Loss of nail fungus is not only affects their appearance and quality of life, but can cause serious complications. Especially dangerous is the disease for people whose immune system is weakened and abnormal hormonal levels. Treatment of fungal infection is difficult and takes a long time. Later measures, the more difficult it is to get rid of the nail parasites, so when it detects the first signs of the disease should consult a dermatologist.
Causes of nail fungus
The defeat of the nail plate parasitic fungi called dermatophytes onychomycosis. The etiology of the disease involves not only the penetration of the parasite into the body, but also attaching it to 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 the reproduction of micro-organisms. Infection occurs through contact with exposed areas of the body with contaminated objects or an infected person.
After penetration of the parasites on the skin, they are fixed to the surface layer of the epidermis and gradually spread to healthy skin.
Before the penetration of the fungi into the deeper disease is asymptomatic, and because of the favorable conditions for pathogens is replaced by newly formed healthy cells outside of the Horny plates. In the presence of certain favorable conditions for the formation of favorable conditions for the growth of the whole mass of mushrooms is their penetration into the nail plate and the rapid progression of the nail.
The effects of the fungus on the nails
In the absence of timely treatment, the fungus spread to healthy nails. Violation of the aesthetics of the appearance of the fingers and toes — not the most dangerous consequence of the disease. Athlete's foot represents the focus of infection, which can provoke inflammation in the dermis and cause increased sensitivity to the organism. When allergens are in products, micro-organisms, which have a high toxicity to the human body.
Secrete pathogens of onychomycosis biological agents can trigger the development of body diseases, including very heavy. Under the influence of toxic bio-active substances, can develop the following diseases:
- skin inflammation, allergic nature;
- pay;
- acute damage to the entire surface of the skin and mucous membranes.
Persons who have been diagnosed with diabetes are not only at higher risk of fungal infection, but also often suffer from the effects of onychomycosis. For diabetics there is a violation of the sensitivity of the limbs, which interferes with the timely detect the first signs of the disease and delay the treatment of the disease in these patients, the infection is full of cracks in the skin of the athlete. The most common complications of fungal infection, diabetes are:
- infection of the bone;
- gangrene of the lower extremities;
- trophic ulcers of the foot.
The treatment of nail fungus
The duration of the therapeutic course of onychomycosis depends on the stage of disease and the nature of its flow. The goal of treatment is the removal (total destruction) of fungal parasites. System fungal medication is developed by a dermatologist on the basis of result of the diagnosis, during which reveals the type of the causative agent and check your body for other pathogens (if bacterial complications).
The arsenal of medical techniques include several methods for the destruction of fungi, the feasibility of which is determined by the doctor based on the degree of deformation of the nails. Treatment of fungal nails is one of the following methods:
- Drug – disease occurs in the form of light, the name is a local antimycotic agents (creams, lotions, gels, creams, paints, sprays) as monotherapy, onychomycosis moderate and severe forms of the therapeutic framework supplement tablets, capsules for oral administration.
- Laser treatment is indicated for small lesions without the opportunistic infections, there is an alternative method that can replace the long-term use of the drug.
- Removal of the nail plate – a radical method of treatment of onychomycosis is frequent and severe forms of the disease.
- Antibiotic treatment will be given in the event that complications a fungal disease, a bacterial infection.
Removal of the affected nail
Before the development of modern medicine for the treatment of fungal infection, nail removal was the only way to get rid of fungal infections. The classic way to remove the affected nail plate is surgical. At this moment, this very traumatic and painful method is resorted to rarely, which is associated with the risk of postoperative complications (wound infection, prolonged and difficult recovery period).
Alternative, less painful methods of removal are pedicures and laser treatment. During these procedures the plate softens keratolytic preparations and layers is removed, a special tool (a cone shaped blades, wherein the abrasive coating, or laser devices). The disadvantages of these methods include the risk of allergic reaction, infection, incomplete removal of the fungus.
Remove the nail plate without mechanical stress, and with the help of special preparations. Drugs, lvar of to soften the keratin (the material, the part of the nails) is called the ceratolici. The mechanism of their action is based on the ability of the main components (urea and acid) to change the structure of the disc, making it supple and soft.
Pills
Tablet-medication is indicated for moderate and severe fungal infections. System the treatment of onychomycosis are primarily 2 groups of antifungals – the azoles and the allylamines. Treatment the effectiveness of oral application of funds increase significantly, but the pills must be given under medical supervision, because of the presence of side effects related to the very specific action of antifungals.
Creams and lotions
Without the need of systemic treatment of fungal infections (mild form, the extent of damage are 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 enhance the effect of drugs, orally, therefore, the combined use of systemic and local treatment to accelerate the healing process.
Drug for nail fungus should appoint a dermatologist, who based on the clinical picture of the disease and the specific diagnosis of the pathogen. Inappropriate selection means that the treatment can be not only ineffective, but dangerous. The benefits of using creams and lotions to get rid of the fungus has less side effects, rapid elimination of unpleasant symptoms, disadvantages – duration of treatment and the ineffectiveness of a serious illness.
Treatment of fungus on the feet and hands with lacquer
Means of local action, used for direct application to the nail is an antifungal lacquer. The inclusion of the therapeutic treatment stops does not eliminate use of other dosage forms of antifungal. Independently, these tools can only be used for prevention. Advantage add-on therapy to stop is to remove the aesthetic defects in the form of changed color or shape changes, the disadvantage is the high cost of treatment.
Mechanism of action of antifungal drugs in the form of varnish, which are based on the fungicidal properties of their components. To improve the effectiveness of their help should be applied daily on cleansed dead tissues and fat from the nail plate (the old layer of varnish should be removed with a solvent).
Laser treatment
One of the modern methods for the treatment of fungus is laser treatment – burning laser beam of fungal colonies in a matrix of keratin plates without destroying healthy tissue. The indications for this procedure may be all forms and stages of onychomycosis. The use of laser provides immediate death of the parasite and accelerate the healing process. Several sessions of laser treatment (duration about 30 minutes) is determined on the basis of the severity of the loss. Produced manipulations do not cause pain and almost no side effects.
The treatment of nail fungus folk remedies
Use the recipes of traditional medicine in the treatment of onychomycosis are allowed only one of the methods of traditional therapy to enhance its therapeutic effect. If for some reason there is no opportunity to seek medical treatment if you notice signs of fungus, should take measures as early as possible to prevent the transition of the disease in a severe form (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% nuclear). Effective and quick way is to paste made of vinegar, eggs and butter. In a container, pour 200 ml of vinegar, leave the egg and remove in a dark place. When dissolved, the eggs should strain the liquid and give 1 teaspoon of oil. The resulting paste is applied 12-14 h under film steamed plots. As the softening of the plate it 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 antiseptic, such as iodine, – can you solve the problem over 1-2 treatments. In the later stages, this method is ineffective. Manipulation applied to the affected areas of the iodine stage, when the material would no longer absorb. Before the procedure, you should steam the legs or arms and allow them to dry completely. When a strong burning sensation during treatment is necessary to lower the limb 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 the feet or hands. The juice of the stem of a fresh-plucked celandine, it is necessary to moisten a cotton pad and apply it to the affected areas, covering them with gauze. Three times a day, this procedure will help for 2-3 weeks to get rid of the signs of the disease.
- Hydrogen peroxide. One of the methods, which promote the rapid removal of the fungal infection, is a three-step procedure with application of hydrogen peroxide. The surface is first treated with a mixture of vinegar (3%) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) in a ratio of 1: 1, after which the fingers are immersed in a 30 as well. a very weak solution of sodium hypochlorite. After soaking the tool should be washed, dry fingers or feet and put nails mix tea tree oil and vaseline. The duration of treatment is 1 week.
- Tincture Of Euphorbia. The treatment of skin and nail diseases, you can use all varieties of milkweed. To prepare the tincture, pour a small amount of the raw materials with boiling water and let it brew for 2-3 h. cooled down to 45-50 degrees in the infusion is necessary to steam feet or hands for half an hour. After 3-4 weeks of daily treatments, the symptoms disappear.
- The Tea tree oil. Content this means substances such as limonene, alpha-terpinene, sabine, alpha-phellandrene, cineol offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Destroy fungi-dermatophytes is recommended for 8-10 weeks baths add 15-20 drops of oil.
Prevention
Parasitic organisms are spread everywhere and completely restrict contact with them is impossible, but by observing certain precautions, you can reduce the risk of infection. Prevention patients is aimed at reducing the likelihood of infection and immune system protection to prevent the consolidation of pathogens in the body. The main preventive measures are:
- regular hygiene measures for the care of the skin of the feet and hands;
- to get rid of sweating feet;
- to remove excessive dryness of the skin;
- by limiting the contact of open skin objects in public places;
- daily change socks, stockings, tights, etc.;
- wearing comfortable shoes and clothing are made of breathable materials;
- timely treatment of microtrauma, degenerative changes of the nail plate;
- compliance with equipment sterilization and disinfection of tools for manicure and pedicure;
- avoiding harmful habits;
- adherence to the principles of a balanced diet, limiting the intake of sugary foods;
- from time to time (spring and autumn) the intake of vitamin complexes.
It is impossible to ignore the symptoms or try to self-diagnose. Most of the demand for medical care is already the most difficult stage of the disease, which is associated with trust of patients, that they can not develop onychomycosis because they adhere to all listed rules. Note that even if all the doctor's recommendations for the prevention of fungal infection the probability of infection is reduced, but some risk of infection still.