Treatment of nail fungi

17 August 2025

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

The classification of onychomycosis

Tactics, duration and complexity of its future treatment can depend on the type of nail fungus.Therefore, 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 reflect all the subtleties of nail damage as much as possible with a fungus.

Classification of domestic scientists:

Normotrophic form of onychomycosis.The color of the nail plate changes, longitudinal scratches and spots appear, located mainly in the side parts (closer to the cuticle) 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 brilliance of the nail disappears, it becomes unequal, thick, which peeling or grinted on the sides can be observed.

Onycholithic form.Atrophic changes in the nail, from the distal edge, are observed, the detachment zones appear, which first resemble white areas.The color of the nail baking sheet is discolored, greyish.

Classification proposed by N. Zaias in 1972:

Distal submarine shape.The changes affect the tip of the nail, it becomes thinner, exfoliated, collapses, there can be an inappropriate growth and thickening (it develops as in a wave).The color of the whole nail becomes yellow, white or gray.
Superficial shape.Changes in the form of the appearance of white spots and bands are expressed, which gradually increase, change the structure and become darker.
Proximal submarine shape.It comes near the posterior nail roll and spreads in the proximal direction of the cuticle.
Total dystrophic form.The whole nail acquires an incorrect structure, thickens, its color changes, it is destroyed.

Externally, onychomycosis at the early stages is easy to undergo as usual nail lesions or the manifestation of a vitamins deficiency.

Treatment of nail fungi

To start, it is worth understanding that the fungus of the nails is a disease that will not be cured by itself, even if you eliminate the damaging factors.For the treatment of nail fungi, they are most often used in complex therapy.The basis of therapeutic actions is antimstotal agents.Different treatment tactics 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 early stages of the disease.At the same time, drugs are used superficially in the form of ointments, creams, nail polish.
System therapy.It is necessary for more serious damage, when more than half of the nail is exposed to onychomycosis.In this case, in addition to local funds, the medicines taken inside are used.

It is difficult to choose a better remedy for nail mushrooms, so you need a general approach.Please note that the complexity of therapy takes into account certain health measures. In particular, when the diagnosis of onychomycosis is established, the treatment of disinfectation of shoes, socks, gloves - clothes in contact with the affected area, in -depth treatment of towels, personal hygiene products is necessary.These actions are carried out in special disinfectants.

System treatment: tablets

Treatment with medium -sized tablets is called systemic, since the substance penetrates the body, sucks the blood and with its current between the scene, accumulating at high active concentrations.The systematic approach is the most justified, because it allows you to prevent complications of the disease and provide full assistance on all sides.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 compulsory consultation of a specialist.

Local therapy: ointment

The local treatment of onychomycosis is extremely effective, because the fungus nevertheless prefers to stay on the surface for a long time.But only in the early stages of the disease.An invaluable advantage of local drugs is that they act immediately directly on the lesion without circulation on the body.That is to say that the possible side effects of these funds are minimized.In addition to the antimycotic component, the ointment includes an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory corticosteroid element.It relieves local itching and irritation.All ointments should be applied to dry dry skin not only instead of damage, but also around, capturing healthy areas.The treatment of ointments is carried out within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the activity of the drug, the damage area and the doctor's recommendations.The structure of the cream is not able to enter the deep layers of the nail and the skin, so for effective use, it is necessary to prepare the damaged area.The nail plate must be cut as much as possible (since the nail exfoliates and collapses, it is easy and not painful).The cream is applied directly to the pillow of the skin under the nail and on damaged tissues around.

Local therapy: Antimycotic nail polish

Another essential tool for local use.Of course, the varnish should be used with creams or ointments.And first of all, you should discover the opinion of your doctor.Different tools can have different application methods, which must be aware by the doctor or in the instructions for use.Most often, the varnish is applied 1 to 2 times a day on a cleaned nail.The treatment continues at least 2 weeks.

Treatment of severe forms of onychomycosis

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

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

To select a complex therapy, it is necessary to carefully study the history of the disease and to collect all the information on the Causal agent. Then, the doctor can choose the most effective drugs in this case which will have an immediate positive effect.

Painless remedies of affected nail

In the modern world, when it is difficult to find time to reach the doctor's office, people are used to using self-medication methods.One of them was an painless way to remove the nail affected by a fungus.It should be understood that this cannot be equipped precisely with the treatment of the fungus of the nails.Rather, it is a variant of the temporary postponement of treatment and an alternative to surgical intervention.The composition of the compositions of these drugs includes propylene glycol, urea and various acids and oils.Such a complex of substances has several actions:

anti-inflammatory, analgesic and reductive edema;
Softening effect on the nail which promotes its detachment;
anticicotic action;
Antiseptic effect.

Once the patient is removed, you need to use the cream to speed up the growth of the new nail plate.It disinfects open tissues and creates comfortable conditions for the growth of a new nail.Notice, if you suddenly feel discomfort instead of applying cream, burn, pain or itching, you should immediately remove the compress, rinse the place of application.In the event of discomfort, burn or itching in the treatment area, immediately remove the patch, rinse with soap water and contact a specialist.

Treatment of onychomycosis in children

The treatment of any disease, including onychomycosis in children, should be carried out under strict supervision of a doctor.The children's body has its own characteristics which limit the use of certain funds.For example, the baby's body has not yet completely 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, products for local use are sometimes prescribed.On the one hand, they are safer because they have no systemic effect, but on the other hand, they can cause allergic reactions to which many children are subject.Consequently, the appointment of antifungal drugs should be carried out by a doctor who knows well the history of the child.

Effective methods to treat onychomycosis of traditional medicine

It is unlikely that the folk remedies for homemade planes help to heal the disease completely.However, they are able to relieve the unpleasant symptoms a little - itching, burns, pain, swelling, redness.In addition, they can become another link in the integrated approach to the treatment of nail fungi.Popular remedies are the most budgetary method of treatment and catering during and after the disease.The notation of the most effective folk methods for 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 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 wardrobe at home of almost all families.And buying it in a pharmacy is easier than a simple, because it is sold without a prescription.For the treatment of onychomycosis, hydrogen peroxide is used as a compress in the affected area of the leg or arm.You must first completely rinse this area with soap under lukewarm water, steam nails with the addition of soap or soda. Dry the site carefully so that it has no liquid.Then, a hygienic treatment is carried out - they are cut and cut as soon as possible with a file.Vata Gauze's joints are prepared from cotton and bandages, 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, equally (so as not to tighten blood circulation).The top is wrapped in plastic films.Such a compress lasts 30 minutes, after which it must be removed and washed with lukewarm water in the painful area.This procedure is carried out every day before the effect appears.

Iodine applications

The situation with iodine is almost the same as with hydrogen peroxide.It is in almost all houses, and in which case it can be bought at low cost in a pharmacy.Iodine has a fungicidal property, while the growth and reproduction of the fungus are inhibited, its cells die.It acts on a person's skin and nails, eliminating inflammation and itching.Before carrying out the procedure, carefully rinse the damage site with soap, treated with cosmetics and dry.It is also necessary 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 to a soda solution for 30 minutes.

This method has several contraindications and side effects:

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

Essential oils

There is scientific evidence that essential oils effectively fight yeast infection.In particular, cinnamon essential oil can be used against onychomycosis.Cinnamon is able to regulate the blood sugar content - the main "food" of mushrooms.Preparations before using cinnamon essential oil are similar to the same: steam legs, treat the nails with scissors and a file, wipe yourself.Cinnamon oil should be spread over the nail and rubbed in the cuticle area immediately after that.To affect it, nails must always be steamed.

The basics of onychomycosis prevention

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

It is necessary to make complete hygiene of the legs every day: wash with soap, wipe.Once a week, you need to cut the nails and treat the cuticle.
The shoes should be comfortable, not crushed, not rubbed.The leg should not sweat.If this happens, choose shoes in natural materials.
When you try shoes in stores, you need to use disposable tracks.
Be in public places - baths, swimming pools, hotels, beaches - you shouldn't walk barefoot.The slates will offer sufficient protection to your legs.
After visiting public places, wash your legs with soap.
Create judiciously the choice of the masters of manicure and pedicure.All materials and tools must be treated and disinfected in front of each visitor.It is best to use personal funds or disposable documents.
A good softening foot cream should be used so that there are no cracks and excavations.

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