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 is gradually deformed. The initial stage of nail fungus can be effectively treated.
How is the initial stage
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same on both the arms and legs. At first, the nail plate changes shade. From pink, it becomes yellowish and dull, sometimes changing to a grayish color. 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 are noticeable on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, at the same time it becomes brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungi, becomes inflamed and reddens. Most often, spore infection occurs on the legs, first of all, onychomycosis develops on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
At the initial stage 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 form - the periungual roller is affected.
In the photo you can see the appearance of the nails, at the initial stage of onychomycosis.
How is the treatment
If you suspect onychomycosis, you should seek help from a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nails, if necessary, take a scraping for the presence of mycelial fungi. After making a diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy is aimed at eliminating inflammation, 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, to the skin around them.
The most famous antifungal agents:
- varnishes. They are applied several times a week. Active substances penetrate 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 the penetration of the fungus;
- drops. The drugs are applied to diseased nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- 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, 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 cope with the pathology. The duration and dosage is prescribed by the attending dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - the impact on microorganisms by laser beams. At the initial stages of the disease, it is enough for the patient to undergo only three to four procedures. 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, resist infections. Immunity increases in the body. But this procedure is effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
Both methods only complement the traditional treatment at the initial stage. They are prescribed along with pills and topical treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
To cure the fungus in the early stages will help the advice of traditional healers. Their advantage is that natural products are used, without chemical additives.
The main methods of treatment include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute it in equal proportions with warm water. Take a bath, take it for 15 minutes. Do the procedure every day until the disappearance of all symptoms. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating foot fungus.
- At the first stages of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Soak your fingers in water with the addition of soda (a tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak cotton pads in peroxide, place them on the affected nails and fix with a band-aid. Wear the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in the treatment. This antiseptic is used as an additional remedy at all degrees of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract into the affected nail plates, do not wash off the oil. Carry out therapy from 2 weeks until complete cure. But this method is not suitable for children and women in an interesting position.
- Soda baths help in the fight against fungi. Dilute a tablespoon of soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grated laundry soap) in two liters of hot water. Dip your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them on for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medicines or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps to get rid of onychomycosis. Every day, lubricate the nail with a solution of iodine. You can make antiseptic baths - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water, keep your feet or hands in it for 10 minutes.
After baths and other folk remedies, nails, fingers, and the 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 on its own, microorganisms will constantly 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 decrease, a favorable environment will be created for the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention rules
Treatment of onychomycosis is lengthy and requires financial investments. Preventive measures will help protect yourself from the fungus, although they cannot be called a panacea for the disease.
These include:
- do not wear other people's things or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal drugs;
- use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail file;
- in public places (saunas, baths or swimming pools) walk only in rubber shoes;
- do not try on new shoes in the store or on the market with bare feet, wear socks.
Relapse is a common occurrence. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases from the number of recovered people.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect people, regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and do not attach importance to changes in the nails. Treatment at the initial stage of the disease is easy, 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 antimycotic drugs is carried out. In the initial stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can also be used.