Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the depths of the nail and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate gradually changes shape. The early stages of nail fungus can be treated effectively.
How are the early stages
The symptoms in the early stages of the disease appear similar on both the arms and legs. Initially, the nail plate changes shade. Instead of pink, it becomes yellowish and dull, sometimes turning to gray. It is possible to change the structure of the plate - tubercles or other bulges appear on it.
In the future, longitudinal stripes, yellow spots or stains appear on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, at the same time it becomes brittle. The skin next to the nails also suffers from fungus, becoming inflamed and reddened. Often, spore infection occurs on the feet, first of all, 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 shape - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side view - the fungus is located on the side of the plate;
- superficial wounds - the surface of the plate suffers;
- proximal shape - periungual roller affected.
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 help from a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nail, if necessary, take scraps for the presence of mycelial fungus. After making a diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy aims to eliminate inflammation, restoring blood supply to diseased nails. Preparations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, lotions. They are applied on the affected nail plate, on the skin around it.
The most well -known antifungal agents:
- varnish. They are used several times a week. The active ingredient penetrates deep into the nail. They are among the most powerful anti-fungal agents;
- cream. Designed for the treatment of skin and periungual ridges. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from fungal penetration;
- drip. The drugs are applied to diseased nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- lotion kills fungus on the surface layer of the nail.
Sprays are used as a simple prophylaxis against onychomycosis. They process the soles of the feet, fingers and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, doctors conduct systemic therapy. The patient is taking antimycotic tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to quickly overcome the pathology. The duration and dosage are determined by the attending dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - the effect on microorganisms by laser radiation. In the early stages of the disease, it is enough for the patient to undergo only three to four procedures. This method not only kills pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone therapy - ozone injection is injected into the skin near the affected nail plate. Cells saturated with ozone, resistant to infection. Increased immunity in the body. But this procedure is effective only in the early stages of the disease.
Both methods only complement traditional treatments in the early stages. They are prescribed along with pills and topical treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
To cure the fungus at an early stage will help the advice of traditional medicine practitioners. Their advantage is that natural products are used, without chemical additives.
The main methods of treatment include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Take a shower, take for 15 minutes. Perform the procedure every day until all symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating foot fungus.
- In the first stage of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Soak your fingers in water with the addition of soda (one tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak a cotton pad in peroxide, place it on the affected nail and attach with a band-aid. Apply the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in treatment. These antiseptics are used as adjunctive medications at all stages of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract into the affected nail plate, do not wash off the oil. Run the therapy from 2 weeks until complete recovery. But this method is not suitable for children and women in attractive positions.
- Soda baths help in fighting fungus. Melt one tablespoon of soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grating soap) in two liters of hot water. Dip your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medications or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps eliminate onychomycosis. Every day, lubricate the nails with a solution of iodine. You can make an antiseptic bath - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water, keep your feet or hands in it for 10 minutes.
After bathing and other folk remedies, nails, fingers, and skin between the fingers should be thoroughly dried. Then put on your socks.
What are the complications
If the problem is ignored, the fungus will not disappear by itself, microorganisms will always multiply.
This is fraught with consequences:
- complete deformation of the nail plate;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- the infection will spread to healthy nail plates;
- the immune system will be weakened, a favorable environment will be created for the development of viral or other bacterial infections.
Preventive rules
The treatment of onychomycosis is lengthy and requires financial investment. Preventive measures will help protect yourself from the fungus, although they cannot be called a cure for the disease.
This includes:
- do not wear other people's belongings or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal medication;
- use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail file;
- in public places (sauna, bath or swimming pool) walk only with rubber shoes;
- do not try new shoes in the store or market barefoot, wear socks.
Relapses are a common occurrence. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases of the number of people who recover.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect people, regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and does not care about changes in the nails. Treatment in the early stages of the disease is simple, new and healthy ones grow in the area of the affected nail.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, a comprehensive course of treatment with antimycotic drugs is carried out. In the early stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can also be used.