Treatment of nail fungus

17 August 2025

Beaches, public bathrooms, pools - all of these are places where it is easy to become infected with onychomycosis.In addition, nail fungus can develop if not observed The initial stage of the fungus Hygiene, wear uncomfortable or dirty shoes.At this stage of the development of medicine, there are means that allow you to effectively fight the disease, but the treatment process is long and complex.

The classification of onychomycosis

The tactics, duration and complexity of his future treatment may depend on the type of nail fungus.That is why it is so important to determine which specific development option is observed in this case.There are several classifications of onychomycosis.The most popular are two of them, which as many as possible reflect all the intricacies of nail damage with a sponge.

Classification of home scientists:

Normotrophic form of onychomycosis.The color of the nails changes, longitudinal stripes and spots appear mainly in the lateral (closer to the cuticle) parts of the nail.The thickness and density of the nail in this form do not change.
Hypertrophic form.The nails thicken due to hyperkeratosis.At the same time, a healthy nail shine can be observed, it becomes uneven, thick, peeling or pressing the sides.

Onycholithic form.Atrophic changes in the nail are observed, starting from the distal edge, the detachment areas appear, which at first look like white zones.The color of the nails becomes faded, grayish.

Classification offered by N. Zaias in 1972:

Distal submarine shape.Changes affect the tip of the nail, it becomes smaller, exfoliated, breaks down, there may be improper growth and thickening (it grows as if in wool).The color of the entire nail turns yellow, white or gray.
Surface shape.Changes in the form of the appearance of white spots and strips are expressed, which gradually increases, change the structure and become darker.
Proximal submarine.It originates near the posterior nail roller and spreads in the proximal direction to the cuticle.
General dystrophic form.The whole nail acquires an irregular structure, thickens, its color changes, it is destroyed.

Externally, onychomycosis in the early stages is easy to take as usual nail injury or a deficiency of vitamin.

Treatment of nail fungus

For starters, it is worth understanding that the nail fungus is a disease that will not be cured in itself, even if you remove the harmful factors.For the treatment of nail fungus, they are most often resorted to complex therapy.The basis of therapeutic actions are antifungal agents.Various treatment tactics may be selected depending on the degree of nail damage and the shape of the disease:

Local therapy.Acceptable only in the initial stages of the disease.At the same time, medicines are used superficially in the form of ointments, creams, nail polishes.
Systemic therapy.It is necessary for more serious damage when more half the nail is exposed to onychomycosis.In this case, in addition to local agents, medicines are used inside.

It is difficult to choose the best medicine for nail fungus, so you need a common approach.Please note that the complexity of therapy takes into account some sanitary measures. In particular, when you have the diagnosis of onychomycosis, processing of disinfecting shoes, socks, gloves - clothing in contact with the affected area, thorough treatment of towels, personal hygiene products is necessary.These actions are performed in special disinfectants.

System processing: tablets

Treatment with tablet agents is called systematically, as the substance penetrates into the body, sucks into the bloodstream and with its current enters the stage, accumulating in high active concentrations.The systematic approach is the most controlled as it allows you to prevent complications of the disease and provide full help from all sides.System instruments have a number of contraindications and restrictions on use.For example, they cannot be taken during pregnancy and lactation.Therefore, their use requires a mandatory consultation of a specialist.

LOCAL therapy: Ointments

Topical treatment of onychomycosis is extremely effective as the fungus still prefers to stay on the surface for a long time.But only in the very initial stages of the disease.The invaluable advantage of local drugs is that they immediately act directly on the lesion without circulation on the body.That is, the possible side effects of such agents are minimized.In addition to the antifungal component, the ointment includes an antibiotic and anti -inflammatory corticosteroid element.It releases local itching and irritation.All ointments should be applied to clean dry skin not only at the site of damage, but also around, capturing healthy areas.The treatment of ointments is performed within 2-8 weeks, depending on the activity of the drug, the area of damage and the recommendations of the doctor.The structure of the cream is not able to penetrate the deep layers of the nails and skin, so for effective use it is necessary to prepare the damaged area.The nails should be cut as much as possible (as the nails exfoliate and decay, it is easy and not painful).The cream is applied directly to the skin pillow under the nail and on the damaged tissues around.

LOCAL therapy: antifungal nail polish

Therapeutic antifungal nail polishes are another indispensable tool for topical use.Of course, the elbow should be used with creams or ointments.And first of all, you need to understand your doctor's opinion.Different tools may have different application methods that should be aware of the doctor or in the instructions for use.Most often, the elbow is applied 1-2 times a day on a cleaned nail.The treatment lasts for at least 2 weeks.

Treatment of severe onychomycosis

In severe advanced cases of onychomycosis, an integrated approach to therapy is required.At the same time, the doctor chooses the most optimal combinations of local medicines and systems.This approach has many positive points:

The treatment period has been reduced (for example, instead of 18 months in the treatment of onychomycosis, the stop Grozeofulvin is only up to a year of complex therapy).
The risk of developing side effects from the body is reduced (due to the use of less doses of medicines and redistribution of topical and systemic drugs that should be drunk inside).
The possibility of developing a recurrence of the disease is significantly reduced.
The ability to affect not only the fungi that is "on the surface", but also on the possible infection in other body tissues.

In order to choose complex therapy, it is necessary to carefully examine the history of the disease and to gather all information about the causative agent. The doctor will then be able to choose the most effective medicines in this case, which will have an immediate positive effect.

Remedies for painless removal of the affected nail

In the modern world, when it is difficult to find time to reach the doctor's office, people are used to using suicide methods.One of them was a painless way to remove the nail affected by a sponge.It should be understood that this cannot be equated accurately to the treatment of the nail sponge.Recently, it is a variant of temporary delay in treatment and an alternative to surgery.The composition of the composition of such drugs includes propylene glycol, urea and various acids and oils.Such a complex of substances has several actions:

anti -inflammatory, analgesic and reducing edema;
a softening effect on the nail, which promotes its detachment;
antifungal action;
Antiseptic effect.

Once the patient is removed, you should use the cream to accelerate the growth of new nails.It disinfects open tissues and creates comfortable conditions for growth of a new nail.Notice, if you suddenly feel discomfort at the site of cream, burning, pain or itching, you should immediately remove the compress, rinse the application site.In case of malaise, burning or itching in the field of treatment, immediately remove the patch, rinse with soapy water and contact a specialist.

Treatment of onychomycosis in children

Treatment of any diseases, including onychomycosis in children, should be performed under strict supervision of a doctor.The child's body has its own characteristics that limit the use of certain remedies.For example, the baby's body has not yet formed a completely powerful immunity system.In a child, up to a certain age, the growth and development of almost all organs and systems continue.Given the high toxicity of many antifungal agents, their use in children is strictly limited.For the treatment of onychomycosis in children, local use products are sometimes prescribed.On the one hand, they are more favorable because they do not have a systemic effect, but on the other hand, they can cause allergic reactions to which many children are predisposed.Therefore, the administration of antifungal drugs should be performed by a doctor who is well aware of the history of the child.

Effective methods of treating onychomycosis by traditional medicine

People's domestic drugs are unlikely to help cure the disease completely.However, they are able to relieve a little unpleasant symptoms - itching, burning, pain, swelling, redness.In addition, they can become another connection in the integrated approach to the treatment of nail fungus.Folk remedies are the most budget method of treatment and recovery during and after illness.The evaluation of the most effective reliable folk methods for the treatment of onychomycosis includes the following methods:

hydrogen peroxide;
vinegar;
iodine;
Tea tree oil;
Various essential oils.

All these methods are tested in time and a large number of people.In addition, their effectiveness can be easily explained from a medical point of view.Most medicines for modern medicine contain these components in their composition.Therefore, of course, folklore means have the right to exist.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has a strong antibacterial effect.It can be found in a home medicine cabinet for almost every family.And buying it at a pharmacy is easier than ordinary because it is sold without a prescription.For the treatment of onychomycosis, hydrogen peroxide is used as a compress on the affected area of the leg or arm.First you need to thoroughly rinse this area with soap under warm water, steam nails with the addition of soap or baking soda. Dry the site well so that there is no liquid.Next, hygiene nail care is done - they are cut and cut as soon as possible with a file.The wool-gauze seals are made from cotton and dressings, which must be impregnated with hydrogen peroxide.The base of the compress is applied to the affected area, fixed with several layers of the bandage tied (not to drain the blood).The top is wrapped with a plastic film.Such a compress lasts 30 minutes, after which it should be removed and washed with warm water the inflamed area.This procedure is performed daily before the effect occurs.

Iodine applications

The iodine situation is approximately the same as for hydrogen peroxide.It is in almost every house and in this case can be purchased cheap at a pharmacy.Iodine has a fungal property, while the growth and reproduction of fungi are inhibited, its cells die.It acts on a person's skin and nails, eliminates inflammation and itching.Before performing the procedure, rinse well with soap damage, treated with cosmetic and dry.It is also necessary to prepare a container with a solution of soda.You can then apply iodine - on the nails, cuticle and skin between your fingers.Then lower your feet in a soda solution for 30 minutes.

This method has several contraindications and side effects:

Individual iodine intolerance may occur.
The presence of thyroid disease requires consultation with a specialist before the procedure.
Maybe local irritation, pain.

Essential oils

There is some scientific evidence that essential oils effectively fight mycosis.In particular, cinnamon essential oil can be used against onychomycosis.Cinnamon is able to regulate the content of sugar in the blood - the main "food" of mushrooms.The preparations before using cinnamon essential oil is similar to the same: steam legs, treat your nails with scissors and file, wipe dry.The cinnamon oil should be spread on the nail and rubbed in the area of the cuticle immediately afterwards.In order to affect this, the nails still need to be stewed.

The basics of preventing onychomycosis

In order not to touch the fungus of you and the members of your family, you must follow simple rules for hygiene and rules for using public places:

Deep leg hygiene should be performed every day: Wash with soap, wipe.You should cut the nails once a week and treat the cuticle.
The shoes should be comfortable, not crushed, not rubbed.The leg should not sweat.If this happens, choose shoes made of natural materials.
When trying shoes in stores, you need to use disposable songs.
As in public places - bathrooms, swimming pools, hotels, beaches - you should not go barefoot.Widths will provide sufficient protection for your feet.
After visiting public places, wash your feet with soap.
Create wisely to the choice of masters of manicure and pedicure.All materials and tools must be processed and disinfected in front of each visitor.It is best to use personal means or disposable materials.
A good softening foot cream should be used so that there are no cracks and storms.

Following these simple rules will help you not to get infected with nail fungus.And in the case of illness - not to expand it for other people and recover as soon as possible.