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 deforms. The initial stage of nail fungus can be effectively treated.
How is the initial stage
The symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same on both the hands and feet. Initially, the nail plate changes color. From pink it becomes yellowish and matte, sometimes changing to 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 spots will be noticed on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, while at the same time becoming brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungus, becomes inflamed and red. Most often spore infection occurs on the feet, in the first place, onychomycosis develops on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In 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;
- side view - the fungus is located on the side of the plate;
- superficial lesion - the surface of the plate suffers;
- proximal shape - the nail plate is affected.
In the photo you can see the appearance of the nails in 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, will take a scrape for the presence of mycelial fungi. Once diagnosed, your doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Topical therapy is aimed at eliminating inflammation, restoring blood supply to the diseased nail. Preparations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, lotions. They are applied on the affected nail plates, on the skin around them.
The most famous antifungal drugs:
- varnishes. Apply several times a week. The active substances penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the most powerful antifungals;
- cream. Designed to treat the skin and periungual ridges. They are treated with strong nails to protect them from the penetration of fungi;
- drops. The drugs are applied to diseased nails. 1-2 drops;
- the lotion kills the fungus on the surface layers of the nails.
Sprays are used as a convenient prophylactic against onychomycosis. They treat the soles of the feet, toes and shoes.
In addition to topical treatment, doctors conduct systemic therapy. The patient takes antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to quickly deal with the pathology. The duration and dosage are prescribed by the dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - the impact on microorganisms through laser beams. In 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 - ozone injection is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. The cells are saturated with ozone, resistant to infections. The body's immunity increases. But this procedure is effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
Both methods only complement the traditional treatment in the initial stage. They are prescribed together with pills and topical treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
To cure the fungus in the early stages, the advice of traditional healers will help. 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 all 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 the addition of soda (a tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak cotton swabs in peroxide, place them on the affected nails and fix with adhesive tape. Wear the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in healing. This antiseptic is used as an adjunct in all stages 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 healing. But this method is not suitable for children and women in an interesting position.
- Soda baths help fight fungus. Dilute a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grated laundry soap) in two liters of hot water. Immerse your hands or feet in the solution. Hold them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with drugs or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps get rid of onychomycosis. Lubricate the nail with iodine solution every day. 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 skin between the fingers should be well dried. Then put on your socks.
What are the complications
If the problem is ignored, the fungus will not disappear on its own, the microorganisms will multiply constantly.
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 reduced, a favorable environment will be created for the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention rules
The treatment of onychomycosis is long and requires financial investment. Preventive measures will help protect you from the fungus, although it can not be called a panacea for the disease.
They 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 files;
- in public places (saunas, baths or swimming pools) walk only with rubber shoes;
- do not try new shoes in a store or market barefoot, wear socks.
Recurrence is a common phenomenon. It is observed in 6-8% of the cases of the number of cured.
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 pay attention to changes in the nails. Treatment in the initial stage of the disease is easy, new and healthy nails grow in the place of the affected ones.
The therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods a comprehensive course of treatment with antifungal drugs. In the initial stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can be used.