. Antimycotic ointments and creams to potentiate the action of drugs, to be taken by mouth, therefore the combined use of systemic and local therapy accelerates the healing process.
The drug from nail fungus should appoint a dermatologist based on the clinical picture of the disease and specific for the diagnosis of the pathogen. An inappropriate choice of means of treatment can be not only ineffective, but dangerous. Advantages of using creams and ointments to get rid of the fungus are less side effects, rapid elimination of unpleasant symptoms, the downside – the duration of treatment and ineffectiveness in severe disease.
Treatment of fungus of the feet and hands with a bow
Means of local action, used for direct application to the nail is antifungal nail Polish. The inclusion of the therapeutic mode arc does not negate the use of other dosage forms of antifungal medications. Independently, these tools can only be used as prevention. The advantage of the add-on therapy bows is to eliminate the aesthetic defects in the form of changes of colour or deformation, the disadvantage is the high cost of treatment.
The mechanism of action of antifungal drugs in the form of lacquers on the basis of the fungicidal properties of their constituent components. To increase the effectiveness of their resources need to be applied daily on cleansed from dead tissues and degreased nail plate (the old layer of varnish should be removed with solvent).
Laser therapy
One of the modern methods of treatment of fungus is laser therapy – burning laser beam on the fungal colonies in a matrix of keratin plates without destroying the healthy tissue. The indications for this procedure can be all forms and stages of onychomycosis. The use of the laser provides instantaneous death of the parasite and accelerates the healing process. The number of sessions of laser therapy (duration 30 minutes) is determined on the basis of the severity of the defeat. Produced manipulations do not cause pain, and almost never has side effects.
Treatment of nail fungus folk remedies
The use of recipes of traditional medicine in the treatment of onychomycosis are allowed only as one of the methods of traditional therapy to enhance its therapeutic effect. If for some reason there is no opportunity to seek medical care if you notice signs of the fungus, you need to take measures, as early as possible to prevent the transition of the disease in severe form (in an advanced stage of self-medication can lead to very dangerous consequences).
Because of the prevalence of fungal infections alternative medicine offers many ways to solve this problem, using internal and external resources. The most popular folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus:
- Vinegar (70% core). An effective and fast way is a paste made of vinegar, eggs, and butter. In a bowl pour 200 ml of vinegar, omit the whole egg and remove in a dark place. Once dissolved, the eggs need to strain the liquid and enter 1 tsp of oil. The resulting paste is applied for 12-14 h under the film of the steaming parcels. As the softening of the plate should be cut off until the complete disappearance of the signs of mycosis.
- Iodine. If, immediately after the discovery of the first symptoms of onychomycosis are available with antiseptic, such as iodine, – you can resolve the problem over 1-2 treatments. In the later stages, this method is inefficient. Manipulations are applied to the affected areas of iodine to the point, while the essence does not cease to absorb. Before the procedure you need to steam the feet or hands and give them to dry completely. When a strong burning sensation during the treatment it is necessary to cut the leg in a bowl of cold water.
- The juice of celandine. The plant has a bactericidal effect, which leads to its use for the treatment of fungal diseases. Therapeutic manipulations are performed to clean your feet or hands. Juice from the stem of the fresh-plucked celandine, it is necessary to moisten a cotton pad and apply it on the affected areas, covering them with gauze. Three times per day this procedure will help for 2-3 weeks to get rid of the signs of the disease.
- Hydrogen peroxide. One of the methods that contribute to the rapid development of the elimination of a fungal infection, is a three-stage procedure with application of hydrogen peroxide. The affected surface is first treated with a mixture of vinegar (3%) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) in the ratio of 1: 1, after which the fingers are immersed for 30 sec. in a very weak solution of sodium hypochlorite. After soaking in the tool should be thoroughly washed, dry fingers or legs and to put on nails mixture of tea tree oil and vaseline. The duration of treatment is 1 week.
- Tincture of Euphorbia. For the treatment of skin and nail pathologies you can use all kinds of milkweed. To prepare the tincture, pour a small amount of the raw materials with boiling water and leave to infuse for 2-3 h. cool to 45-50 degrees in the infusion is necessary to steam the legs or hands for a half hour. After 3-4 weeks of daily treatments, the symptoms should disappear.
- The tea tree oil. The content of this means that the substances such as limonene, alpha-terpinene, sabine, alpha-phellandrene, cineol provides antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. For the destruction of fungi-dermatophytes is recommended for 8-10 weeks of the baths by adding 15-20 drops of oil.
Prevention
Parasitic organisms are spread everywhere and completely limit your contact with them is impossible, but with observation of certain precautions, you can reduce the risk of infection. Prevention of onychomycosis is in the direction of reducing the likelihood of infection and immune protection for the prevention of the consolidation of pathogens in the body. The main preventive measures are:
- regular hygienic measures for the care of the skin of the feet and hands;
- to get rid of hyperhidrosis of the feet;
- removal of excessive dryness of the skin;
- the restriction of the contact of open skin with household items in public places;
- daily change socks, stockings, tights, etc.;
- wear comfortable shoes and clothes made of breathable materials;
- timely treatment of microtrauma, degenerative changes of the nail plate;
- accordance with the equipment for sterilization and disinfection of tools for manicure and pedicure;
- avoidance of harmful habits;
- adherence to the principles of a balanced diet, limiting the intake of sugar foods;
- periodic (spring and autumn) intake of vitamin complexes.
It is impossible to ignore the symptoms or attempt to self-diagnose. The largest part of the demand for medical care is already on the severe stage of the disease, which is related to the confidence of patients that they can develop onychomycosis as they adhere to all listed rules. Keep in mind that even with all the medical recommendations for the prevention of fungal infections probability of infection is reduced, but some risk of infection still remains.