Comprehensive nail fungus treatment regimen

Mycosis is a disease that begins almost imperceptibly for the patient, but ends just as pathetically.It is caused by a fungal infection.It penetrates deeply and literally feeds on the nail plate.The disease does not go away by itself.It will take a long time to process.It is important to choose a regimen that will be relevant in this case.Usually, this is a complex therapy that involves the use of several agents that mutually enhance each other's effects.

fungal damage to the nail plates on the toes

Symptoms of the disease

Many people believe that it is almost impossible not to notice the appearance of the fungus.In fact, in the first month it is hardly noticeable.However, the disease progresses rapidly and continuously.First, a person notices small spots on the nails.They gradually begin to grow.Streaks appear, the nail loses its natural shine and acquires a yellow tint.

In the future, it is very difficult not to notice the disease, as it manifests itself with the following symptoms:

  • The nail turns yellow or black;
  • Unpleasant smell;
  • Appearance of thickening or thinning areas;
  • The plate literally collapses and moves away from the nail bed.

It is necessary to take into account the risk that the manifestation of mycosis may be similar to the symptoms of other diseases.Therefore, you should be aware of the risk of mistaking the disease for another disease.In this case, the treatment will be completely useless and may even cause harm.In order to prevent such a situation, it is necessary to consult a specialist for diagnosis.

Basic regimens

There are three main types of potential therapy.The choice of treatment regimen is based on the following factors:

  1. Localization of the disease;
  2. The stage of mycosis;
  3. age of the patient;
  4. If the treatment is prescribed for pregnant women, it will have many nuances.

The therapy must be designed based on the characteristics of the individual case.

Local therapy

It can only be prescribed in the early stages of the disease.It consists of taking local drugs with local effects.These may include the following medicines:

  • Therapeutic varnishes;
  • Solutions;
  • Ointments and creams;
  • Various serums.

Topical therapy may include the use of keratolytic patches to remove the nail plate.They are preferable to other products because the dense texture of the composition allows them to be applied only to the nail, avoiding the adjacent skin.If this condition is not met, burns appear on the skin.

How is the therapy done?Different medical drugs should be used regularly in the affected areas.It is advisable to brush healthy nails a couple of times a week so that the infection does not spread to them.These procedures should be combined with shoe disinfection.

The procedure is necessary because fungal microorganisms remain on shoes and personal items.If not destroyed, they will return to healthy areas.

Special products are available for disinfecting shoes that do not leave stains or odors.You can also use UV foil.To kill a fungal infection, simply put it in your shoes overnight.

Socks, bedding and personal items can be cooked.When washing automatically, you can simply set the washing machine to antibacterial mode.It assumes a temperature of 90 degrees, at which bacteria and fungal microorganisms cannot survive.

Local treatment has the following advantages:

  1. Cost of cheap drugs;
  2. Ease of use;
  3. Most products can be used during pregnancy as they do not penetrate the circulatory system;
  4. Recommended for children;
  5. The minimum number of contraindications and side effects.

Topical drugs soften the skin, quickly restore the previous appearance of the nail and relieve discomfort.

spray to treat nail fungus

Healing varnishes

There are special varnishes for mycosis.They are often prescribed by doctors and are popular with patients.The advantages of using them include:

  • Transparent color, so the drug will not be visible;
  • You can put on socks almost immediately after the application, so such therapy does not distract a person from everyday activities;
  • The varnish creates a dense film on the surface of the plate, which protects against the appearance of bacterial complications;
  • Fast effect;
  • Effective restoration of the normal appearance of the disc;
  • Unlike most other medications, the product only needs to be used a few times a week.Therefore, the therapy will be as light as possible in terms of time;
  • The possibility of using them as prophylactic agents after a person has gotten rid of the disease;
  • The effect is visible after just a few uses.

However, when using varnish, there is a very significant drawback - the significant cost of funds.Considering the duration of the therapy, this is a significant amount.

Systemic therapy

This type of treatment involves the use of tablets only.Local resources are not used.Systemic therapy is prescribed in the following cases:

  • Advanced stage of the disease;
  • The injury involved more than 2 fingers;
  • The application of local remedies did not bring tangible results;
  • The infectious process affected the germinal area of the disc;
  • The fungus began to spread on the skin.

The basis of such therapy is animicotics.They can only be used with a doctor's prescription, as drugs have not only advantages in the form of a strong effect, but also disadvantages.The disadvantages include a number of contraindications, as well as possible side effects.

The therapy process takes a long time.The treatment is considered complete when a completely healthy nail has grown back.If mycosis affects the hands, it lasts from 4 to six months.Toenails grow slowly, so the course can last up to a year.

Systemic drugs can be used according to the following schemes:

  1. Classic.You must take the pills every day during the course;
  2. Short.Taking the medication ends before the healthy nail grows;
  3. Periodic.You have to take several courses.Intervals follow between them, the duration of which is the duration of the course;
  4. Pulse therapy.In this case, taking the tablets is combined with a rest.However, the rest period exceeds the duration of the course.

The optimal treatment regimen is chosen by a dermatologist or a doctor specializing in fungal infections.

Why has pulse therapy become so popular?

Doctors are increasingly prescribing pulse therapy.Its popularity is due to the following advantages:

  1. Minimal side effects;
  2. Minimal harm to the patient;
  3. The possibility of taking increased doses of drugs for a short time;
  4. The possibility of safe use in case of weakened immunity, which is typical for mycosis.

Pulse therapy may consist of taking pills for a week at three-week intervals.You must attend several similar courses.Another possible way to treat nail fungus is to take the medicine once a week.

taking tablets against nail fungus

Complex therapy

This is the most popular and effective treatment method.It combines the benefits of systemic and local therapy.The infection is destroyed both internally and externally.It is worth noting that the fungus penetrates the blood.It also forms on the surface of the nail.Comprehensive treatment of nail fungus helps to eliminate it completely.A set of effects may include:

  • Use of tablets (can be used with pulse therapy method);
  • Application of local remedies.These can be varnishes, solutions, creams.

Sometimes pills and topical medications are different forms of the same medication.In other cases, different drugs are prescribed, but they effectively complement each other.

Complex therapy can include various procedures.For example this:

  • Laser therapy.It effectively replaces local remedies.For complete recovery, you need to complete a course of 6-10 sessions;
  • Hardware cleaning.Includes a therapeutic pedicure.This procedure does not cure the fungus, but it eliminates the damage caused by mycosis.

Traditional recipes can be present as part of complex therapy.For example, these can be hot baths with sea salt.

foot bath for fungal infection

Preventive measures

Prevention is important not only for those who have not been infected with the fungus and do not want it to happen.It is important for people who have recently recovered from mycosis, because there is a risk of relapse.Preventive measures may include:

  • Prohibition of wearing someone else's slippers;
  • Struggle with sweaty feet;
  • Periodic treatment of nails with preventive agents;
  • Disinfection of floors in the house;
  • Compliance with personal hygiene measures;
  • It cares for the feet and hands, preventing the appearance of cracks on them.

Let's summarize.Mycosis is a common disease, so many treatment methods have been invented.It involves taking different drugs and different regimens.Complex therapy remains the most effective measure.However, if the patient cannot use such a regimen for some reason, there are many others.For example, local remedies are used during pregnancy.