If the nails change color, crack and peel, this indicates the development of onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail plates.When the first signs of the disease appear, its development can be stopped with ointments and drops for nail fungus;Advanced stages cannot be cured with external means.
Selection of fungicidal preparations
When choosing antifungal drugs (fungicides), first of all, take into account the type of fungus that affected the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis are dermatophytes of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.Only nail scraping laboratory tests can accurately determine the pathogen.
A nail affected by a fungal infection changes color and yellow, brown or gray spots appear.The nail plate can become abnormally thick, lose its shine and become deformed.For initial fungal infection, external agents are used - ointments or drops.The advantage of these dosage forms over medicines for internal use is the absence of toxic effects on the liver and other organs.External agents act directly on the affected area, effectively destroying the fungi and their spores.
Popular fungicidal preparations include drops against toenail and fingernail fungus - these products do not leave greasy marks on the skin and clothes, are quickly absorbed and have high therapeutic activity.Most modern antifungal eye drops can combat different types of onychomycosis, therefore laboratory tests are not required before using these products, and the drugs can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops for fungus
Patients and doctors have several requirements for antifungal eye drops, the first of which is safety.Treatment of onychomycosis lasts three months or more, therefore the medicinal substances included in the preparations should not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicidal eye drops is a broad spectrum of action.The active components must not only destroy various varieties of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also prevent the proliferation of their spores (this ability is called a fungistatic effect).
Patients are also aware of the cost of antifungals - long-term treatment requires the purchase of several packages;for some buyers, price becomes one of the important selection criteria.
You should not self-medicate;a specialist will select the most suitable drops for treating nail fungus based on test results.
Some are not used to treat onychomycosis;they are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, eye drops are used in parallel with other medications to prevent the spread of mycotic lesions on the skin.
Application rules
Antifungal eye drops are a simple and effective way to combat nail fungus, but patients may experience some difficulties using them.This is due to the fact that the source of infection is located under the nail plate, where it is very difficult to reach.
For the medicine to reach the target, the patient needs to follow some recommendations when using fungicidal eye drops.
Rules for using liquid antifungals:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, the feet and hands are steamed, the dead epidermis and affected areas of the nails are cleaned.
- After cleaning, the skin and nails are dry.
- The edge of the nail plate is trimmed and the surface is cleaned with a nail file.
- Drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Be sure to treat the healthy skin around the damaged nail.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissue, you will need to see a doctor - the eye drops may no longer help and the nail will need to be removed.For severe fungal infections, the doctor prescribes internal antifungal medications.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years;It is impossible to face some types of the disease without the help of a specialist.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Nail fungus can easily become infected in public places - baths, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related changes - in the elderly, immunity decreases, so dermatophytes easily settle on the nail plate and the person becomes a source of infection for his family.
To prevent nail fungus infection, you need to follow these preventative measures:
- Don't walk barefoot in public places.
- Do not use other people's slippers.
- Only use your own towel.
- Have your own nail file if someone in your family has onychomycosis.
- After visiting water parks and swimming pools, use antifungal agents for preventive purposes.
- Strengthen immunity.
Without adequate treatment, onychomycosis leads to the destruction of the nail plate;The sooner antifungal therapy is started, the greater the chances of maintaining the beauty and health of your nails.