Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which the pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the depths of the nails and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate gradually deforms. The initial stage of nail fungus can be treated effectively.
What is the initial stage
In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms appear in the arms and legs in the same way. At first, the nail plate changed shades. Pink will turn yellow and dull, sometimes turning gray. It is possible to change the structure of the disc - tubers or other bumps will appear on it.
In the future, there will be longitudinal streaks, yellow spots, or spots on your nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, but at the same time becomes brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungus, inflammation and redness. Most commonly, spore infections occur on the feet, especially onychomycosis in 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 mushroom is on the sides of the plate;
- surface change - the surface of the disc suffers;
- proximal shape - the periungual roller is affected.
The picture shows the appearance of nails in the early stages of onychomycosis.
How the treatment is done
If you suspect onychomycosis, seek the help of a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nails and, if necessary, scrape the mycelium. After making the diagnosis, your doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
The goal of local therapy is to eliminate inflammation and restore the blood supply to the patient’s nails. The preparations can be varnishes, sprays, body lotions. It is applied to the affected nail plates, the skin around them.
The most famous antifungal agents:
- varnishes. They are used several times a week. The active ingredients penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the strongest antifungal agents;
- cream. Designed to treat skin and ribs around the nails. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from the intrusion of the fungus;
- drops. The drugs are applied to the patient's nails. 1-2 drops;
- lotion destroys fungi on the surface layers of the nail.
Sprays are used as a convenient prophylactic against onychomycosis. They machine the sole, the toes and the shoes.
In addition to topical treatment, physicians perform systemic therapy. The patient is taking antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help them cope quickly with the pathology. The duration and dosage are prescribed by the treating dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - the effect of laser beams on microorganisms. In the initial stages of the disease, it is sufficient for the patient to undergo only three to four procedures. The method not only kills the pathogenic fungi but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone therapy - an ozone injection is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. The cells are saturated with ozone, resistant to infections. Immunity is enhanced in the body. But this procedure is only effective in the early stages of the disease.
Both methods complement the traditional treatment only in the initial stage. These are prescribed along with tablets and topical treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
Healing the fungus in the early stages helps with the advice of traditional healers. Their advantage is that they use natural products without chemical additives.
The main treatment methods are:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Take a bath for 15 minutes. Perform the procedure every day until all symptoms have disappeared. 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 to two liters of hot water). Soak cotton swabs in peroxide, place on affected nails, and secure with wound dressing. Wear the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- The essential oil of tea tree helps in the treatment. This antiseptic is used as an adjunct treatment in all stages of the disease. Rub a few drops of extract into the affected nail plates, do not wash off the oil. Perform therapy for 2 weeks until complete recovery. But this method is not suitable for children and women in interesting situations.
- Soda baths help fight fungi. Dilute a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grated laundry soap) in two liters of hot water. Dip your hands or feet into the solution. Hold them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medications or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine will help get rid of onychomycosis. Lubricate your nails daily with iodine solution. 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 bathing and other folk remedies, the nails, fingers and skin between the fingers should be thoroughly dried. Then pick up your socks.
What are the complications
If we ignore the problem, the fungus does not go away on its own, the microorganisms keep multiplying.
This is fraught with consequences:
- complete deformation of the nail plate;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- the infection spreads to healthy nail plates;
- the immune system is reduced, a favorable environment is created for the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention rules
Treating onychomycosis is a lengthy and financial investment. Preventive measures help protect yourself from the fungus, although they cannot be called a panacea for the disease.
These include:
- do not wear the belongings or shoes of others. Ultimately, treat them with antifungal medications;
- use only personal care products - towels, scissors, nail file;
- walk only in rubber boots in public places (sauna, spa or swimming pool);
- do not try new shoes in a store or market barefoot, wear socks.
Relapse is common. It can be observed in 6-8% of the cases.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect people regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what a fungus looks like at an early stage and doesn’t attach importance to nail changes. In the initial stages of the disease, treatment is simple, new and healthy ones grow at the site of the affected nails.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, comprehensive treatment with antifungal drugs is performed. In the early stages of onychomycosis, folk recipes can be used along with traditional medicines.