Ointment for onychomycosis of nails. Onychomycosis of nails, drug treatment

Content

How many physical problems are caused by the appearance of the symptoms of this disease, but the psychological discomfort is especially unbearable! Onychomycosis - what is it, why does nail damage occur and what drugs can be used to treat the infection at home? Methods of struggle and prevention, symptoms in various forms of pathology - everything can be found in the overview of the features of the manifestation of pathology.

What is onychomycosis

An infectious disease in which the nail plates on the feet and hands are damaged is provoked by pathogenic microorganisms. The causative agents of onychomycosis are numerous forms of fungi that spread instantly in a warm and humid environment. The infection is transmitted by contact-household method. Fungal diseases of the nails cause:

dermatophytes;
yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida;
mold forms.

Often, fungal infections of the nails become a consequence of fungal infections that affect the skin of the feet and hands. When, under the influence of a number of conditions, a malnutrition of the nail plates occurs, fungal spores begin active reproduction. In doing so, they:

are highly durable;
unpretentious to the conditions of existence;
cause unpleasant symptoms;
difficult to treat when advanced.

Classification

To make it convenient to process information about fungal diseases, navigate the symptoms, describe infections, a classification of onychomycosis by location is used. This takes into account which part of the nail plate is covered by pathology. Forms of nail mycosis are distinguished:

hypertrophic;
lateral lesion;
normotrophic;
proximal onychomycosis;
distal;
white superficial onychomycosis;
atrophic lesion;
dystrophic onychomycosis.

There is a classification according to the stages of infection development:

early stage - characterized by the absence of severe symptoms, diagnosed after analysis;
the period of progression of the disease - a change in color is observed, furrows, depressions appear, gloss is lost, deformation of the nail occurs;
the advanced stage is characterized by the complete destruction of the plate.

Symptoms

Onychomycosis of the nails is more common in the elderly. The symptoms of a fungal infection depend on the type of pathogen, but there are similar signs. When the disease appears:

discoloration of the nail plates - from yellow, green to brown, black;
cracking of the nail;
fragility, delamination;
increase in the thickness of the nail.

In the initial stages of onychomycosis, reddening of the skin around the nail is noted, accompanied by burning, itching. If you start treating the infection right away, you can quickly achieve recovery. When onychomycosis of the nails progresses, the symptoms are more pronounced. Dermatologists note:

inflammation of the nail fold;
plate deformation;
the appearance of bumps;
the formation of longitudinal and transverse furrows;
complete destruction of the nail.

A feature of this type of fungal infection is that the plate retains its thickness and luster. At the beginning of the disease, a yellow-ocher color is observed at the distal (free) edge. With the development of the disease occurs:

thickening in the corners of the plate due to subungual hyperkeratosis - active formation of skin scales;
spots and stripes appear, which increase in size, cover the entire surface;
the nail becomes completely yellow, retaining its shine.

Hypertrophic form

Onychomycosis of the nails in this form of the disease often affects the first toes. The main sign of infection is yellowing of the nail. In the absence of treatment, changes begin:

the plate is greatly thickened due to hyperkeratosis;
shine disappears;
onychogryphosis develops - the nail becomes like a bird's claw;
there is coloring, destruction on the sides;
severe deformation occurs.
pain occurs while walking;
noticeable redness of the roller;
plate darkens.

Atrophic onychomycosis

With this form of infection caused by fungi, the lesion begins at the outer end of the nail, moves towards the growth zone, the skin roller. In this case, the color becomes brownish-gray. With an atrophic form, there are:

gloss loss;
thinning of the nail, reducing its size due to destruction and deformation;
exposure of the nail bed;
layering of loose horny scales in the growth zone;
spread of infection to neighboring tissues;
complete atrophy of the plate.

Type of onycholysis

Fungal infection of the nails with this form of infection is more common on the fingers. Onycholytic pathology is characterized by a violation of the bonds between the soft tissues and the plate. With the development of onychomycosis occurs:

exfoliation of the nail while maintaining its shape;
gloss loss;
color change to gray, yellow, except for the matrix zone;
development of the lesion from the distal edge, with advancement to the proximal (opposite);
the occurrence of a fungal infection on the feet, hands;
increased fragility;
thickening;
hyperkeratosis of the nail bed.

The reasons

To provoke a fungal infection can external and internal factors. Of particular danger is a decrease in immunity. At risk are people who have:

skin infections;
metabolic disorders;
excess weight;
circulatory disorders in the limbs;
hormonal imbalance;
diabetes;
vegetovascular dystonia;
blood diseases;
flat feet;
AIDS;
age changes.

Onychomycosis of the feet and bones can develop as a result of prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal drugs. You can get a fungal infection:

using someone else's shoes, gloves;
in case of injury;
while visiting the bath, swimming pool;
in case of constant overheating of the legs;
in case of non-compliance with personal hygiene;
during work in conditions of high humidity, temperature;
with severe sweating of the feet;
when performing a pedicure, manicure with a poorly processed tool;
when using low-quality shoes in which the feet sweat and squeeze.

Complications

It is very important to start timely treatment of onychomycosis and bring it to the end. If the infection is not destroyed, it can be dangerous for the whole organism. Complications are not excluded:

spread of the disease to the skin of the body, hair;
entry of the fungus into the blood, infection of internal organs;
decreased immunity;
increased susceptibility to colds, inflammatory processes;
exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
development of allergic reactions;
the appearance of dermatitis;
provoking asthma attacks;
infection of the lymphatic system;
decrease in general tone, loss of strength.

Diagnostics

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis, to identify the causative agent of the infection. This will help to quickly cope with the disease. When diagnosing onychomycosis:

a dermatologist conducts a visual examination of the plates for the presence of characteristic symptoms;
a scraping of the affected tissues is performed or a piece of the nail is taken for analysis;
the material is sown on a nutrient medium;
viewed under a microscope;
the diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of mycelium and spores of the fungus.

Treatment of onychomycosis of nails

To cope with the infection, you can not self-medicate. It is necessary to contact a dermatologist at the initial stage of the disease. An integrated approach to treatment is required, for this at home you will need:

antifungal treatment of common items;
personal hygiene;
daily change of socks;
treatment of the inner surface of the shoe with antifungal drugs, disinfectants.

At the initial stage of the disease, the infection can be dealt with using local preparations - gels, sprays, varnishes prescribed by a doctor. A neglected disease requires an integrated approach, the use of:

medicinal antifungal drugs;
antimycotic ointments;
means of improving blood circulation;
laser treatment;
physiotherapy to increase blood flow in the limbs;
removal of the plate in case of total onychomycosis.

Treatment plan for nail fungus

Dermatology uses a modern method of treating fungal infections - pulse therapy. The drugs are taken in short courses, between which there is a long break. This helps to avoid side effects, to accumulate active substances in the carotene-containing plate structures. The treatment regimen depends on the symptoms, the severity of the disease, and includes:

the use of antifungal solutions;
the use of varnishes, ointments externally;
oral administration of antimycotic agents;
traditional medicine recipes;
removal at the destruction of the plate.

Preparations

To combat onychomycosis, groups of drugs with features are used. They differ in their effect on the body, they are used in the form of tablets, antifungal creams, ointments. Dermatologists prescribe:

azoles that destroy the membrane of fungal cells - Itraconazole;
allylamines blocking the synthesis of stearins - Terbinafine;
drugs that improve blood circulation - Agapuril;
antihistamines that reduce itching - Suprastin;
immunomodulators - Immunal.

Tablets

It is impossible to do without drugs for internal use with complications, an advanced form of onychomycosis. Tablets and capsules produce a powerful antifungal effect through the blood. For treatment apply:

Fluconazole, fights yeast forms, dermatophytes, begins to influence after five days;
Griseofulvin - requires prolonged use, recommended after surgical removal;
Terbinafine - is effective in the treatment of feet and hands, the course is up to one and a half months.

Ointments

Local preparations are used in the complex treatment of onychomycosis. Apply to the surface, according to the instructions, 2-3 times a day until the symptoms disappear. Popular antimycotic ointments:

Exoderil - inhibits the activity of the fungus, is not used for open wounds;
Microspore - the active ingredient is bifonazole, the course of treatment is up to a month;
Lamisil - contains terbinafine, is not recommended for children under two years of age.

Antifungal varnishes

Dermatologists prescribe these drugs for minor lesions of the nail plates. The varnish easily penetrates through small cracks, increasing the effect of the treatment. A dense film after drying prevents the flow of oxygen, the growth of the fungus. Before application, the surface of the plate is degreased with a solution of iodine, alcohol. Affected tissues are removed with a file. Popular antimycotic varnishes:

Oflomelid - has a wide spectrum of action;
Mikozan - based on natural ingredients;
Batrofen - counteracts most fungi.

Nail removal

There are conservative methods of treatment that help painlessly remove the affected nail. For this, special drugs Nogtimycin, Nogtivit are used. When using them, you must:

steam your legs in a soda solution;
protect the skin around the nail with adhesive tape;
apply the drug in a thick layer;
seal the surface with a plaster;
withstand 4 days;
steam out the legs;
remove the affected tissue with a file, scissors;
continue the process until the nail is completely cleaned.

Surgical removal

When conservative treatments fail and the disease progresses, surgery is recommended. Its minus is the probability of irreversible damage to the matrix, but at the same time the lesion is removed, the risk of recurrence of the infection is reduced. The operation is performed with local anesthesia:

the finger is treated with an antiseptic;
a tourniquet is applied to the base;
tweezers are inserted under the free edge from the corner;
gradually separate the plate;
remove hyperkeratosis;
treat the surface with an antibiotic;
apply a sterile bandage.

Folk methods

In a comprehensive solution to the problem of fungal infection, recipes of traditional healers are used. The use of medicinal herbs, natural products helps to quickly cope with onychomycosis. Efficiency is noted:

the use of baths with soda, salt;
applying iodine to the nail plate;
surface treatment with hydrogen peroxide;
use of applications with vinegar;
applying compresses from garlic gruel;
rubbing lemon juice into the nail plate.

Prevention

To avoid infection with onychomycosis, to exclude recurrence of the disease after a course of treatment, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules at home. Prevention methods will help to avoid unpleasant consequences. Recommended:

do not use someone else's shoes, clothes;
daily change socks, tights;
dry wet shoes well;
periodically disinfect it;
observe personal hygiene;
when visiting the pool, sauna, wear slippers;
treat scuffs, cracks;
avoid injury;
strengthen immunity.

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Attention! The information provided in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Onychomycosis - what is this disease, causes, pathogen, manifestations on the arms and legs and treatment regimens

Unfortunately, most people do not take the fungal infection of both hands and feet seriously, perceiving this phenomenon as a kind of cosmetic defect that will subsequently go away on its own.

But the fact that a chronic fungal infection seriously affects not only the immune system, but also causes more serious diseases, is known only to a small number.

And this especially applies to onychomycosis of the nails, which, although not always clearly noticeable, but in the absence of timely treatment, passes into a protracted chronic form with various complications.

And in today's article, we will consider what nail onychomycosis is, its treatment and how inexpensive but effective drugs can be used.

Find out right now:

What is nail fungus

Fungal infection of the toenails, medically called onychomycosis, is a fairly contagious disease. In most cases, the disease occurs against the background of a fungal infection of the hand or skin.

As a rule, at the initial stage, it is practically indistinguishable and does not cause any concern for its carrier.

After a short time period, the appearance of the nail plate changes dramatically for the worse.

But literally after a short period of time the appearance of the nail plate changes dramatically in a rather worse direction, which seriously affects the psychological well-being of a person.

And then not only do you have to periodically answer rather unpleasant questions, but also experience some discomfort from the affected area.

And this is not to mention the fact that acquaintances or friends who know about such a problem can minimize all possible contacts as much as possible, being careful not to catch the infection.

In order not to start the disease to an extreme degree of severity, you need to know about a little trick that allows you to identify nail fungus in the early stages at home.

Yes, for this you need to lower your legs for a short time in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. In this case, the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe nail plate will become white, in contrast to healthy, brown ones.

It is necessary for a short time to lower the legs into a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

It is also necessary to remember that a fungal infection, even at an early stage, requires professional medical advice.

Do not miss the most interesting article of the site:

Causes

As a rule, having identified onychomycosis of the nails, treatment is inexpensive, but effective. But before we talk about possible options for getting rid of such an ailment, we will consider the reasons leading to its appearance.

So, the infection occurs:

While in saunas, swimming pools or changing rooms. It is worth noting that the fungus thrives in a warm and humid environment ;

When wearing foreign shoes. Remember that harmless, at first glance, wearing slippers by guests can be one of the causes of infection;

While using towels that previously belonged to a person suffering from a fungal infection.

Infection can occur during a stay in saunas, swimming pools or changing rooms.

Also, the symptoms of the disease can significantly increase with:

Abuse of personal hygiene.
Increased sweating.
Walking in the same socks.
Using household chemicals without wearing protective gloves.
Decreased immune defense of the body.
Various pathologies of the thyroid gland.
Exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is rather curious that the number of onychomycosis patients in childhood is much less than in older ones.

Symptoms

The most common mistake most people make is that they at the first suspicion of the development of onychomycosis of the nails, they themselves prescribe treatment from inexpensive but effective drugs.

It would seem that there is no danger in this, but even here the main thing is not to overdo it, so that in the future you do not have to recover after such therapy. So let's take a look at what are the severity of this disease:

The severity of the fungus.

1. Initial. Characterized by the appearance on one or more nail plates, small stripes or spots, whitish. As a rule, they are located almost near the cut itself or at its corner part.

For treatment at this stage enough standard varnishes or you can use folk remedies.

2.The appearance of the fungus . At this stage, the foreign spot covers almost the entire half of the nail plate. There is also a change in its shade from whitish to yellow, and sometimes even reaching brown or black.

It will take a much longer period of time to get rid of the disease and the use of special medications.

3. heavy. It develops, as a rule, with a long absence of therapeutic measures or with the use of ineffective medications.

In this case, the entire surface of the nail is affected. The nail plate acquires a dirty yellow tint and becomes noticeably thickened.

Also, the affected area begins to cause quite painful sensations, giving way to periodic itching. In this variant, an integrated approach is no longer indispensable.

Also, the affected area begins to cause quite painful sensations, giving way to periodic itching. In this variant no longer possible without an integrated approach. In rather advanced cases, even amputation of the affected nail is possible.

What are inexpensive, but effective drugs for the treatment of onychomycosis of the nails

With onychomycosis of the nails, the best treatment is drugs that are inexpensive, but effective. This is how most people try to deal with this unpleasant disease.

But before embarking on getting rid of such an unpleasant ailment, many people skip a rather important chain, namely a visit to the doctor, which will help not only determine the type of fungus, but also the most effective drug. So, the most popular of them include:

Lamisil.
Fluconazole.
Clotrimazole.
Exoderil.
Candide.
Loceryl (lacquer).

Let's consider each of them separately.

Lamisil

This drug rightfully belongs to one of the most popular inexpensive medications, the treatment of which very effectively eliminates onychomycosis of the nails.

Under the influence of Lamisil active suppression of enzymes of the fungus occurs resulting in the destruction of infectious cells. The course of treatment with such tablets is quite long and is about 60 days.

Under the action of Lamisil, there is an active suppression of fungal enzymes.

A drug is used to suppress a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. It is also worth noting that in addition to their positive properties, Lamisil causes some side effects , which include:

loss of appetite and taste;
gagging;
allergy;
diarrhea.

Fluconazole

After the specialist confirms the diagnosis of onychomycosis of the nails. Treatment - drugs are inexpensive, but effective - the first thing the patient asks. And it is to these that this drug, also known as Diflucan, can be attributed.

Fluconazole is effective for fungal infections of moderate severity.

It is available in the form of capsules for oral administration. Effective for fungal infections of moderate severity. Already on the 5th day of admission, its average concentration in the horny plate is about 90%.

This drug can be taken with the defeat of fungi of the genus Candida and various dermatitis. The daily dose of administration is 150 mg. The minimum period of use is from 4-7 months.

No specific side effects were found, but with a sufficiently long period of use, there may be violations of the kidneys or liver.

Lac Loceryl

In addition to drugs inside, there are inexpensive, but effective drugs for the treatment of onychomycosis of the nails, which must be used externally. And the most popular means of this spectrum of action include Loceryl varnish. Apply it directly to the affected area.

The specificity of its action is the active destruction of fungal cells using the active substance amorolfine contained inside the varnish. So, after applying it to the surface, you need to wait a bit to let the drug absorb a little.

Lac Loceryl.

The first results of its application will be noticeable already on the 7th day of application. The indisputable advantage of using varnish is that, unlike other medicines, it does not accumulate inside the body, thereby poisoning it.

The drug is active against many types of fungus. Such as: Candida, Trichophyton, Coccidoides, Mycrosporum.

But it is worth emphasizing that this remedy is powerless against the Fungi Actinomycesu Propionibacteriumacnes. That is why, before using this drug, it is strongly it is recommended to be examined by a doctor. This will save not only time, but, of course, money.

It is also worth emphasizing its ease of use. So, after acquiring the drug, it is enough to perform a fairly simple sequence of actions, consisting in:

Getting rid of the affected areas of the skin with the help of a special nail file that comes with the varnish.
Removal of fatty folds accumulated on the nail with a swab.
Applying the drug to the nail plate with a special spatula.
Wait until the product is completely dry. As a rule, this happens within 3-5 minutes.

After that, all that remains is to close the bottle cap and wash the swab.

The preparation is applied to the nail plate using a special spatula.

The duration of treatment can be from 9 months to 1 year.

As for side effects, they are quite rare. They are characterized by the appearance of small red marks and a slight burning sensation in the area of application. If they do not disappear within a few days, then it is best to take a short break.

An analogue is the instruction of which can be found at the link.

Exoderil

To date, this tool is one of the most inexpensive, but effective drugs for the treatment of onychomycosis of the nails. It is available both in the form of a cream and in the form of a solution. But, as a rule, with a fungal infection of the legs, it was the solution that proved to be the best.

At its core, Exoderil contains naftifine hydrochloride, which actively penetrates into all layers of the skin and destroys the walls of fungal cells. In addition, the wide demand for this drug is characterized by its excellent anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect.

At its core, Exoderil contains naftifine hydrochloride, which actively penetrates into all layers of the skin and destroys the walls of fungal cells.

The maximum result from the use of this drug will be only in the initial stages of the disease. It should also be noted that he actively fights only against certain types of fungi. Therefore, before using it, it is necessary to accurately establish the nature of the disease.

Besides, its application is also not difficult.. So, before applying it, you must first clean the surface. Salt baths are perfect for this purpose. Next, wipe your feet with a towel and remove the affected area. After that, the preparation itself is applied directly to the prepared area.

The duration of treatment can be about 8 months.

Candide

This drug is quite often prescribed by most doctors for the treatment of onychomycosis of the nails, as an inexpensive but effective drug. At its core, it contains the notorious clotrimazole.

Active against a wide range of fungi of the genus Candida, dermatophytes and molds. As a rule, this remedy is used only in the final stages and after the inflammation has been removed from the affected area.

At its core, Candide contains the notorious clotrimazole.

Candide is applied up to 3 times a day and pointwise on the affected area. The only thing that needs to be done before this is to thoroughly rinse and dry your feet.

Side effects include mild itching and burning., which usually disappear after discontinuation of the drug.

In conclusion, I would like to say that sometimes many of the people, while looking for a remedy for onychomycosis of the nails and its treatment, find simple, but effective and fairly inexpensive drugs for the disease. Or an effective folk remedy to get rid of such an ailment.

However, in order not to exclude the emergence of drug resistance of the fungal infection, nevertheless it is recommended to undergo an initial examination by a specialist.

Infection with pathogenic fungi is extremely common. Fungal infection of the nails (onychomycosis) is a disease accompanied by the development of unpleasant symptoms, which significantly worsens the patient's well-being and quality of life. Treatment should be comprehensive and include both local nail treatment and systemic medications. Dermatologist patients are very interested in the question of which nail fungus pills are the most effective, safe and inexpensive.

Risk factors and causes of infection

The causative agents of fungal infections of the skin, nails and other tissues of the human body are a variety of pathogenic fungi. The most common route of infection is contact-household. You can become infected with mycosis when visiting public places: baths, saunas, swimming pools, beaches. It is easy to become infected when trying on other people's things and shoes, wearing clothes made of synthetic non-breathable materials, and not following basic hygiene rules.

If a person has good immunity, then contact with a microorganism can pass without consequences, that is, the body will cope with the fungus on its own, will not give it the opportunity to multiply. If the immunity is reduced, the protective forces to fight the infection are not enough, then the infected person develops the characteristic symptoms of mycosis.

Risk factors are pathological or physiological conditions that occur with the development of immunodeficiency:

Overview of active ingredients used in preparations

Medicines for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin of the extremities and nails are called antimycotics. They are prescribed as part of complex therapy for extensive lesions, at a stage when local exposure alone is not enough.

Antimycotics have a detrimental effect on all forms of the fungus: mycelium and spores.

List of the main active ingredients that make up antimycotic drugs:

terbinafine;
fluconazole;
itraconazole;
ketoconazole;
clotrimazole;
natamycin;
griseofulvin.

Overview of effective remedies

On the shelves of pharmacies you can find a large number of various drugs for nail fungus. In order to make the right choice, you need to consult a doctor who will select the treatment based on the age, weight of the patient, individual intolerance and concomitant pathological or physiological conditions.

Preparations against nail fungus from different pharmaceutical groups differ from each other in efficiency, mechanism of action, frequency and duration of administration, undesirable effects and cost.

Lamisil, Lamikon, Exifin, Fungoterbin

The active ingredient in these antifungal tablets is terbinafine. It has a fungicidal and fungistatic effect: it stops the reproduction of dermatophytes and destroys the membrane of microorganism cells, destroys mold fungi, but is less effective against yeast-like species.

Lamisil and similar drugs are prescribed for the treatment of advanced stages of onychomycosis with a long course - more than 2 months. Lamisil is one of the most expensive anti-fungal drugs. Its price is approximately 1200 rubles for 14 tablets. For comparison, the usual Terbinafine (the same dose and quantity) is cheaper, costs around 500 rubles, its analogue Exifin is 850 rubles.

Diflucan, Mikosist

The active substance is fluconazole. It inhibits the activity of many representatives of pathogenic fungi, destroying their membranes. Fluconazole reaches a concentration sufficient for exposure in the structure of the nail plate approximately 5 days after the start of administration. Take Diflucan at the dosage prescribed by your doctor. The course of treatment - up to six months.

Diflucan is considered a fairly safe drug, but still it is prescribed with caution for serious pathologies of the kidneys and liver. The cost of 1 capsule is 500 rubles.

Irunin

The main substance is itraconazole. This is the most effective modern synthetic remedy for the treatment of fungal infections. Irunin is used to treat not only onychomycosis, but also damage to internal organs. You need to drink Irunin daily, 1 tablet for about half a month.

This drug should not be taken at the same time as medicines that lower blood cholesterol (Simvastatin, Lovastatin) to avoid liver damage. These are inexpensive but effective pills. The cost of 10 pieces of 100 mg is within 500 rubles.

Orungal

The active substance is itraconazole. Available in capsules of 100 mg. It is usually taken daily for a week (twice a day). Then they take a break for 3 weeks and spend 1 or 2 repeated courses if necessary.

Orungal is used to treat systemic mycoses, severe, neglected nail lesions. It is effective for fungus in HIV-infected patients.

Pimafucin

The active substance is natamycin. It is most active against yeast-like fungi. Dermatophytes are less sensitive to Pimafucin. The drug is approved for use by pregnant women, lactating women and newborn children. But with lactose intolerance, Pimafucin should not be taken.

Griseofulvin

This is one of the "oldest" pills for nail fungus. The drug is active only against dermatophytes. It is prescribed for adults with a long course (6-12 months). Griseofulvin is not recommended for children because of the strong negative effect on liver cells. The drug is inexpensive: the cost of a package of 20 tablets is 250 rubles.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

The substance penetrates the structure of the nail plate only 3-4 months after the start of regular pill intake. During this time, a large number of side effects develop, therefore, Ketoconazole is rarely prescribed for the treatment of onychomycosis.

Each drug for the treatment of mycosis has its own characteristics, but the main recommendations for the treatment of infections are similar:

Main contraindications

Treatment with tablet forms of antimycotics is usually long-term, often leading to the development of adverse events. Therefore, when prescribing, the doctor takes into account contraindications, the main of which are:

allergies;
pregnancy (especially the first trimester);
lactation period;
diseases of the heart and blood vessels with the development of heart failure (CHD, hypertension, heart defects, arrhythmias);
diseases of the liver, kidneys, especially in the stage of decompensation;
pathology of the nervous system;
digestive disorders, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Possible Complications

Many antimycotic drugs have similar side effects, so sometimes taking them can lead to serious complications. During antimycotic therapy, the dynamic control of the attending physician is necessary.

The main complications that develop when taking antifungal drugs:

Allergy, manifested by urticaria, rhinitis, bronchial asthma. Intolerance can also manifest itself in more severe, life-threatening reactions: Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock.
Dyspeptic symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, increased gas formation in the intestines.
From the side of the central nervous system: headache, dizziness, insomnia.

Onychomycosis is a very common disease that affects the toenails or fingernails. The appointment of a particular drug is done by a dermatologist who can objectively assess the patient's condition, identify contraindications and choose the right drug in an effective dosage.

Most people believe that fungal diseases of the skin and nails are cosmetic problems that should be solved with cosmetic products. In fact, such a common nail disease as onychomycosis is dangerous.

If the disease is not treated, there are problems with the immune system, which affects the body of the patient with onychomycosis as a whole. Why onychomycosis needs to be treated, how to do it and what effective drugs exist, we will learn in more detail.

When a person discovers the occurrence of problems with the nails, this indicates the initial stages of onychomycosis or nail fungus.

Most often, the fungus affects the toenails, but if the disease is not treated, it spreads throughout the body and reaches the hands. Nail fungus is a fungal infection caused by any type of pathogenic fungus.

It is almost impossible to detect the disease at the stage of infection, and the disease manifests itself with a deterioration in the condition of the nails. If for a long time no measures are taken to combat the pathogen, then over time there is a strong deformation of the nail plates up to their destruction. In addition, if the pathogenic fungus is not overcome in time, it affects the root system of the nail, as a result of which its growth stops.

Often a person turns to a dermatologist after seeing a deterioration in the condition of their toenails. The main symptom of the disease is the deterioration of the nails. But depending on the types of pathogenic fungi, the course of the disease may vary.

The symptoms of the course of onychomycosis are also influenced by such factors as the duration of the pathological process and the area of \u200b\u200bdamage to the nails. Onychomycosis affects both adults and children equally, but the main difference is the speed of recovery. Onychomycosis is a dangerous nail disease that requires mandatory treatment.

How and where can you catch an infection

You can pick up a pathogenic fungus by contacting the patient. The risk of repeated contact with various types of fungi is quite high, but not everyone develops the disease. It is enough to visit a sauna or bath once in order to detect the first symptoms of the disease after a while.

You can become infected not only through contact with a sick person with onychomycosis, but also if you touch a bench, grate, carpet, and other places where pathogenic fungi can live. Intrafamilial mode of transmission of the disease is the most common after visiting public places. Therefore, if there is at least one family member suffering from onychomycosis, then one should insist on its treatment.

What is onychomycosis of the nails and how is it treated?

Onychomycosis is a disease that is localized in the region of the nail plate. Onychomycosis of the nails of the hands and feet causes a fungus of various types. According to statistics, pathology is diagnosed in 10-20% of the population. Moreover, the disease occurs in adults and children, which is explained by the almost inevitable infection of all members of the same family.

The infection is most widespread among the elderly over 65 years of age. The reasons for the increase in the number of patients with onychomycosis in this age group are explained quite simply. Aggravating factors contributing to the progression of the fungus, in this case, are diseases and pathologies such as diabetes mellitus, excess body weight, disorders in the cardiovascular system, osteoarthropathy of the feet.

What it is?

Onychomycosis is a nail disease caused by a fungal infection. This pathology is very common, in total, 10-20% of the world's population suffers from onychomycosis. The causative agents of infection are most often dermatophytes, somewhat less often - trichophytosis, microsporia and epidermophytosis.

Very often, the activity of dermatophytes is complicated by the concomitant development of yeast-like or moldy fungi, which increase the negative manifestations of the disease and cause resistance to therapy.

How can you get infected?

The causative agent of the disease, the population of fungal spores, feels great in moisture. Therefore, infection most often occurs in such places:

public baths;
saunas;
pools;
locker rooms in gyms, showers.

Scales with fungal diseases fall off in patients with onychomycosis, settling mainly on carpets, floors, benches, unpainted wooden objects - there they multiply faster. Nail damage most often causes the sharing of shoes, towels and washcloths. Insufficient cleanliness of the premises is often the cause. Inflammation of the nail plates on the hands usually occurs due to scratching of microorganisms on the skin.

Onychomycosis often affects a person a second time, even with the prior use of antifungal drugs. If you do not completely destroy the pathogen, sooner or later the problem will return. In particular, this applies to treatment methods associated with the removal of the nail - if the operation was performed incorrectly, the disease spreads to neighboring fingers. In addition, there is a chance of becoming infected with new microorganisms due to unsanitary conditions.

Classification

But before treating onychomycosis of the toenails, the form of the fungal infection should be determined.

So, the following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:

Hypertrophic. This form occurs in the absence of long-term treatment or ineffective impact on the problem. With this type, thickening of the nail plates and the nail bed occurs, which persist for a long time even after successful treatment of hypertrophic onychomycosis of the nails. Such a lesion is typical for a severe stage and requires more serious medical treatment - pills and antibiotics.
Normotrophic. With this type, there is no thickening of the nail itself and the subungual region. There is fragility of the nails, and the formation of yellow-gray stripes in the skinny plates. With this form, conservative and traditional local therapies are effective - ointments, varnishes, gels, etc.
proximal. A lesion that initially affects the base of nail growth.
Distal. The most common form of development of a fungal infection. Infection begins in the area of the free edge of the plate. Initially, the nail bed is exposed to infection. Outwardly, this manifests itself in the form of a splinter or a yellow spot that has entered under the nail. Wearing shoes in patients with this form causes discomfort.
atrophic. It is manifested by a violation of nail growth, followed by detachment of the plate from the nail bed. Unfortunately, this form is not amenable to conservative treatment and requires surgical removal of the affected plates.
Side. With this form, the fungus affects the lateral parts of the nail plate and the periungual ridges. Often accompanied by an ingrown toenail.
Total onychomycosis. Signs - the entire plate is affected, it thickens, fades, its color becomes yellow or even brown. As the disease progresses, the nails become deformed and become beak-shaped. Furrows of a dirty gray color appear, the free edge of the nail loosens.

Symptoms of onychomycosis and photo

Each of the three types of onychomycosis has its own individual symptoms (see photo), which also depend on the severity of the disease. The main symptoms that are characteristic of each of the three types of onychomycosis include:

the presence of an inflammatory process in the area of the periungual roller.
the presence of dystrophic changes in the nail plate.
the formation of white, yellow spots, stripes inside the nail.
atrophy of the nail with its separation from the bed.

The disease most often begins with infection of the nail on the big toe. Then the infection spreads to the rest of the toes, and then to the hands.

How to treat onychomycosis of the nails?

Modern effective treatment of onychomycosis consists of the simultaneous use of the following methods and drugs:

Taking systemic antifungal drugs;
Treatment of the affected areas of the nail and the surrounding skin with local antifungal agents, for example, ointments, gels, varnishes, etc.;
Removal of the nail plate by a surgical or conservative method with its total lesion and severe thickening;
Taking drugs that improve blood circulation to the peripheral tissues of the feet and hands;
Courses of physiotherapy, also aimed at improving blood flow in the feet and hands.

Systemic treatment of onychomycosis consists of oral antifungal drugs for 6 to 12 months. Currently, the following antifungal drugs are used to treat onychomycosis:

Griseofulvin, which effectively suppresses protein synthesis in fungi, which leads to their rapid destruction. The daily dose is 500 mg, but in especially severe cases it can be doubled. The drug should be taken with meals, and the dose can be divided into 2 doses. The course of therapy can be about six months.
Terbinafine for the treatment of onychomycosis of the nails of the hands is taken for 1.5 months, and the feet - 3 months. Cure is observed in 88 - 94% of patients.
Fluconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis of the nails of the hands is taken for six months, and the feet - for 8-12 months. Cure is observed in 83 - 92% of patients.
Itraconazole is used according to two possible schemes - continuous administration and pulse therapy. With continuous use, the duration of therapy for onychomycosis of the nails of the hands is 3 months, and of the feet - 6 months. Pulse therapy is an alternation of doses of the drug during the week and breaks between them in three weeks. For the treatment of onychomycosis of the nails of the hands, two courses of pulse therapy are required, and of the feet - 3-4 courses. Complete cure even without conservative nail removal is observed in 80-85% of patients.
Ketoconazole, which blocks the development of fungi and contributes to their destruction. The tool has a strong effect on the liver and can block the action of androgens. It is quite effective against fungi, but it is not recommended to take it for a long time in order to avoid serious side effects. The daily dosage is 200 mg.

Topical treatment of onychomycosis should complement systemic therapy but should never replace it. It should be remembered that local treatment of onychomycosis will not achieve a complete cure if it is not combined with oral antifungal drugs in the form of tablets, capsules, solutions and other pharmaceutical forms, since fungal spores can remain in destroyed tissues for a long time in a viable state.

Currently, effective local antifungal drugs that are indicated for use in the complex therapy of onychomycosis are the following:

Econazole preparations (Pevaril and others);
Isoconazole preparations (Travogen, Travocort);
Terbinafine preparations (Atifin, Binafin, Lamisil, Mikonorm, etc.);
Preparations of naftifine (Exoderil);
Preparations containing clotrimazole (Amiclone, Imidil, Candibene, Canison, etc.);
Preparations containing miconazole (Daktarin, Mikozon);
Bifonazole preparations (Bifasam, Bifonazol, Bifosin, Mikospor);
Amorolfine preparations (Loceryl);
Preparations of ciclopiroxolamine (Batrafen, Fongial).

To improve microcirculation and accelerate the growth of a new healthy nail plate, the following physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated as part of the complex therapy of onychomycosis:

Amplipulse therapy on the paravertebral regions in the lumbosacral and cervicothoracic regions for 7 to 10 days in a row;
UHF therapy on the paravertebral regions in the lumbosacral and cervicothoracic regions for 7 to 10 days in a row;
Supravascular laser irradiation of blood in the region of peripheral blood vessels. Irradiation is carried out at a power of 15 to 60 mW for a duration of 6 to 10 minutes for each area;
Diathermy on the paravertebral regions in the lumbosacral region for 7 to 10 days in a row.

These drugs improve the blood supply to the fingers and toes, and, therefore, guarantee the delivery of the antifungal drug to the nails in the required concentration.

For this purpose, it is advisable to use the following drugs:

Pentoxifylline (Trental, Agapurin, etc.) 400 mg 2-3 times a day;
Calcium dobesilate (Doxy-Hem, Doxium) 250-500 mg 3 times a day;
Nicotinic acid 150 - 300 mg 3 times a day or 15 injections of 1 ml of a 1% solution.

All of the above drugs have serious side effects, so the choice of the drug is made only by a doctor based on microbiological data and taking into account individual contraindications. If there are any signs of intolerance, the drug should be discontinued and another drug should be selected.

Nail removal

Currently, the surgical removal of nails affected by the fungus is almost not practiced. The main indication for this is the addition of a bacterial infection or the complete absence of the effect of drug treatment (resistant forms of fungi). Accession of a secondary infection occurs quite often with advanced onychomycosis, severe destruction of the nail plate and non-compliance with personal hygiene.

If the fungal infection is usually limited to the nails and the surface of the skin, then the bacteria can also infect neighboring tissues. This leads to the formation of pus, its accumulation and the development of a serious inflammatory process. In such cases, the nail is recommended to be removed for a more thorough treatment of a bacterial infection. It should be understood that even removing the nail is not a radical solution to the problem of onychomycosis. Regardless of this, antifungal medication should be continued, as the infection is still present in the body and there is a risk of other nails being affected.

An alternative to surgery is the artificial "dissolution" of the affected nail (avulsion). There are a number of drugs (nogtivit and its analogues) that contribute to the rapid keratinization of nails and their layer-by-layer death. This method is now widely practiced because of the painlessness and the possibility of performing at home. However, it should only be used after consulting a dermatologist.

Folk remedies

As mentioned above, a complete cure for onychomycosis is possible only with the help of drugs with a strong antifungal effect. However, some traditional medicine recipes can help slow down the destruction of the nail plate or even stop the process for a while. Many doctors even endorse the use of these drugs after a course of treatment in order to prevent relapses.

A well-known remedy for fighting nail fungus is a kombucha compress. To this end, they take a piece of mature kombucha and wrap it with a bandage to the nail, after thoroughly washing and steaming the legs a little. Such a compress is applied all night. In the morning it is necessary to remove the compress, rinse the nails with warm water and remove the dead areas, then treat the nail and the skin adjacent to it with an alcohol solution of iodine or any other antiseptic. Kombucha treatment should be continued for several weeks.
One of the methods consists in treating the affected areas of the nail with a 5% iodine solution 2 times a day. This may cause a burning sensation. If it is weak, then everything is in order - the remedy produces the desired effect. If the pain is intense, then iodine treatment should be stopped /
Traditional medicine recommends a decoction of calamus, which must be taken two to three times a day. Along with this, nail treatment for onychomycosis should become a regular procedure, it is necessary to cut off growing nails, rough skin. The effect will be noticeable in a few weeks. To prepare a decoction, you need 1-2 tsp. chop calamus rhizomes and pour boiling water (100 ml). Boil 1 minute, then strain. The product can be washed down with water, as it has a bitter aftertaste.

Regardless of the recipe chosen, legs or hands must first be steamed, washed and dried thoroughly. It is also desirable to remove all dead particles that have appeared. All applied formulations are best left overnight, which will significantly enhance the overall healing effect.

Prevention

After completing the treatment program, special attention should be paid to the subsequent prevention of the disease. Doctors recommend following simple rules that will help avoid infection with onychomycosis in the future:

Use individual shoes in saunas, swimming pools, gyms and other public places.
Lead a healthy lifestyle, perform procedures that strengthen the body's immune system.
Adhere to the norms and rules of hygiene, in particular, wash your feet and hands regularly.

Compliance with hygiene requirements is also necessary in the treatment process. Only in this case will it be possible to completely get rid of an unpleasant disease.

Forecast

Treatment of a fungal infection in the early stages can be carried out with topical antifungal drugs, antimycotics. With the death of most of the nail plate, surgical treatment is recommended. Removal of the nail affected by the fungus will significantly reduce the duration of taking antifungals and speed up the recovery of the patient.