The defeat of the nails with fungus not only affects its aesthetic appearance and the quality of life, but it can cause serious complications. Especially dangerous is the disease for people with weakened immune systems and abnormal level of hormones. Treatment of fungal infection is difficult and requires a lot of time. The subsequent measures taken, the harder it is to get rid of the nail parasites, so that 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 is associated not only with the penetration of the parasite in the body, but also with the fixation in the Corneal layers, which can not happen without the creation of certain conditions. The main reason for the appearance of nail fungus is the presence of a favorable environment for the reproduction of the microorganisms. The infection occurs by contact sensitive areas of the body, with objects contaminated or infected person.
After penetration of the parasites in the skin, which is fixed in the surface layer of the epidermis and gradually spread to healthy skin.
Before the penetration of the fungi into the deeper layers of the disease are asymptomatic, and in the absence of favourable conditions for pathogens are replaced by newly formed healthy cells from outside the Cornea plates. In the presence of certain conditions that favour the formation of a favourable environment to increase the total mass of the fungi is their penetration into the nail plate and the rapid advance in the nails.
The effects of nail fungus
In the absence of timely treatment, the fungus spreads to healthy nails. Violation of the aesthetics of the appearance of the fingers and toes — it's not the most dangerous consequence of the disease. Athlete's foot represents the focus of the infection, which can cause inflammation in the dermis and cause increased sensitivity of the organism. As of the allergen are products of microorganisms that have high toxicity to the human body.
Secreted by the pathogens of onychomycosis biological substances that can cause the development of diseases of the body, including very heavy. Under the influence of toxic bio-active substances may develop the following diseases:
- inflammation of the skin allergic nature;
- liver;
- acute injury of the entire surface of the skin and mucous membranes.
People with diagnosed diabetes are not only at greater risk of fungal infection, but also often suffer from the effects of onychomycosis. In diabetics there is a violation of the sensitivity of the extremities that interferes with timely detect the first signs of the disease, delay in treatment of the disease in these patients the infection is full of cracks in the skin to the athlete. The most frequent complications of fungal infection in diabetes are:
- infection of the bone;
- gangrene of the lower extremities;
- trophic ulcers on the legs.
Treatment of nail fungus
The duration of the course of treatment in onychomycosis depends on the stage of the disease and the nature of its flow. The aim of the treatment for eradication (total destruction) of fungal parasites. Schema therapy antifungal is developed by a dermatologist on the basis of the result of diagnosis of the disease, during which reveals the type of the causative agent and checks in the body of other pathogens (in case of complicating bacterial infections).
The Arsenal of medical techniques includes various methods of destruction of fungi, the viability of which is determined by the doctor based on the degree of deformation of the nail. Treatment of nail fungus is one of the following methods:
- Drugs disease that occur in the form of light, are appointed by the city council antimycotic agents (creams, ointments, gels, lotions, paints, sprays) as monotherapy, with onychomycosis of moderate and severe forms of the therapeutic framework is complemented by tablets, capsules for oral administration.
- Laser therapy is indicated for a lesser evil in the absence of opportunistic infections, is an alternative method that can be used to replace long-term use of drugs.
- Removal of the nail plate – a radical method of therapy of onychomycosis is often recurrent and severe forms of the disease.
- Antibiotic therapy is administered in case of complications of fungal diseases bacterial infection.
The removal of the affected nail
Before the development of modern methods of medical treatment of a fungal infection of the nails, removal was the only way to get rid of yeast infections. The classic method of the removal of the affected nail plate is surgical. Currently, this very traumatic and painful method is used rarely, which is associated with the risk of postoperative complications (infection of the wound, prolonged and difficult recovery period).
An alternative less painful methods of removal include pedicure and laser therapy. During these procedures the plate softens keratolytic preparation and of the layers is removed with special tools (cone-shaped cutters with abrasive coating or laser equipment). The disadvantages of these methods include the risk of allergic reaction, infection, incomplete removal of fungi.
To remove the nail plate without mechanical tension, and with the help of special preparations. Drugs, lper at softening the keratin (material, part of the nail) is called ceratolici. The mechanism of their action is based on the capacity of the main components (urea and acid) to change the structure of the plate, which is flexible and soft.
Pills
Tablet medication is indicated for moderate and severe fungal infections. In the scheme of treatment of onychomycosis include, mainly, of 2 groups of antifungals – the azoles and the allylamines. The effectiveness of the therapy oral application of funds increases significantly, but the pills must be administered under medical supervision due to the presence of side effects associated with a large specific action of antifungals.
Ointments and creams
In the absence of the need of therapy for systemic infections by fungi (mild forms, the extent of the injury not more than 2/3 of the surface of the nail plate) drugs local actions can be used as monotherapy. Antimycotic ointments and creams for enhancing the action of drugs, taken by mouth, therefore, the combined use of systemic and local therapy accelerates the healing process.
The drug from nail fungus should appoint a dermatologist based on the clinical picture of the disease and specific for the diagnosis of the pathogen. Inappropriate choice of means of treatment may not only be ineffective, but dangerous. Advantages of the use of creams and ointments to get rid of the fungus are less side effects, rapid elimination of unpleasant symptoms, disadvantages – duration of treatment and ineffectiveness in severe disease.
Treatment of fungus on the feet and hands with lacquer
Means of local action, used for direct application to the nail is antifungal lacquer. The inclusion of a regimen varnish does not negate the use of other dosage forms of antifungal. Independently, these tools can only be used as a prevention. The advantage of add-on therapy varnishes is to eliminate aesthetic defects in the form of a change of color or deformation, the disadvantage is the high cost of the treatment course.
The mechanism of action of drugs antifungals in the form of varnishes based on fungicidal properties of its components components. To improve the effectiveness of its possibilities should be applied daily on cleansed from dead tissue and degreased nail plate (the old layer of varnish should be removed with a solvent).
Laser therapy
One of the modern methods of treatment of fungus is laser therapy – burning laser beam of colonies of fungus in a matrix of keratin plates without harming the healthy tissues. The indications for this procedure there may be all forms and stages of onychomycosis. The use of the laser provides a snapshot of the death of the parasite and accelerates the healing process. The number of sessions of therapy laser (duration 30 minutes) is determined in function of the severity of the defeat. Produced manipulations do not cause pain and almost never have side effects.
Treatment of nail fungus folk remedies
The use of recipes of traditional medicine for the treatment of onychomycosis are allowed only as one of the traditional methods of therapy to enhance its therapeutic effect. If for any reason there is no opportunity to seek medical attention if you notice signs of fungus, should take measures as soon as possible to avoid the transition of the disease into severe form (in the advanced stage of self-medication can lead to very dangerous consequences).
Because of the prevalence of fungal infections alternative medicine offers many ways of solving this problem, using internal and external funds. The most popular folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus:
- Vinegar (70% essence). Effective and fast means it is a paste made with vinegar, eggs and butter. In a bowl pour 200 ml of vinegar, omit the whole egg and remove in a dark place. Once dissolved, the eggs should strain the liquid and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. The paste resulting is applied for 12-14 h at the bottom of the film to the vapor patches. As in the softening of the plate should be cut up to the complete disappearance of the signs of mycosis.
- The iodine. If, immediately after the detection of the first symptoms of onychomycosis are available with an antiseptic, such as iodine, – can you solve the problem over 1-2 treatments. In the later stages, this method is ineffective. Manipulations that are applied to the affected areas of iodine to the point, while the substance does not leave to absorb. Before the procedure you should steam the feet or hands and give them to dry completely. When a strong burning sensation during the treatment is necessary to reduce the limb in a bowl of cold water.
- Juice of celandine. The plant has an effect bactericidal, which leads to their use for the treatment of fungal diseases. Therapeutic manipulations are performed to clean your feet or hands. The juice of the mother of fresh, torn celandine, it is necessary to moisten a pad of cotton and apply it to the affected areas, covering them with gauze. Three times daily this procedure will help for 2-3 weeks to get rid of the signs of the disease.
- The peroxide of hydrogen. One of the methods that contribute to the rapid elimination of the fungal infection, is a three-stage procedure with application of hydrogen peroxide. The area affected is first treated with a mixture of vinegar (3%) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) in the ratio of 1 to 1, after which the fingers are immersed for 30 sec. in a very weak solution of sodium hypochlorite. After soaking in the tool must be thoroughly washed, to dry the fingers or legs and to put on nails mixture of tea tree oil and vaseline. The duration of treatment is 1 week.
- Tincture of Euphorbia. For the treatment of skin and nail pathologies that can use all the varieties of milkweed. To prepare the dye, pour a small amount of raw materials with boiling water and leave to infuse for 2-3 h. cooled down to 45-50 degrees in the infusion is necessary to steam the legs or arms for half an hour. After 3-4 weeks of daily treatments, the symptoms should disappear.
- The tea tree oil. The content of this means of substances such as limonene, alpha-terpinene, sabine, alpha-phellandrene, cineol provides antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. For the destruction of fungi-dermatophytes is recommended for 8-10 weeks of baths with add 15-20 drops of oil.
Prevention
Parasitic organisms are spread everywhere and completely limit your contact with them is impossible, but through the observation of certain precautions, you can reduce the risk of infection. Prevention of onychomycosis is intended to reduce the likelihood of infection and the immune protection to prevent the consolidation of pathogens in the body. The main measures of prevention are:
- regular hygienic measures for the care of the skin of the feet and the hands;
- get rid of hyperhidrosis of the feet;
- removing excessive dryness of the skin;
- limit the open contact and skin furnishing the home in public places;
- daily change socks, stockings, tights, etc.;
- bring comfortable shoes and clothing made of materials breathable;
- the timely treatment of microtrauma, degenerative changes of the nail plate;
- in accordance with the facility's sterilization and disinfection of tools for manicure and pedicure;
- avoid habits that are harmful;
- adherence to the principles of a balanced diet, limit the intake of sugary foods;
- regular (spring and fall) to the intake of vitamin complexes.
It is impossible to ignore the symptoms or attempt to self-diagnosis. The greater part of the demand for medical care and is now in the severe stage of the disease, which is associated with the trust of patients who may not develop onychomycosis as they conform to the list of rules. Keep in mind that even with all the medical recommendations for the prevention of fungal infection the chance of infection is reduced, however, a certain risk of infection still remains.