Onychomycosis is a common disease in which the causative organism grows deep within the nail and surrounding tissues. As a result, the nail plate is gradually deformed. Toenail fungus in its early stages can be effectively treated.
How was the first phase?
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same in both arms and legs. At first, the nail plate changes shade. From pink, it becomes yellow and dull, sometimes turning gray. It is possible to change the structure of the sheet - nodules or other bulges appear on it.
In the future, vertical stripes, yellow spots or stains are easy to notice on the nails. The sheet begins to expand and thicken, and at the same time becomes brittle. The skin next to the nail is also infected, inflamed and red. Most often, spore infections occur on the feet, first with onychomycosis growing on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In the early stages of the disease, the fungus affects only one side of the nail. There are the following types of injuries:
- distal form - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- lateral - mushrooms are located on the sides of the disc;
- surface damage - the surface of the plate suffers;
- proximal form - rollers around the affected mouth.
In the photo you can see the appearance of nails, at the initial stage of onychomycosis.
How to treat?
If you suspect toenail fungus, you should seek the help of a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nail and, if necessary, scrape it for the presence of mycelium. After diagnosis, your doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy aims to eliminate inflammation, restore blood supply to the diseased nail. Preparations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, lotions. They are applied to the affected nail plates, to the skin around them.
The most well-known antifungal agents:
- varnish. They are applied several times a week. Active ingredients penetrate deep into the nail. They are one of the most powerful antifungal agents;
- cream. Designed to treat skin and ridges around the edges. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from fungal invasion;
- drop. The drug is applied to the diseased nail. 1 - 2 drops;
- The lotion kills the fungus on the surface layers of the nails.
Sprays are used as a convenient prophylactic against nail fungus. They handle the soles, fingers and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, doctors conduct systemic treatment. The patient is taking fever-reducing tablets or capsules. They destroy the infection and help to quickly cope with the pathology. The duration and dosage are prescribed by the attending dermatologist.
Other methods of treatment
- Laser therapy - acting on microorganisms with a laser beam. In the early stages of the disease, patients only need to undergo 3-4 courses. The method not only kills pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone therapy - an injection of ozone is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. Cells are saturated with ozone, which fights infection. Immunity increases in the body. But this procedure is only effective in the early stages of the disease.
Both methods are complementary to traditional treatment in the early stages. They are prescribed along with oral and topical medications.
How Traditional Medicine Can Help
To cure the fungus at an early stage will help the advice of healers. Their advantage is using natural products, without chemical additives.
The main treatments include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Take a bath, soak for 15 minutes. Do the procedure every day until the symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating foot fungus.
- In the early stages of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Soak your fingers in water with soda added (one tablespoon per two quarts of hot water). Dip cotton pads in peroxide, place them on the affected nail and secure with a fixing tape. Wear the compression bandage for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree oil helps with the treatment. This antiseptic is used as an additional remedy in all degrees of disease. Rub a few drops of the extract into the affected nail patches, do not wash off the oil. Carry out the course of treatment from 2 weeks until the disease is completely cured. But this method is not suitable for children and women in a position of interest.
- Baking soda helps fight fungus. Dilute one tablespoon of soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or ground laundry soap) in two quarts of hot water. Dip your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medicine or antiseptic.
- Regularly treating nail plaques with iodine helps to get rid of nail fungus. Daily, lubricate the nail with an iodine solution. You can make an antiseptic bath - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water, leave your feet or hands in it for 10 minutes.
After bathing and other folk remedies, fingernails, fingers and the skin between the fingers should be thoroughly dried. Then go all in.
What are the complications?
If the problem is ignored, the fungus will not go away on its own, microorganisms will not stop multiplying.
This is full of consequences:
- complete deformation of the nail plate;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- the infection will spread to the healthy nail plate;
- The immune system weakens, creating a favorable environment for infections caused by viruses or other bacteria to develop.
Precautionary rules
The treatment of nail fungus takes a long time and requires financial investment. Preventive measures will help protect you from the fungus, although they cannot be called a panacea for the disease.
Including:
- Do not bring other people's belongings or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungals;
- Use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail files;
- in public places (sauna, bath or swimming pool) wear only rubber shoes;
- Do not try on new shoes in a store or market with bare feet, wearing socks.
Addiction is a common occurrence. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases from recovered people.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect everyone, regardless of age and sex. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and does not take the changes on the nails seriously. Treatment in the early stages of the disease is easy, new and healthy nails will grow in place of the affected nails.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, besides local methods, a comprehensive course of antipyretic therapy is performed. In the early stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines can also apply folk recipes.