Treatment of nail fungus

17 August 2025

Beaches, public baths, pools - all 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 the present 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 its future treatment can depend on the type of nail fungus.Therefore, it is so important to determine which particular development option is observed in this case.There are several classifications of onychomycosis.The most popular are two of them, which as much as possible reflect all the subtleties of the damage to the nail with a fungus.

Classification of domestic scientists:

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

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

Classification proposed by N. zaias in 1972:

Distal submarine form.Changes affect the tip of the nail, it becomes thinner, exfoliates, crumbles, there can be improper growth and thickening (it grows as if in a wave).The color of the entire nail becomes yellow, white or gray.
Superficial form.Changes in the form of the appearance of white spots and strips are expressed, which gradually increase, change the structure and become darker.
Proximal submarine form.It originates near the posterior nail roller and spreads in the proximal direction to the cuticle.
Total dystrophic form.The whole nail acquires an incorrect structure, thickens, its color changes, it is destroyed.

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

Treatment of nail fungus

To begin with, it is worthwhile to understand that nail fungus is a disease that will not be cured by itself, even if you eliminate damaging factors.For the treatment of nail fungus, they are most often resorted to complex therapy.The basis of therapeutic actions is antimycotic agents.Different tactics of treatment can be chosen depending on the degree of damage to the nail plate and the shape of the disease:

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

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

System treatment: tablets

Treatment with tablet means is called systemic, since the substance penetrates the body, sucks into the blood and with its current enters the scene, accumulating in high active concentrations.The systematic approach is most justified, since it allows you to prevent complications of the disease and provide complete assistance from all sides.The system tools have a number of contraindications and restrictions on use.For example, they cannot be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Therefore, their use requires a mandatory consultation of a specialist.

Local therapy: ointments

Local treatment of onychomycosis is extremely effective, since the fungus nevertheless prefers to stay on the surface for a long time.But only in the very initial stages of the disease.An invaluable advantage of local drugs is that they immediately act directly on the lesion without circulation on the body.That is, the possible undesirable effects of such funds are minimized.In addition to the antimycotic component, the ointment includes an antibiotic and anti -inflammatory corticosteroid element.He relieves local itching and irritation.All ointments must be applied to clean dry skin not only at the place of damage, but also around, capturing healthy areas.Treatment of ointments is carried out 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 into the deep layers of the nail and skin, so for effective use it is necessary to prepare the damaged area.The nail plate should be cut as much as possible (since the nail exfoliates and crumbles, it is easy and not painful).The cream is applied directly to the skin pillow under the nail and on damaged tissues around.

Local therapy: antimycotic nail polish

Therapeutic antifungal nail polishes are another indispensable tool for local use.Of course, the varnish should be used together with creams or ointments.And first of all, you should find out the opinion of your doctor.Different tools may have different methods of application, which should be aware of by the doctor or in the instructions for use.Most often, varnish is applied 1-2 times a day on a cleaned nail.Treatment continues at least 2 weeks.

Treatment of severe forms of onychomycosis

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

The period of treatment is reduced (for example, instead of 18 months in the treatment of onychomycosis, the Stop Groseofulvin is only up to a year of complex therapy).
The risk of developing undesirable reactions from the body is reduced (due to the use of lower doses of drugs and redistribution of local and systemic remedies that need to be drunk inside).
The possibility of the development of relapse of the disease is significantly reduced.
The ability to influence not only the fungus, which is “on the surface”, but also on the possible infection in other body tissues.

To select complex therapy, it is necessary to carefully study the history of the disease and collect all information about the causative agent. Then the doctor will be able to choose the most effective drugs in this case that 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 methods for self -medication.One of them was a painless way to remove the nail affected by a fungus.It should be understood that this cannot be equated precisely to the treatment of the nail fungus.Rather, this is a variant of temporary postponement of treatment and an alternative to surgical intervention.The composition of the compositions 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;
softening effect on the nail that promotes its detachment;
antimicotic action;
Antiseptic effect.

After the patient is removed, you should use the cream to accelerate the growth of the new nail plate.It disinfects open fabrics and creates comfortable conditions for the growth of a new nail.Notice, if you suddenly feel discomfort at the place of applying the cream, burning, pain or itching, you need to immediately remove the compress, rinse the application place.In case of malaise, burning or itching in the treatment area, immediately remove the patch, rinse with soap water and contact a specialist.

Treatment of onychomycosis in children

Treatment of any diseases, including onychomycosis in children, must be carried out under a strict supervision of a doctor.The children's organism has its own characteristics that limit the use of certain funds.For example, the baby’s body has not yet fully formed a powerful immunity system.In a child, up to a certain age, the growth and development of almost all organs and systems continues.Given the high toxicity of many antimycotic 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 safer because they do not have a systemic effect, but on the other hand, they can cause allergic reactions to which many children are prone.Therefore, the appointment of antifungal drugs should be carried out by a doctor who is well acquainted with the history of the child.

Effective methods for treating onychomycosis from traditional medicine

Folk remedies for homemade aircraft are unlikely to help to cure the disease completely.However, they are able to relieve unpleasant symptoms a little - itching, burning, pain, swelling, redness.In addition, they can become another link in the integrated approach of the treatment of nail fungus.Folk remedies are the most budgetary method of treatment and restoration during and after illness.The rating of the most effective trusted folk methods of treating onykhomycosis includes the following methods:

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

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

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has a strong antibacterial effect.It can be found in a home medicine cabinet of almost any family.And to buy it in a pharmacy is easier than a simple one, 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 zone with soap under warm water, steam nails with the addition of soap or soda. Dry the site thoroughly so that it does not have a liquid.Next, hygienic nail care is carried out - they are cut and cut as soon as possible with a file.Vata-gauze gaskets are prepared from cotton and bandages, which need to be impregnated with hydrogen peroxide.The basis of the compress is applied to the affected area, fixed with several layers of the bandage, tied (not to squeeze the bloodstream).Top is wrapped with plastic film.Such a compress lasts 30 minutes, after which it must be removed and washed with warm water the sore area.This procedure is carried out every day before the effect appears.

Iodine applications

The situation with iodine is about the same as with hydrogen peroxide.It is in almost every house, and in which case it can be inexpensively bought at a pharmacy.Iodine has a fungicidal property, while the growth and reproduction of the fungus is inhibited, its cells die.It acts on the skin and nails of a person, removing inflammation and itching.Before carrying out the procedure, thoroughly rinse the site of damage with soap, treated with cosmetic and dry dry.It is also required to prepare a container with a soda solution.Then you can apply iodine - on the nails, cuticle and skin between the fingers.Then lower your legs into a solution of soda for 30 minutes.

This method has several contraindications and side effects:

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

Essential oils

There are some scientific evidence that essential oils are effectively fighting 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.Preparations before the use of cinnamon essential oil is similar to the same: steam legs, treat the nails with scissors and a file, wipe dry.Cinnamon oil must be spread on the nail and rubbed into the cuticle area immediately after that.In order for it to affect, the nails must still be steamed.

The basics of the prevention of onychomycosis

So that the fungus does not touch you and your family members, you should follow simple hygiene rules and the rules for using public places:

It is necessary to carry out thorough hygiene of the legs every day: wash with soap, wipe.Once a week you should trim the nails and treat the cuticle.
Shoes should be comfortable, not crushed, not rubbed.The leg should not sweat.If this happens, choose shoes from natural materials.
When trying on shoes in stores, it is necessary to use disposable tracks.
Being in public places - baths, pools, hotels, beaches - you should not walk barefoot.Slates will provide sufficient protection to your legs.
After visiting public places, wash your legs with soap.
Create wisely to the choice of masters of manicure and pedicure.All materials and tools should be processed and disinfected before each visitor.It is best to use personal funds or disposable materials.
A good softening foot cream should be used so that there are no cracks and burrs.

Compliance with these simple rules will help you not become infected with a fungus of nails.And in case of illness - not to extend it to other people and recover as soon as possible.