The question of how to cure nail fungus is asked by many, but not everyone chooses the right solution to this problem and resort exclusively to traditional medicine. The use of homemade products can sometimes be useful, but it is better to trust the experts and not experiment with your own health.
Another misconception is to assume that nail fungus is not a serious disease that should be treated immediately, but that is far from the case. The fungus or onychomycosis manifests itself in connection with the spread of bacteria in the corneal plaque and, if they do not prevent its spread, the infection will penetrate all surrounding tissues and the body. In that case, you will have to decide not on when the nail fungus should be cured, but how to save the limb and overall health.
How the fungus manifests
In the early stages, it is much easier to deal with the infection. It is possible to dispense with the use of special therapeutic agents and prevent nail destruction, leading to total or partial removal of the corneal plaque.
In principle, anyone who pays attention to the feet and regularly takes care of them can detect a fungal infection. This is evidenced by the following signs:
- The appearance of areas that differ from the natural color of the nail. What the changes will be depends on the type of infection. They can be light stripes or brown and yellow "dots". There is a likelihood of the formation of other shades, which should be a reason to discover the reason for the appearance of such changes;
- Fragility. If the toenail is crumbling, peeling, then it's probably time to decide how to cure the toenail fungus. In some cases, brittle nails are caused by other diseases, vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition, so in any case, a consultation with a specialist will not hurt;
- Deformation of the corneal plaque. The growth of bacteria, the absence of treatment leads to significant changes in the nail, it is visibly deformed. Not only does the appearance of the foot worsen, but there is also discomfort when walking with shoes;
- Itching, pain in the affected area;
- Bad smell. It is highly undesirable to bring the state of the nails to a stage where a specific smell is already emitted, there are signs of suppuration, an inflammatory process. These symptoms may already indicate not only that it is time to cure the nail fungus, but also take steps to save the body from spreading the infection.
The signs have different manifestations depending on the development of nail disease, which led to the proper classification of ringworm lesions:
- 1st stage. An initial degree, which can only be detected by a very attentive person or by a specialist dermatologist. Small color changes, slight itching is possible;
- Stage II. The nail may be deformed, the color changes, the stratum corneum is partially destroyed. There is still an opportunity to cure nail fungus without surgery, but the delay will only make the situation worse;
- III stage. It is considered one of the advanced degrees of fungal infection. It is no longer necessary to treat only the nail, but possibly the surrounding tissues, as well as the root itself, since at this stage the infection is very deep. Various inflammations, suppurations and so on can become concomitant factors. It is very dangerous to take the condition of the legs to such an advanced stage, since the treatment will require significant physical and financial costs and there is no guarantee that the restored nail will be uniform.
What can be the treatment for a fungus on the feet
The modern drugs on the market for medical products against various types of infections make it possible to treat the fungus effectively at home. Depending on the stage, type and extent of the infection, it is possible to choose the ideal medication.
In addition, certain medications have a complex effect, their use allows not only to solve the problem of how to cure nail fungus, but also how to stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate healing.
Of the many drugs that are actively advertised, have positive reviews, or are simply recommended for nail diseases, the following subgroups can be distinguished:
- Lucky you. It is recommended to use varnish as an additional treatment, for example, during a period when it is not possible to use ointment, compress or other external means. There are varnishes that contribute to the gradual exfoliation of the affected area, necessary for a better penetration of the active compounds to destroy the infection. The main advantage of varnishes is the ability to mask the fungus, since a decorative varnish can be applied temporarily over the medicinal varnish. Evaluations of such solutions are contradictory, the use of varnish in advanced stages is not recommended;
- Drops. The solutions are applied to the clean nail, or even after it is removed, so that the active compounds penetrate the infection site. Prescribed in conjunction with other drugs, if there is significant damage to the nail;
- Ointments and creams. The most varied assortment of medications are special ointments and creams. They differ not only in efficiency, action complex, but also in price. As part of each medication, the active ingredients, concentration and possible side effects are indicated. As bacteria that differ in the types of action (yeasts, dermatophytes) can cause the fungus, the methods of dealing with them must be chosen accordingly. There are ointments and creams with complex action, that is, their use is allowed for several infections. In addition to blocking the spread of the infection, the ointment can help improve healing. The purpose of these drugs is varied, from the fact that it is advisable to use them to remove the nail, to the usual prevention. In this regard, it is better to consult a specialist before using, to know the opinions, to read carefully the instructions to get rid of the fungus in the near future;
- Band-aids. They are mainly used for partial or complete nail removal. In advanced stages, such a procedure is necessary, since it is impossible to restore a diseased nail. The patch is impregnated with special substances that slowly dissolve the stratum corneum affected by the infection. After several applications, just clean the nail of the exfoliated particles and apply a medicinal ointment. All of this is easy to do at home;
- Oral preparations. If the infection has spread not only to a nail, but there is a risk of infection entering the body, then it is advisable to use special medications. In practice, this treatment is prescribed mainly in stage III. In addition to suspensions or antifungal pills, a mineral-vitamin complex can be prescribed to maintain the functions of the whole body, increase the properties of immunity.
In addition to home treatment, you can use hardware to get rid of the fungus. This includes laser therapy, cosmetic procedures combined with the application of solutions to eliminate the source of infection, restore the nail naturally.
You can choose a medication for the treatment of fungi that appeared on the nails on their own. This is facilitated by the media, advertising in pharmacies, advice from pharmacists, reviews on the Internet. In order not to be mistaken, the best option is to consult a doctor. But even in this case, one can ask about treatment alternatives, since there are resources with a similar composition, but quite different in cost, complex of action on the disease.
If the drug is chosen correctly, the improvements will be noticeable after a while. When pulsation, redness, onychomycosis progresses in other areas, an unpleasant odor becomes noticeable, so you should immediately contact a specialist. With these phenomena, additional self-medication can be dangerous.
Traditional medicine in the fight against nail fungus
A few decades ago, there were no universal remedies for the complex treatment of a fungus, there was no way to discover reviews about medications, and so the recipes of traditional medicine were mainly used. Iodine was especially popular, which is still an excellent preventive solution against the spread of infections from various sources. Of the most common methods of curing ringworm at home, there are:
- Hot baths. The solutions are prepared with a variety of components, but their action is mainly aimed at softening the affected area, disinfecting it. A good effect can be achieved with a bath of sea salt, diluted vinegar, celandine, weak potassium permanganate. Each of the options has a certain effect, there is a possibility of allergic reactions. Often, after these procedures, it is recommended to clean the nail mechanically (with a special brush, pumice stone), apply iodine or a special antifungal medication;
- Vinegar. It is believed that the vinegar solution copes well with these lesions, the main thing is to dilute the suspension in the right proportions and not burn the already injured tissue;
- Compresses. A variety of products are used for such procedures. This is a baking powder diluted in water, potatoes, garlic, chopped onion, aloe vera leaves, mouthwash, mountain ash and so on. When doing these experiments, you need to understand about a number of serious consequences, including an acquired allergy, burns or the most innocuous result - no effect;
- Essential oils, herbal decoctions. Essential oil, especially tea tree oil, is a natural antiseptic. It can be used during the treatment period, as well as preventive or cosmetic for the feet. Marjoram, eucalyptus oil is also used;
- Salicylic acid can be used to fight onychomycosis, but mainly in the early stages of the lesion's development.
The feasibility of using self-prepared drugs at home is controversial. For some, this treatment ends successfully, while for others it leads to a prolonged recovery not only of the nail, but also of health in general.
Prevent nail fungus or how not to infect others
Knowing certain rules will help to reduce the risk of an unpleasant nail infection, as well as protect loved ones and others from infection, if the question of how to treat ringworm is already being decided.
Basic rules for fungal protection and prevention include:
- Regular hygiene, individual washbasins;
- Use of special slippers in public places (saunas, swimming pools);
- Strengthening of the immune system. The weakened body cannot fight the infection and the infection spreads;
- Cleaning and periodic disinfection of shoes, especially if your feet sweat frequently;
- As for the cleaning of the socks, they must be changed daily, preference should be given to natural fabrics;
- Clean your feet well after water procedures, the high humidity causes the development of fungi;
- Wear only your own shoes, clothes;
- Periodic disinfection of tools for pedicure or manicure and, of course, for individual use only. If we compare professional offices, then special sterilizers are used for these purposes;
- Proper foot care. It is necessary to not only regularly clean the feet with special devices, but also to nourish the skin on the feet and nails. If possible, you should visit the beauty salons where professional nail treatments are performed, additional nourishment of the corneal plaques and the skin.
These simple, strict rules and attention to your health will help protect you from further problems with the treatment of ringworm. Similar rules must be followed if the disease is already being treated. This will help prevent others from becoming infected and speed up the healing process.
If a yeast infection has occurred, it may not appear immediately, sometimes after several months. It is important to detect an outbreak of infection in time and take steps to help maintain the health and beauty of your legs.