Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the depths of the nails and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate gradually deforms. The initial stage of nail fungus can be effectively treated.
What is the initial stage?
In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms appear the same in both arms and legs. First, the shade of the nail plate changes. It turns from pink to yellowish and pale, sometimes turning grayish. It is possible to change the structure of the plate - tubercles or other bumps appear on it.
In the future, longitudinal stripes, yellow spots or spots on the nails are noticeable. The plate begins to expand and thicken, but at the same time becomes brittle. The skin around the nail also suffers from fungus, inflammation and redness. Most often, spore infection occurs in the feet, primarily onychomycosis develops on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In the early 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;
- lateral view - the fungus is located on the sides of the plate;
- superficial lesion - the surface of the plate suffers;
- proximal shape - affected periungual roller.
In the photo you can see the appearance of nails in the early stages of onychomycosis.
How is the treatment?
If you suspect onychomycosis, you should seek the help of a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nails and, if necessary, scrape for mycelial fungi. After the diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy is aimed at eliminating inflammation and restoring the blood supply to the diseased nail. Preparations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, lotions. They are applied to the affected nail plates and the skin around them.
The most popular antifungal agents:
- varnishes. They are applied several times a week. The active ingredients penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the most potent anti-fungal agents;
- cream. Intended for the treatment of skin and periungual ridges. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from the fungus;
- drops. The drug is applied to diseased nails. 1-2 drops;
- The lotion kills fungi on the surface layers of the nail.
Sprays are used as a convenient prophylactic against onychomycosis. They process the soles of the feet, toes and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, doctors provide systemic therapy. The patient takes antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to cope with the pathology quickly. The duration and dose are determined by the attending dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - the effect of laser beams on microorganisms. In the early stages of the disease, it is enough for the patient to undergo only three or four procedures. The method not only kills pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone therapy - ozone is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. Cells are saturated with ozone, resistant to infections. Increases immunity in the body. However, this procedure is effective only in the early stages of the disease.
Both methods complement traditional treatment only at the initial stage. They are prescribed in combination with pills and topical treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
Treating the fungus in the early stages will help the recommendations of traditional healers. Their advantage is the use of natural products without chemical additives.
The main treatments include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Take a bath, take 15 minutes. Perform the procedure every day until all symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for the treatment of athlete's foot.
- In the early stages of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Immerse your fingers in water by adding soda (a tablespoon to two liters of warm water). Soak cotton pads in peroxide, put on the affected nails and fasten with a bandage. Keep the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in healing. This antiseptic is used as an adjunct in all degrees of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract on the affected nail plates, do not wash off the oil. Continue therapy for 2 weeks until complete recovery. However, this method is not suitable for children and women in an interesting position.
- Soda baths help fight fungi. Dilute a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or scrubbed laundry soap) in two liters of warm water. Immerse your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medication or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps to get rid of onychomycosis. Lubricate your nails with iodine solution every day. You can take antiseptic baths - add a glass of iodine to three liters of water, keep your feet or hands for 10 minutes.
After baths and other folk remedies, the skin between the nails, fingers and toes should be thoroughly dried. Then put on your socks.
What are the complications
If the problem is not taken care of, the fungus will not disappear by itself, and microorganisms will constantly multiply.
It is full of complications:
- complete deformation of the nail plate;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- the infection will spread to healthy nail plates;
- the immune system will be weakened, creating an environment conducive to the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention rules
Treatment of onychomycosis is long-term and requires financial investment. Preventive measures will help protect yourself from the fungus, although they can not be called a panacea for the disease.
These include:
- do not wear other people's belongings and shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal drugs;
- use only personal hygiene items - towels, scissors, nail file;
- walking in public places (saunas, baths or swimming pools) only in rubber shoes;
- Do not wear new shoes barefoot in the store or market, wear socks.
Recurrence is a common occurrence. It is observed in 6-8% of cases of recovery.
The result
Fungal diseases affect people regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and does not pay attention to changes in the nails. In the early stages of the disease is easy to treat, new and healthy ones grow in place of the affected nails.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, a comprehensive course of treatment with antifungal drugs. In the early stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can be used.