Nail fungus(onychomycosis) is caused by group of fungi known as dermopathy. This group thrives on the skin and keratin, the main component of hair and nails. The fungus gets under the nail and begins to grow, changing its color and structure. In the end, the nail may shrink, harden, become brittle and even fall.
According to the American medical Association doctors, nail fungus is easy to catch in the shower, locker rooms and pools because the warm, moist environment for him is just perfect. Particularly vulnerable people with basic health conditions like diabetes, problems with krovoobraschenie and immunodeficiency States.
Treatment of nail fungus often takes a few weeks or months, but the experts have a clear strategy for its treatment.
How to detect nail fungus?
The first step is to go to the doctor with a complete medical history. The doctor must know how long you are having this problem and how you tried to get rid of it. It is necessary to understand the extent of the problem, and take into account any other medical factors that may influence the choice of treatment.
How is nail fungus
A full medical history is also important, because the first line of defense is usually oral medication, but this treatment can have side effects for people with major health problems.
Physical examination
After the doctor will review your medical history, he will go to the physical examination. He will pay attention to appearance, smell, structure and location of the fungus.
Laboratory analysis
However, do not expect that immediately after the examination can be diagnosed. Visually difficult to determine whether atangential caused by fungus, mold or yeast. The doctor should take a sample of your nail and send it for analysis. This is the only way to determine exactly what the problem is and prescribe the correct treatment.
Treatment of nail fungus
Oral drugs
Oral antifungal drugs such as lamisil (terbinafine), diflucan (fluconazole) or sporanox (Itraconazole), are an effective form of treatment, but to receive them required около3 months. However preparationat to have unpleasant side effects, including stomach upset, dizziness, skin problems and liver damage, leading to jaundice. That’s why you need to give your doctor a complete medical history.
Lamisil is so strong that he continues to be in your body even after six months after you ceased to use it, and it’s one of the reasons why it is so effective. So when the doctor prescribes these drugs, he should realize that it can affect the human liver because the liver is the organ that helps to detoxify the body, including drugs.
Stages of an infestation by a fungus of fingernails
People with liver disease often cannot take oral medication, and some patients do not respond to oral therapy, therefore, mestinya treatment options are more relevant.
Local therapies
Local drugs are applied directly on the infected nail, but the treatment may take a long time. For example, treatment of a relatively new drug Caridin may take up to 12 months. However, for those who have liver problems, this treatment option is more acceptable.
Remember, everything is very individual, so what came one, may not be of any use to another. If someone was treated with pills, but the treatment is not successful, there is an alternative. Your doctor may offer you local tools that will surely cope with the task.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy for this condition is a relatively new approach, but it is offered by many experts because it is non-invasive and acts quite quickly. The laser can attack the fungus under the nail, killing him but not damaging the nail itself.
Many doctors believe this method is effective, but since it’s new, not enough specific data to compare it with other methods of treatment. Also, do not forget that the clinical and mycological treatment are two different things. In the case of clinical recovery, you look at the nail, and it looks good it’s pink, shiny and smooth. But if you take a sample, you can detect that there is mold or fungus, therefore it is impossible to say that you have achieved what experts nazyvatelnaya cure. Mycology is science of fungi.
That is why many doctors believe that laser therapy is a good clinical but not mycological cure. In other words, upon completion of the treatment on your nail or underneath it can still be fungi, mold or yeast. This increases the chances of a return infection.
Surgical treatment
Modern methods of treatment moved the operation into the background. Pojavleniem with modern pharmaceuticals, it is prescribed less often. But before many patients come in and,out of frustration and lack of any real effective methods of treatment,I asked to permanently remove the nail.
Sometimes the nail is really possible to completely remove it to grow healthy. But if the infection got into the nail matrix, where new nail is formed, it will also be infected. In such cases, it may require removal of the matrix. This can be done using chemicals such as phenol or sodium hydroxide. The use of these chemicals will destroy the matrix cells, so that the new nail can grow. Another method, which is also very often used is surgical excision of the matrix cells.
Home remedies
Some people choose home remedies for treating nail fungus. Below are some of the most popular home methods.
Baking soda
Baking soda absorbs moisture, which can cause nail fungus. In one small study, researchers studied the effect of baking soda on common fungi that cause infections such as nail fungus. Researchers have discovered that baking soda has prevented the growth of fungi in 79 percent of test specimens. In 17% of cases, baking soda reduced the growth of fungi, although not eradicated them completely.
Try putting baking soda in your socks and shoes to absorb excess moisture. You can also apply a paste of baking soda and water directly on the affected nail, and 10-30 minutes to wash off. Repeat the procedure several times a day until the fungus disappears.
Ointment with menthol
Doctors often recommend these types of ointments for the treatment of symptoms of coughs and colds. The active ingredients in the menthol ointment (menthol, eucalyptus oil and camphor) have properties that can be effective in the treatment of nail fungus.
In one small study examined the use of one of these ointments for the treatment of fungal nails. All 18 participants reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of using ointments. However, after 48 weeks found that the ointment cured of fungus nails in just 5 participants. It is necessary to conduct additional studies to prove that mentolosoderzhaschih ointment is an effective treatment for fungus on nails.
Try to apply ointment on the affected area once a day for several weeks or until you notice improvement.
Vinegar for fungus
Vinegar is a product that you can find in any kitchen. Despite the fact that to date clinical data regarding its effectiveness do not exist, there is some evidence that vinegar helps to cure nail fungus. Soak the toes in a bowl of warm water and vinegar. Use a ratio of 2 to 1.
Mouthwash fungus
As with vinegar, there is no direct scientific evidence to support the use of the liquid mouthwash for the treatment of nail fungus. However, some studies show that many types of mouthwash have anti-fungal properties. In one study it is reported that seven commercial types of mouthwash showed some antifungal activity in vitro.
Nenadolgo try to dip your nails in a small bowl with a liquid for mouth rinsing.
Garlic a natural!
Garlic which is commonly used in cooking, can help to cure the nail fungus. Despite data limitations, there is some evidence to support this statement.
One study showed that garlic extract showed strong antifungal properties against fungi that cause fungal infections in the laboratory. In another study also reported a promising effect of garlic oil against certain strains of fungi.
To use garlic, cut a clove, put it on the infected nail and leave for about 30 minutes. Be careful when using garlic to treat nail fungus, as raw garlic can sometimes cause a chemical burn of the skin.
Extract ageratina Ugrinovich infections
Snakeroot, also called the plant, is the traditional method of treatment of fungal infections in Mexico. Ageratina (another name for plants) is part of a family of sunflower and is known for its antifungal properties.
In one laboratory the review noted that specific compounds in ageratina exhibit antifungal properties against strains of fungi that can cause nail fungus. In another recent but small study, there was no signicant difference in the results of treatment of vaginal yeast infections extract ageratina compared to conventional antifungal drugs.
Products that contain extract ageratina, can be purchased in specialized stores or online. You need to apply the extract to affected areas on the feet two to three times a week. Treatment usually lasts about 3 months.
Blend of essential oils
Mixture of some essential oils can have anti-fungal effect when applied on the affected areas. These compounds include:
- Lavender oil
- Oil petitgrain
- Sage oil
- Ylang-ylang
- Jasmine oil
One study suggests that a mixture of these oils have antifungal and antimicrobial action. However, the effectiveness depends on the quality of mixture and quantity of chemicals, such as linalool and linrelated contained in the oils. If you are interested in applying this method, buy essential oil online or in-store products for health. Before applying the mixture on the affected nails, mix the butter with the oil carrier.
Ozonated oil
Ozonated oil is oil, filled with ozone gas. Examples of oils that are available in the form of ozonized include podsolnechnoe olive oil.
According to one study, ozonated oils show positive effects similar to traditional drugs, called cream of terbinafine in the treatment of one species of fungus.
Another study conducted with участием400 people, showed how ozonated oil affect fungal infection. In this study in 2011, researchers used ozonized sunflower oil to treat fungus on nails. The results showed that ozonated oil cure to 90.5% of the total number of infections with the frequency of relapse (1 year) only 2.8%. The researchers came to the conclusion that the ozonized sunflower oil more effective than ketoconazole cream which is an antifungal drug.
To use ozonated oils, apply the oil on affected nails twice a day for 3 months.
Olive leaf extract, a natural!
Some researchers have identified the olive leaf extract as a potentially effective home remedy for treating nail fungus. People used olive leaf extract for centuries, although today this tool is known to many.
According to one of the reviews, olive leaf extract safe way to speed up the treatment of nail fungus. However, the extract can cause potential side effects. These include symptoms such as:
- fatigue
- pain in the head and muscles
- vomiting and diarrhea
If you want to try this tool, start using it gradually to avoid side effects. If you are taking the remedy in capsules, take one to three capsules two times daily with food.
Changes in diet
Try to change your diet to improve overall health. Although no clinical data do not indicate that dietary changes can cure nail fungus, some diets really can improve overall health and well-being.
Your diet should include a lot of nutrients. In particular, eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that promote the growth and strengthening of nails. Such products include:
- Any food rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Fatty acids, contained in oily fish such as salmon
- Yogurt that contains probiotics
- Foods rich in protein to help growth of nails
- Foods rich in iron, such as spinach, to prevent brittle nails.
Prevention of nail fungus on feet
When you need to go to the doctor
Most at risk of oslojnenii affects people with diabetes and weakened immune system. If you belong to any of these groups, as soon as possible seek medical help for the treatment of nail fungus, and General izbegaet of ispolzovanija home remedies.
If you do not see improvement or notice complications resulting from the use of home remedies, talk to your doctor as soon as possible and discontinue self-medication. Always contact your doctor before trying to treat the fungus nahasapeemapetilon.