Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply deep in the nails and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate gradually deforms. The initial stage of nail fungus can be treated effectively.
how is the initial stage
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same on both 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 plaque: tubercles or other bumps appear.
In the future, longitudinal stripes, yellow spots or stains on the nails are noted. The plaque begins to expand and thicken, at the same time becoming brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungus, it becomes inflamed and red. In most cases, 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 injuries:
- distal form - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side 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, scrape 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 and 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:
- varnishesare applied several times a week. The active substances penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the most powerful antifungal agents;
- cream. Designed for the treatment of the skin and periungual ridges. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from the penetration of the fungus;
- drops. Medications are applied to diseased nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- lotion kills fungus in the superficial 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 antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to quickly cope with the pathology. The duration and dosage are prescribed by the treating dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy: the impact of laser beams on microorganisms. In the initial stages of the disease, it is enough for the patient to undergo only three or 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. The cells are saturated with ozone, they resist infections. Immunity increases in the body. But this procedure is effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
Both methods only complement 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. Its 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. Carry out the procedure every day until the disappearance of all symptoms. 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 (one tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak cotton pads in peroxide, place them on the affected nails and fix them with a Band-Aid. Wear the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in treatment. This antiseptic is used as an additional remedy in all degrees of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract on 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 in the fight against fungus. Dilute a tablespoon of soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grated laundry soap) in two liters of hot water. Submerge your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medication or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps to eliminate onychomycosis. Every day, lubricate the nail with an iodine solution. You can make antiseptic baths - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water, hold your feet or hands in it for 10 minutes.
After baths and other home remedies, the nails, fingers and the skin between the fingers should be completely dry. Then put on your socks.
What are the complications?
If the problem is ignored, the fungus will not go away 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 decrease, a favorable environment will be created for the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention rules
Treatment of onychomycosis is long and requires financial investments. Preventive measures will help protect from the fungus, although they cannot be called a panacea for the disease.
These include:
- don't wear other people's things or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal medications;
- 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 a store or market barefoot, wear socks.
Relapse is a common occurrence. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases from the number of people recovered.
Conclution
Fungal diseases affect people, regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and does not attach importance to nail changes. Treatment at the initial stage of the disease is easy, new healthy ones grow in place of the affected nails.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, comprehensive treatment with antifungal drugs is carried out. In the initial stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can also be used.