Toenail fungus or onychomycosis has deservedly earned the title of the most insidious and widespread disease of the 21st century. The answer to the question of how to get rid of toenail fungus is most often interesting for people who lead an active lifestyle. It is easier to get the disease in public places, such as changing rooms, bathrooms, swimming pools, or beaches. Treatment of onychomycosis can take several months and be accompanied by various complications. Therefore, patients suffering from toenail fungus need to know how to deal with this unpleasant ailment as soon as possible and what means should be used.
Fast and effective treatments
It is possible to cure a fungal disease, regardless of its stage, with the help of medicines and folk remedies. A mycologist should select a treatment regimen, taking into account the characteristics of the body of a particular patient. Medicines have their own contraindications, so they cannot be taken in the presence of certain diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding. The methods of traditional medicine give good results, but they do not completely replace traditional medicines.
Creams and ointments
Action should be taken immediately upon detection of primary symptoms. In the initial stages, doctors prescribe paints that help quickly get rid of toenail fungus. Paints should be applied to a clean nail plate, from which the upper layers are removed by mechanical methods. This procedure can be done independently or consult a doctor who will remove the tissues affected by the fungus.
Important!
Along with taking medications, the patient must disinfect the skin, socks and shoes. If the fungus is present not only on the nails, but also on the skin of the legs, dermatological creams and ointments are also used for treatment.
The creams have been shown to be effective in treating fungal nail infections. The patient should be prepared for the fact that the elimination of the nail fungus can take several months. At one time, applying an antifungal drug, it is impossible to defeat the disease. This disease passes with relapses and after passing a course of treatment is able to reappear.
Antifungal drugs in the form of tablets
It is difficult to get rid of nail fungus, often the disease enters an advanced stage. To prevent the spread of infection, patients are prescribed antifungal tablets for complex oral administration.
Important!
The effect of taking tablets should be maximum, so they should be combined with therapy with topical preparations. The combination of several medicines significantly reduces the treatment time.
In order for the elimination of toenail fungus with the help of tablets not to worsen liver function, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotective drugs. The first course of treatment of a fungal disease with tablets is at least 7 days and must be carried out in several courses with a break of at least 3 weeks. If we are talking about the fingers, then the patient will have to perform 2 cycles, the toenails are treated for 3 cycles.
Folk methods
Many traditional medicines help cure foot fungus quickly and inexpensively at home. It is necessary to select the recipes individually, as some natural ingredients can cause allergies. A list of popular ways to get rid of a fungal infection is presented below.
- Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. The two components must be mixed in equal proportions and applied to the affected nail. Keep until the end of the hiss of the mixture on the nail plate. Then lower the foot into a basin of water, which is mixed with a small amount of chlorine and hold for no more than 3 minutes. After the procedure, the feet or hands should be rinsed and dried with a towel.
- Garlic. Clean and finely chop the garlic clove. Put the crushed mass on gauze and apply a compress to the infected nail. Then the finger is bandaged with a sterile bandage. The procedure is repeated every day.
- Iodine. Several layers of iodine are applied to the clean and trimmed nails, which need to lubricate the nails and wait for the product to be absorbed. Then the legs are lowered into a basin of hot water. This procedure is effective against many types of fungi.
- Tea tree oil. Natural tea tree oil should be applied to the affected nails several times a day to clear the infection.
- Tincture of propolis. A cotton swab is moistened with 20% propolis tincture and applied to the nails for 2-3 hours. The compresses should be applied every day and the procedure should be repeated until the patient develops healthy nails.
Preventive actions
Nail fungus is always easier to prevent with standard hygiene practices. It is much more difficult to fight an existing disease, because even after undergoing complex therapy, it does not disappear forever. Experienced dermatologists advise to pay attention to some useful tips:
- when visiting public places, including swimming pools, baths and saunas, it is necessary to wear clean interchangeable shoes, which must be closed;
- in the presence of excessive sweating of the feet or palms, it is worth using ordinary talcum powder and special deodorants with antiseptic components;
- feet should be washed with warm water and antibacterial soap or gel at least twice a day and clean socks should be worn daily;
- you can't wear someone else's shoes; when you try on a pair in a store, be sure to wear socks.
These simple ways will help prevent insidious nail fungus and other fungal diseases affecting the toenails and skin.