Treatment of advanced forms of nail fungus takes more than a year. However, in the early stages, the disease can be treated more quickly. To do this, varnishes were created from nail fungus on the hands and feet.
Treatment of nail fungus with varnish: indications and approach
Antifungal varnish is a tool that has recently gained importance in the fight against nail fungus in the early stages of infection, ie in cases where the plaque is less than 50% damaged.
The tool is convenient and practical: unlike ointments, it is not wiped or rinsed after drying.
However, antifungal nail polish is only suitable in 2 cases:
- In the initial stage of the disease, when up to 30% of the plaque is affected and no more than 3 nails on one foot, hand. With more extensive and deeper foci, antifungal tablets can not be skipped.
- To prevent onychomycosis. The coating reliably protects the nails from re-infection.
The drug can be prescribed for self-medication or as part of a combination therapy.
How does antifungal varnish work?
The varnish for the treatment of toenail fungus on the feet and hands has a liquid structure, is quickly absorbed and penetrates even in small cracks. The active substance begins to destroy the cell membrane, enzymes and spores of the pathogen. After curing, the coating clogs the plate, preventing oxygen from leaking out. Left without the basis of vital activity, the fungi cease to multiply and gradually die.
Mycologists also prescribe a drug to prevent the fungus, especially for people with excessive sweating and after acrylic extensions. The resulting protective film prevents moisture, fungi, infections from entering the nail. In addition, the alcohol, oils and plant extracts in the composition are disinfected and dried.
Treatment effectiveness
Nail fungus varnishes are only effective in preventing and treating onychomycosis at an early stage. The drug forms a protective coating, quickly eliminates the infection and prevents the appearance of a new one. Complete recovery occurs after 3 months of treatment, the first results are noticeable after 7-10 days.
A few weeks after the end of treatment, it is necessary to do tests. A lab test will show if the infection is completely gone and if a second cycle is needed.
Before buying a product, consult a mycologist or dermatologist. The specialist will evaluate the degree and depth of the lesion, determine the stage and prescribe a suitable varnish for toenail or toenail fungus.
How to apply varnish in the treatment of nail fungus?
The frequency of use of a specific tool is indicated in the instructions. As a rule, in the first month the nails are varnished once every 2 days, in the second - twice a week, in the third - once a week. The treatment is carried out until the development of a healthy plaque.
The nail polish for fungus on the feet and hands is applied according to the following scheme:
- Preliminary treatment. Before treatment, feet or hands are steamed in a soda-salt bath, washed thoroughly with soap and water. Then wipe the surfaces and make a healthy pedicure or manicure. The nails are cut, the top layer is polished with a nail file and wiped with alcohol.
- Application of funds. The nail polish from the fungus is applied with a brush or spatula on dry dishes. The actions are performed slowly and carefully so as not to hurt the surrounding skin. In this case, the composition should cover the entire area of the nail.
- Post-processing. The applied drug should not be removed until the next procedure. However, after 10 minutes, after complete drying, decorative varnish can be applied to the therapeutic varnish. Whether the manufacturer allows this feature is indicated in the instructions.
Contraindications
Therapeutic nail polish from the fungus is not absorbed into the bloodstream and can not cause intoxication. However, the drug is contraindicated in:
- individual intolerance to ingredients.
- tendency for allergic reactions.
- increased skin sensitivity;
- children under 16 years;
- pregnancy and lactation.
Varnishes are carefully prescribed for diabetes, diseases of the immune system.
Side effects
Varnish for the treatment of toenail and hand fungus rarely causes side effects. In case of accidental skin contact, the following may occur:
- combustion;
- redness;
- peeling;
- οίηση;
- irritation;
- itch.
If an allergic reaction occurs, it is worth choosing an analogue with another active substance.
Caution! Nail fungus varnish reduces the effectiveness of combined contraceptives.
Prevention
After complete recovery, the patient is often re-infected with the fungus. To prevent recurrence, it is necessary to cover the nails with varnish within a month after the completion of the treatment.
Due care must be taken of hygiene: wash feet and hands daily, change socks, dry shoes. Towels and slippers must be individual.
Remember: even the best nail fungus varnish requires regular application. Without reprocessing, the coating will rinse gradually. As a result, there will be fertile ground for fungal growth.
In conclusion, it should be said that in case of symptoms of nail damage from fungal infection, and especially if it is accompanied by favorable factors, you should seek specialized medical help.
Organizing experiments with self-selected means of treatment will not only not help in any way, but will also worsen the existing situation. Getting a gift in the form of nail fungus is very simple, but it is quite difficult to cure. Treatment takes a long time and is often complicated, so you should not start the course of the disease with self-medication.