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
The symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same in both the arms and the legs. At first, the nail plate changes shade. From pink, it becomes yellow and dull, sometimes changing to a gray color. It is possible to change the structure of the plaque - tubercles or other bumps appear on it.
In the future, longitudinal lines, yellow spots or spots are noticed on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, at the same time becoming brittle. Even the skin near the nail suffers from mold, inflammation and redness. Most often, spore infection occurs in the foot, first of all, onychomycosis develops in 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 shape - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side view - fungi are located on the sides of the plate;
- superficial lesion - plaque surface suffers;
- proximal shape - touches the periungal roller.
In the picture 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, make an itch for the presence of mycelial fungus. After making a diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy aims to eliminate inflammation, restore blood supply to the diseased nail. Preparations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, creams. 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. The active substances penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the most powerful agents against mold;
- cream. Designed for the treatment of skin and periungal ridges. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from the penetration of fungi;
- point. Medications are applied to diseased nails. 1-2 drops;
- lotion kills the fungus on the surface layers of the nail.
Sprays are used as a suitable prophylaxis against onychomycosis. They process the soles of the feet, toes, and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, physicians perform systemic therapy. The patient is taking antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to cope quickly with the pathology. Duration and dosage are prescribed by the attending dermatologist.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - the impact on microorganisms by laser radiation. 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 pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone Therapy - An ozone injection is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. Cells are saturated with ozone, resistant to 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 in the initial stage. They are prescribed along with pills and local treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
To cure the fungus in the early stages will help the advice of traditional doctors. Their advantage is that natural products are used, without chemical additives.
The main methods of treatment include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Take a shower, take it for 15 minutes. Perform the procedure daily until all symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating foot mold.
- In the early stages of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Soak your fingers in water with the addition of baking soda (one tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak the cotton with peroxide, place on the affected nails and fix with a bandage. Wear the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil aids in healing. This antiseptic is used as an adjunct medicine in all stages of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract on the affected nail plates, do not wash off the oil. Perform therapy from 2 weeks until complete recovery. But this method is not suitable for children and women in an interesting position.
- Soda baths help fight fungus. Dilute a tablespoon of soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or laundry soap) in two liters of hot water. Soak your hands or feet in the solution. Hold them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat the nails with medication or antiseptic.
- 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 take 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 toes should dry well. 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 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 be lowered, 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 investment. Preventive measures will help protect against fungi, although they can not be called a cure for the disease.
This includes:
- do not wear other people's items or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal medications;
- use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail file;
- in public places (sauna, baths or swimming pools) walk only in rubber shoes;
- do not try new shoes in a store or market with bare feet, wear socks.
Relapse is a common occurrence. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases by the number of healed.
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, instead of the affected nails grow new and healthy.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, a comprehensive course of treatment with antifungal drugs is performed. In the early stages of onychomycosis, in addition to traditional medicine, folk recipes can also be used.