If the nails change color, crack and peel, this indicates the development of onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail plates.When the first signs of the disease appear, its development can be stopped using ointments and drops for nail fungus;Severe stages cannot be cured by external means.
Choose a fungicide product
When choosing an antifungal (fungicidal) drug, you must first take into account the type of fungus that has affected the nail.The most common cause of onychomycosis is fungi of the genus Trychophyton, followed by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.Only a laboratory nail scraping test can accurately identify the pathogen.
Nails infected with fungus will change color and have yellow, brown or gray spots on them.The nail plate can become abnormally thick, lose its shine and become deformed.For initial fungal infections, external agents are used - ointments or drops.The advantage of these dosage forms compared to drugs for internal use is the absence of toxic effects on the liver and other organs.External agents act directly on the affected area, effectively destroying mold and their spores.
Popular antifungal preparations include drops against nail fungus on toes and hands - these products do not leave greasy residue on skin and clothes, are quickly absorbed and have high therapeutic activity.Most modern antifungal drops can fight some types of onychomycosis, so laboratory tests are not required before using these products, and the drug can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.
The best drops for mushrooms
Patients and doctors have several requirements for antifungal drops, the first of which is safety.Treatment of nail fungus lasts three months or more, therefore the medicinal substances contained in the preparation must not have a systemic effect on the body.
Another requirement for fungicide drops is a wide spectrum of action.The active ingredients not only kill certain types of dermatophyte fungi (have a fungicidal effect), but also prevent the growth of their spores (this ability is called a fungicidal effect).
Patients also pay attention to the cost of antifungal drugs - long-term treatment requires purchasing several packages;For some buyers, price becomes one of the important selection criteria.
You should not self-medicate;The specialist will choose the most suitable toenail fungus treatment drops based on the test results.
Some are not used to treat onychomycosis;they are prescribed for fungal skin lesions.For nail fungus, drops are used in parallel with other medications to prevent the spread of fungal lesions to the skin.
Rules apply
Antifungal drops are a simple and effective way to combat nail fungus, but patients may experience some difficulty using them.This is because the source of infection is under the nail plate, which is very difficult to reach.
In order for the medicine to achieve its goals, patients need to follow some recommendations when using antifungal drops.
Rules for using liquid antifungal drugs:
- Before applying the medicinal composition, the feet and hands are steamed, the dead cuticle and the affected area of the nail are cleaned.
- After cleaning, the skin and nails are dried.
- The edges of the nail plate are trimmed, the surface is cleaned with a nail file.
- Drops are applied to the affected area, trying to drip the solution under the nail plate.
- Be sure to treat healthy skin around damaged nails.
If the fungal infection has spread deep into the tissue, you need to consult a doctor - the drops may no longer be effective and the nail will need to be removed.For severe fungal infections, doctors prescribe medical antifungal medications.Treatment of onychomycosis can take several years;It is impossible to cope with certain types of diseases without the help of a specialist.
Prevent nail fungus
Nail fungus can easily become infected in public places - bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms.About a third of patients are susceptible to the disease due to age-related changes - in older people, immunity decreases, as a result of which dermatophytes easily adhere to the nail plate, and the person becomes a source of infection for his family.
To prevent fungal nail infections, you need to take the following precautions:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Don't wear other people's sandals.
- Use only your own towel.
- Have your own nail file if someone in the family has nail fungus.
- After visiting water parks and swimming pools, use antifungal medication for prevention.
- Enhance immunity.
Without proper treatment, onychomycosis will lead to destruction of the nail plate;The sooner antifungal therapy is started, the better the chances of maintaining the beauty and health of the nails.