An effective remedy for nail fungus can only be with the correct choice of the composition that affects the causative agent of the disease.Nail fungus (ringworm and onychomycosis) are destructive changes in the appearance and structure of the nail plate, sometimes spreading to the skin of the feet.The cause of this phenomenon is always more than 10 types of dermatophytes, yeast (Candida) and mold fungi.To choose one of the fungus remedies available in the pharmacy, you need to know which pathogen caused the damage to the nail, and this can only be studied in the laboratory.
Self-treatment, including folk remedies, is a very long process, it takes several months, but most often it does not lead to a cure, but to the temporary elimination of visible symptoms from the surface of the nail.The fungus itself, the causative agent of the pathology, subsequently grows again, affecting the nail plates and the skin around them.To reduce treatment time and obtain a lasting result, it is wiser to contact a mycologist, who specializes in treating all types of nail fungus.After laboratory examination of a particle of the affected nail, the doctor will determine the type of fungus and prescribe an antimycotic, the pharmacological action of which is aimed at combating the existing pathogen.
All offered medicines differ in the method of use and composition.Means for combating various types of fungi - antimycotics - are available in affordable and convenient dosage forms.The active ingredients can be presented in a composition for external use (varnish, ointment, cream, gel) or oral (tablets, capsules).Liquid types – solutions, sprays – are also widely available on the pharmaceutical market.
Often, the mycologist prescribes complex therapy, using external medications in the treatment program, the effect of which is enhanced by taking tablets and capsules.Additionally, the treatment program, depending on the area of the fungal infection, may include a sterile medical pedicure procedure.A systematic and comprehensive approach is always indicated for extensive nail injuries.
Without exception, all medicines are divided into three categories according to their spectrum of action:
- Azoles
Compounds that have a fungistatic effect (prevent the growth of colonies) destroy the pathogen in a high concentration of the active substance (fungicide effect).Active against most fungi, including Candida.
Examples – Fluconazole, Miconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole.
- Allylamines
Effective for lesions of up to 50% of the surface of the nails, for treating manifestations on the skin of the feet, can be used every day, acts against mold fungi, candida, dermatophytes.
Examples - Terbinafine Hydrochloride, Naftifine,
- Morpholines
They neutralize all known types of nail fungus, quickly penetrate the nail plate, but act more slowly than other substances;the course of treatment can take up to six months.
Examples - Amorolfine, Chlornitrophenol.
All medicines based on the listed compounds are available in pharmaceutical forms for local, oral and infusion use.
Antifungal preparations for external use
This category includes products that are applied directly to the affected nail itself or the skin around it - these are convenient ointments, creams and varnishes for treating nail fungus.All medicines have their advantages, but also disadvantages, which most often manifest themselves in some discomfort when using formulations with a creamy consistency.The cost of products in the form of varnishes is higher than that of creams and ointments against fungus, but if there are different types in the pharmacy, the price of antifungal drugs is not the main selection criterion.What matters is the spectrum of action of the medicine and the speed at which the nail fungus is eliminated.
The slow drying and absorption of creams and ointments is not as convenient as varnishes, since most of the time is spent daily in shoes and the feet sweat, which can slow down the healing process.On the contrary, varnishes dry quickly on the surface of the nail plate, without causing discomfort during the day.
Creamy remedies for fungus
It cannot be said with certainty that gels, ointments and creams against various types of fungi do not work as effectively as varnishes - the effectiveness of drugs depends on the degree of damage and the patient's discipline in treating the disease.However, many creamy products do not contain excipients that facilitate the rapid penetration of the composition deep into the hard horny plates of the nails.
Advantages of creams, ointments, gels against fungi:
- Does not irritate the skin of the feet.
- Destroy pathology in the nails themselves and the skin around them.
- Convenient to use sets (with nail file, scraper).
- Broad spectrum of action, active against all types of pathogens.
- All categories are represented - azoles, allylamines and morpholines.
- Low price of medicines.
Azoles
Imidazole derivatives – Clotrimazole, Econazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Ketoconazole.
Triazole derivatives:
- fluconazoles;
- itraconazoles.
Allylamines
Types of products based on the active substance terbinafine
Naftifine and its derivatives.
Amorpholines
Nail fungus remedies with the active ingredient amorolfine resist a wide range of pathogens, including Candida.
Other medicines - Sertaconazole, Clotrimazole, salicylic, sulfuric, zinc ointments.
Varnishes for nail fungus
They are used in the initial stages of mycoses, when the nail is affected on a maximum of 2/3 of the entire surface.If the fungus has already penetrated deep into the nail tissue, you will first need to remove the upper layers and only then use the medicine.After cutting the affected areas, it will be necessary to repeat it, according to the information specified in the description.
Advantages of antifungal varnishes:
- Durability – the applied coating lasts several days.
- Comfort of use - the products do not stain clothes and dry quickly.
- Highly active components - quickly penetrate the surface of the affected nail through microcracks.
- Broad spectrum of action - used against different types of pathogens, they have a fungistatic and fungicidal effect.
- Convenience - the set contains the varnish itself, as well as additional tools necessary for use: files, sponges.
- Large selection of different products.
Sprays and solutions for treating and disinfecting fungi
With properties similar to cream preparations and varnishes, manufacturers of antifungal products offer a wide range of sprays and solutions.Its use makes sense in the early stages of the development of pathology.The liquid form of antifungals allows the composition to penetrate the most inaccessible places, filling micropores, fissures, skin folds, in addition to having an antimicrobial, antiseptic effect, in addition to functioning as a medicine with fungistatic functionality.Furthermore, sprays and solutions dry out the skin on the legs and the horny plate of the nail, creating an unfavorable environment for the pathogen.
Any product presented in liquid, solution or spray form, depending on its membership in the group of active substances, acts against fungal nail infections, and in the form of disease prevention, disinfection of personal hygiene items, clothing and footwear.In addition, liquid forms are convenient for treating foot skin.
Miconazole, Fluconazole, Terbinafine Hydrochloride, Bifonazole, Clotrimazole.
Pills against nail fungus
Systemic mycoses with deep lesions, when the nail fungus spreads over the entire surface and depth of the stratum corneum, as well as epidermycoses and candidiasis often require complex therapy, with the simultaneous use of tablets and topical preparations.To treat fungal nail infections, in addition to antimycotics, antibiotics are used, as well as preparations of iodine and ammonium salts.
Antimycotics – Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Terbinafine.
Antibiotics - Griseofulvin, Levorin, Natamycin, medicines from the nystatin group, any medicine based on Amphotericin.
Preparations for the treatment of fungus in pregnant and lactating women
The choice of remedies for fungus at any stage of pregnancy is the exclusive prerogative of the attending physician.An independent approach to determining the type of fungus and treating lesions may be erroneous, which will at least delay time and allow colonies to penetrate deep into the nail and, in some cases, cause an undesirable reaction.The faster you detect pathologies on the feet and horny nail plates and contact a mycologist, the better, better and safer the treatment and its results will be.
It is preferable to choose a medication for external use, and in situations where the disease has already reached the systemic stage, with deep penetration of the fungi into the nail structure, it is worth discussing the procedure for its complete removal through surgery.
There are no guaranteed safe synthetic substances that destroy fungi without any risk of harming the good progress of the pregnancy and the fetus.Even the relative safety of traditional methods can cause an allergic reaction to a natural component or a burn to the skin around the nail (when using vinegar, iodine, etc.)
Undecylenic acid + zinc undecylenate is a combined drug, prescribed in the presence of strict indications, signs of hypersensitivity may occur.
Bifonazole - except in the first trimester, in the second and third according to strict indications, there is a risk of allergic reactions.