How to treat nail fungus
Nail fungus is a fairly widespread and very unpleasant disease. In essence, mycosis (the medical name of the disease) belongs to the group of chronic pathologies, which are quite difficult to get rid of. Finding the best remedy for dealing with it does not work for many months, and sometimes even years. It often happens that the symptoms go away: the nails acquire a healthy appearance, their original shape returns to them. However, literally, after two to three weeks, the nail plate turns yellow again, thickenings appear on it, and the nail itself begins to crumble. One of the most unpleasant moments is itching, discomfort or pain, and a rather unpleasant smell. Here we will give a complete guide about how to treat nail fungus.
A wide range of such products is presented in pharmacies, but even in this case, choosing the most suitable medicine can be very problematic. We decided to help you in this matter and make a rating of the best remedies for nail fungus. However, you should remember that, first of all, you should be guided by the recommendations of your doctor. In our review, we have not only collected the most common tools but are also going to give some useful tips on choosing the most suitable composition.
How to treat nail fungus
How to choose the right remedy for nail fungus?
It is necessary to choose the most effective remedy for combating nail fungus because of the poor appearance of the nail plates and feet. If a fungal infection is present in the human body, then it will have a depressing effect on the human immune system, his general well-being. Also, often, the fungus becomes the cause of several other dangerous diseases.
All of them are divided into two large groups – for outdoor and indoor use. In consultation with a specialist, it is advisable to determine the causative agent of this disease accurately. Azoles fight fungal spores, preventing their subsequent spread. Also, they help to destroy the cells of the fungus itself by penetrating their structure and exerting an effect on the cellular level. The effectiveness of azoles is high – they help fight most fungi, they are allowed to be used for a long time, and they have an acceptable cost.
Allylamines are also very effective antimycotics, but their effect is most active when no more than 50% of the nail plate is affected. Most of the drugs are produced in the form of products for external use. With their help, you can quickly cope with the unpleasant manifestations of fungal infections – itching, a feeling of dryness, and tightness of the skin. They also destroy cell membranes, destroying the fungus, and preventing it from multiplying.
The composition of morpholines contains many active medicinal substances that inhibit the vital activity of fungal infection. They almost instantly penetrate the nail plate and effectively act on the fungus, regardless of its origin. We have tried to compile a rating of medicines of an acceptable cost so that each of our readers can fight this infection.
How to treat nail fungus at home: Azole
Ketoconazole-ds tablets
The key principle of action of these tablets is based on blocking the production of a substance such as ergosterol directly in fungal infection, as well as changes in membranes, in particular, lipids. The drug is a universal remedy that can be prescribed not only in nail damage, but also to combat skin diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and so on.
Under the influence of active substances, fungal infection loses the ability to form mycelium filaments. This technology helps to prevent the spread of infection throughout the human body for a short time, and, with regular use, leads to the death of the fungus. Method of application – one or two tablets per day. It is strictly forbidden to take the remedy to children under the age of three, lactating women, people suffering from liver failure, and in case of individual intolerance.
Benefits:
- Sufficiently effective drug;
- It is allowed to use it to prevent the occurrence of fungus in case of weakened immunity.
Disadvantages:
- There are certain contraindications for use and minor side effects;
- Not all fungal diseases are affected by this agent.
Fluconazole capsules
Initially, this drug was developed not only for the active fight against fungal infections but also for their prevention. The medicine is a synthetic composition, with the help of which it is possible to disrupt the full vital activity of pathogens in a short time. Specialists regularly prescribe it to fight candidiasis, but it is also optimal for getting rid of most fungal diseases. The original composition allows the use of the composition not only in therapeutic but also in pedagogical practice; however, treatment, in this case, should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. The active ingredient used in this drug was developed over 20 years ago, but it is still one of the most effective.
This product, designed to combat nail fungus, works most effectively when released in capsule form. In addition to fluconazole itself, there is gelatin and titanium dioxide. The maximum amount of active substances penetrates to the affected areas and begins to fight against fungal formations quickly.
Benefits:
- Acceptable cost;
- With just one course of treatment, it will be possible to cope with most types of mycoses and prevent the threat of relapse.
Disadvantages:
- A small amount of the drug enters the bloodstream, which is why some contraindications and side effects are possible;
- It is advisable to combine medicine with other drugs to achieve the optimal effect.
Clotrimazole
One of the most popular drugs of this type, with which you can effectively cope with pathogenic microorganisms within a short time. With the help of such a medicine, you can quickly overcome fungal diseases, prevent their further reproduction, and cope with the subsequent spread of an infectious disease. Often, experts prescribe a complex treatment with this drug, which allows you to cope with the disease in a short time. Also, with the help of this tool, it is possible to quickly remove potassium from the body, which usually feeds the fungus. This drug also damages harmful nucleic acids, helps to cope with itching and burning, and prevents subsequent peeling of the skin. When the fungus dies, the product additionally restores the nail plate. Users note the high efficiency of the drug – the positive effect of its use is noticeable literally on the third day after use.
Benefits:
- It actively fights even with overgrown colonies of fungi, preventing their reproduction;
- Combines well with other active ingredients;
- Relieves pain, relieves pain, discomfort, relieves swelling and inflammation;
- Available in various forms;
- Acceptable cost.
Disadvantages:
- The content of active substances is high. Therefore it is not suitable for all patients;
- The combination with other antifungal agents does not always provide an enhanced effect;
- Allergic reactions are not uncommon.
How to treat nail fungus from acrylic nails: Allylamines
Terbinafine
With the help of this tool, it is possible to ensure that onychomycosis is ignored, due to which it is possible to prevent infection of other nail plates and other areas of the skin, including the feet. Thanks to this composition, it is possible not only to cope with pain and discomfort but also to eliminate pathogens. These products are available in tablets, spray for external use, solution, cream, and ointment. The key pharmacological action is fungicidal and antifungal. There is no negative impact on the hormonal background of a person. However, the active components contained here fight well with the spores of microorganisms, do not allow their subsequent reproduction, growth. The membrane of the fungal cells becomes more susceptible to other drugs. The period of use may be different – depending on the severity of the disease and the site of the lesion.
Benefits:
- Preparations for internal and external use reinforce each other’s action;
- Prevents relapses;
- It is enough to take only one or two tablets per day or smear the affected areas once.
Disadvantages:
- Has a decent number of contraindications, it is required to observe the dosage strictly;
Naftifine antifungal agent
Another drug is designed exclusively for external use. Moreover, it is of domestic production. The medicine has a wide spectrum of action, and it is very safe for the human body. Active compounds immediately after application penetrate deep into the nail plate. This helps to provide a quick and lasting therapeutic effect. The solution still has a certain percentage of propylene glycol, which enhances the effect of the active compound, and also helps naftifine to get as deep as possible into the structure of the nail, more actively coping with the mycelium of the fungus.
Benefits:
- Able to quickly cope with all types of fungal infection;
- Fights not only the fungus but also with other pathogens;
Disadvantages:
- To fight the fungus in an advanced form, you will have to spend more time;
- Nails require careful pre-treatment.
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Exoderil cream
It fights not only with itching, burning sensation, and other unpleasant manifestations of fungal diseases but also with an unpleasant persistent odor and the pathological formations themselves, which can spread throughout the human body. With the proper use of such a tool, you can not only return your nail plates to their original appearance but also completely cope with the disease, prevent its subsequent occurrence. The drug is available in the form of drops, ointment, or cream. It practically has no contraindications and side effects, therefore, when choosing it.
Well suited as a preventive measure for people who frequent public baths, saunas, swimming pools, and gyms, where the likelihood of getting a fungal infection is very high. The composition is oily, has no foreign smell. The main requirements for its use are that it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage, adhere to basic rules of personal hygiene, and undergo a course of treatment strictly under the manufacturer’s requirements. Pathogenic microflora dies off very quickly. Also, the drug contributes to the rapid restoration of the nail plate.
Benefits:
- Relieves itching;
- Stops inflammatory processes;
- It not only copes with the fungal disease but also protects the nail plate from the recurrence of the disease.
Disadvantages:
- The effect of this agent on the human body has not yet been fully studied;
- Not assigned to pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of 14;
- Individual intolerance to the components is relatively common.
How to treat yellow nail fungus: Morpholine
Nails
A fairly cheap tool, which is also characterized by high efficiency. By and large, the drug belongs to cosmetic products. With its help, you can safely and painlessly remove a nail that has been affected by a fungal infection, and without the use of the surgical intervention. The texture is non-greasy. For the most part, it consists of natural ingredients. Tea tree oil, urea, but there are also artificial substances – stearic acid and propylene glycol. There is also a reinforced composition containing lactic acid, beeswax, and glycerin.
All these compounds gently penetrate the structure of the nail, make it pliable, and actively fight against fungal formations. The thickenings pass almost on their own. In the most advanced cases, the nail leaves itself, and there is no repeated infection by the fungus. There are practically no contraindications, since this drug is, rather, not a drug, but a cosmetic agent.
Benefits:
- Produced in the form of a cream, gel, or patch;
- The effect is noticeable literally in three to four days;
- The components are very active but do not enter the bloodstream.
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Disadvantages:
- Optimal results are obtained when combined with other antifungal agents.
Nitrofungin
Designed specifically for external topical use, it allows you to get rid of the fungus quickly, eliminate the symptoms of this disease. The drug has an insignificant cost. It is produced in a solution or spray format. The shade is yellowish, the smell is characteristic of alcohol, but it disappears 10-15 minutes after processing.
The action is extensive – with its help. You can not only destroy the fungal cells, but also slow down the development of spores, prevent their active spread. Excellent anti-inflammatory effect – relieves burning and itching, relieves swelling around the nail. The active substance can accumulate in tissues, helping to provide a healing effect over time.
Benefits:
- Versatile, positive action;
- Acceptable cost of the drug;
- It works successfully with all types of fungal infections, including their complications.
Disadvantages:
- The application is not as convenient as we would like.
In conclusion
Our roundup of the best remedies for nail fungus has come to an end. We have tried to include in the rating a variety of drugs that help to cope with the disease, regardless of how much it has developed. If you have experience using such formulations or if you want to ask us questions about the product you like. Then you can always do it in the comments to this article.
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How to treat nail fungus
