How to treat nail fungus on feet

Fungus toenails (onychomycosis) is one of the most common infectious pathologies that are difficult to treat. According to statistics, every third inhabitant of the planet suffers from fungal infections, which can not only affect skin and nails, but also cause more serious health problems. In advanced cases, from the presence of pathogenic fungi internal organs suffer, there is a reduction of General and local immunity and often develop complications associated with the accession of secondary bacterial infection.

To completely get rid of the fungus is difficult, the treatment process is long, requiring careful adherence to medical recommendations. And, if you do not bring therapy to the end, high risk of relapse and further progression of the disease. In the pharmaceutical market today is a vast assortment of antifungal medications in order to cope with infection. It is not only ointments, gels, sprays, varnishes, and systemic drugs intended for oral administration. Tell me more about how to cure fungus of the toenails and which a medicament according to the opinion of doctors, mycologists and dermatologists will most effectively deal with the problem. But first stop on the first symptoms of infection and modes of transmission.

Fungus toenails — causes of infection

Doctors have identified a few main causes of fungus infection:

• Direct contact with a carrier of the fungal infection
• Failure to observe the rules of hygiene
• Reduced immunity
• Injury to feet due to wearing uncomfortable shoes
• Chronic diseases

The fungus infection occurs due to the violation of elementary sanitary-hygienic norms or in contact with the media. For example, you can become infected with the family if one of its representatives suffers from onychomycosis. It's enough to wear someone else's Slippers, to use a common towel or other household items.

Fungal infection can be easily picked up in public places with high temperature and humidity (in the pool, bath, sauna, public shower, gym). That is where there is a favorable microclimate for the development of pathogenic fungi and create the conditions for the contact of bare feet with the infected surface. Fungi thrive and thrive in moist and warm environment. Long may they survive on all surfaces (benches, carpet on the floor). If the person is in a public place barefoot, the fungus spores get on the feet, toes and nails.

Gateway for infection are small cracks, abrasions, corns, sores on feet, caused by wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes. But even in this case, infection can occur if a person has a good immune system, able to cope with infection. If the immune system is weakened, the infection can not be avoided. The appearance of the fungus often contributes to excessive sweating of the feet or underlying chronic diseases (diabetes, psoriasis, varicose veins).

The fungus first affects the skin of the feet and the area between the toes and then spreads to the nail plate, where in the absence of timely treatment continues to grow and multiply. The infection develops slowly, so in the early stages to detect the fungus of the toenails is difficult. In order to effectively deal with onychomycosis, the treatment should start as early as possible, so the first sign of infection is required to know everyone.

Symptoms and photos

The first signs of fungus on the feet is burning sensation and itching. The skin on the foot, between the toes begins to peel off, it appears the bubbles, which bursting, form cracks or sores. If time does not begin treatment, the fungus spreads on and penetrates under the nails, choosing the localization of the space under the nail where there are nutrients necessary for its further reproduction and growth.

Secured under the nail plate, the fungus starts to produce special enzymes that can destroy tissue and the stratum corneum and contributing to the growth of the filaments of the mycelium. In the early stages of infection symptoms are practically invisible, so few people pay attention, but the further progression begin to appear the typical symptoms:

1. Change the appearance of the nail plate. It becomes dull, it appears yellow or white spots specific longitudinal or lateral stripes. Over time, the more the nail changes color and may become completely yellow, gray or even black.
2. Around the nail the skin on the toes may be red and inflamed. This process is accompanied by itching and soreness of the inflamed area of the skin.
3. Nails start to become thicker, crumble, deform and if untreated may become loose from the nail bed.

The nature of the lesions depends largely on the species of fungus. So, when infected by dermatophytes, a common symptom is the appearance of yellow spots and longitudinal stripes in the center and at the edges of the nail plate. If the nail got yeast fungi, their destructive activity starts on the sides of the nail, which gradually turns yellow and begins to lag behind the nail bed. If the nail is black, then these changes are likely caused by the mold fungi.

One of the serious complications of mycosis is an ingrown nail. Nail plate affected by the fungus, thickens with time, grows the wrong way, twisted and cuts into the skin. The result of ingrown nails say about myself severe pain when walking, hurt the skin and cause secondary bacterial infection. The toe is red and swollen, from under the nail plate pus. The man with a sick nail can be difficult to walk because of the pain. Such a complication is especially dangerous for diabetics, as it can cause gangrenous lesions of the limb.

If you do not start treatment at the first adverse symptoms, the disease will progress and further fungal growth spreading to all the nails. In complex cases, the fungal infection begins to suffer the entire body: there have allergic reactions, disorders of the digestive system and other symptoms of intoxication caused by the penetration of fungal toxins into the circulatory and lymphatic system. At the first disturbing symptoms should consult with a specialist who will select the best treatment plan and recommend an effective remedy for fungus toenails.

Treatment of nail fungus

At the first sign of foot fungus need to take active measures for its elimination, it is not necessary to hope that all symptoms will disappear by themselves. This will not happen. Fungal infection and with time will progress and can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, the earlier treatment is started, the more chances you have to get rid of onychomycosis forever. Today in the Arsenal of dermatologists and mycologists are highly effective cure for fungus of the toenails General and local action.

At the initial stage of the disease when the affected area is minimal, we can restrict the application of local anti-fungal drugs with a broad spectrum of action (ointments, creams, solutions, varnishes, sprays). If the process has gone too far and completely nails affected by fungus, part of a comprehensive treatment include antifungals for systemic effects in tablets. Most of these drugs have serious contraindications and side effects, so assigns them a specialist and the treatment is carried out under its control. Will focus more on products intended for the treatment of fungus.

Solutions, coatings. At the initial stage, you can use an antifungal solution and nail Polish. The range of facilities is very varied.

Ointments, gels, creams. For external treatment of nails affected by fungus, used group of drugs on the basis of terbinafine, naftifin, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole.

Capsules, tablets. In complicated forms of fungal infections external treatment is supplemented with the antifungal drugs in tablet form. Without systemic antifungals is necessary in cases where the disease progresses, and treatment is only local media is ineffective. Drugs for treating fungus is a lot to pick them up have experienced physician since many of them have serious contraindications and limitations to use. Such funds cannot be taken by children, pregnant women, patients with abnormalities of the liver and kidneys. The effectiveness of these products is very high, in combination with topical agents fails to achieve lasting results and to cope with onychomycosis, preventing repeated relapses of the disease.

Means for removal of the nail. If the nail is struck completely, before beginning treatment it is better to remove. Alternative surgical methods are special cosmetic means to safely remove the nail affected by the fungus.

Treatment of nail fungus on legs folk remedies

There are many folk recipes, helping to stop the spread of mold and dealing with it in the initial stages. Present to your attention a few popular recipes used for treatment of toe nail fungus at home.

1. Kombucha. Effective cure for fungus is to compress using plates Kombucha. It is wrapped in a sterile bandage, apply to the nail and fixed with a band-aid. This compress can be left for the night, so he did not slip on a foot wearing a sock. During the procedure you may feel a burning sensation, but for the sake of the patient. In the morning the poultice is removed, the softened stratum corneum removed with a tool, the nail surface is treated with antiseptic solution.
2. Creolin. It is a cheap remedy with a veterinary antiparasitic and a powerful disinfectant effect. It should be used very carefully, avoiding contact with healthy skin, as it is possible to burn. To avoid this, a strip of skin around the nail you need to seal the plaster. The affected nail is treated with Creolin once a day for 2 months until full recovery.
3. A foot bath. To eliminate the fungus you can do foot baths with Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes. Good effect gives nails with a solution of propolis, baking soda or Epsom salts. The nails can be coated with tea tree oil, lavender, oregano, they have antiseptic and antifungal activity. Many folk recipes based on the use of garlic, vinegar, alcohol, onions. Before you use these recipes for yourself, don't forget to consult with your doctor.

Prevention of the disease

To avoid infection with fungus, follow these easy recommendations:

• Don't go barefoot in the pool,the bath, the gym and other public places. In areas with high humidity, you need to wear rubber Slippers or slates. As measures of prevention apply to the nails, an antifungal lacquer, it will protect from infection.
• Never use someone else's shoes, Slippers, socks, towels and other household items. All personal care products and pedicure tools should be strictly individual.
• Wear comfortable shoes made from natural breathable materials. Shoes should not be tight, to RUB and injure the foot.
• Feet should be washed twice a day, morning and evening and daily change socks and stockings. After water treatment wipe your feet dry, carefully dry the skin between the toes.
• The fungus is especially active with reduced immunity. So watch your health, time to treat comorbidities, take immunomodulatory drugs. Maintain the body's defenses proper and balanced nutrition, eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and trace elements.
• During the treatment process shoes with antiseptic solutions, this will help prevent the recurrence of the disease. You can disinfect shoes with a solution of formalin or vinegar, carefully processed it inside. After treatment, a cotton swab moistened with an antiseptic solution, should be put in the toe of the Shoe and place it in an airtight plastic bag for a day.

These simple preventive measures will help to protect yourself from mildew and keep your feet healthy. Remember that the fungus of the toenails is treated long and hard, so it is important to prevent the occurrence of athlete's foot, carefully observe hygiene standards and to react to any adverse changes which may be the first signs of infection.