Treatment of the nail fungus
introduction
Nail fungus is a harmless but common disease in the population and is caused by pathogenic fungi that Dermatophytes are called, triggered. In most cases, nail fungus treatment is unproblematic, but deeper layers of the skin are rarely affected.
In principle, any person can be affected by nail fungus, but there are some risk factors that make it more likely. The toes, especially the big toe, are most frequently affected; in around 25% of cases, nail fungus develops on the fingernails. Treatment depends on the extent of the infestation and is usually successful, but requires a little patience.
Figure nail fungus
Nail - Unguis
- Free edge (of the nail) -
Margo liber - Cover fabric of the nail bed -
Hyponychium - Nail plate -
Lamina unguis - Nail fold - Matric sulcus
- "Moondchen" - Lunula
- Horny layer of the nail wall -
Eponychium - Distal phalanx -
Phalanx distalis - Nail root - Margo occultus
Nail fungus -
Onychomycosis, Tinea unguium
Nail fungus symptoms - Brittleness,
Crumbling of the nail - Thickening of the nail
(Bulge) - Whitish, yellow or
gray-brown spots in the nail - White or yellowish
Discoloration on the edge of the nail - Dullness of the nail
- Chipping of the nail
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
The different treatment options
The Nail fungus should be treated after diagnosis. Most patients can be relieved of nail fungus quickly and have no further consequences to fear. Although treatment can take some time, therapy-resistant fungi are rare.
Methods: In the treatment of nail fungus there are now a wide range of methods that are more or less effective. The methods start with tried and tested home remedies such as rubbing vinegar on, can off drug pharmacotherapy with antifungal agents consist or use one laser. Locally applied methods, often in the form of paint or ointment be administered, the main role, since the treatment with this is sufficient in most cases. In addition, general methods favor the course. So you should e.g. change socks every day, breathable footwear wear and on dry feet respect, think highly of. Only in serious cases are simple methods insufficient and have to be followed through medication taken orally can be added.
Special patient groups such as women in the pregnancy or Lactation especially benefit from non-drug methods, as these are the most secure in terms of the safety of the unborn child. The individual methods are discussed in more detail below.
Treatment with home remedies
When it comes to treating nail fungus, home remedies play a role Tea tree oil or treatment with vinegar a not unimportant role. Treatment with home remedies can be useful, especially in the case of mild complaints, in order to contain and fight the nail fungus. However, it has not yet been possible to clearly determine whether there is a direct antifungal effect, i.e. an effect directed against the fungus. To Support with uncomplicated nail fungus but home remedies are not unsuitable.
A popular home remedy for nail fungus is baking powder, which is mixed with a little water to form a viscous mass. This is then applied to the affected nail several times a day, the treatment lasts one to two weeks.
Furthermore, some people swear by the treatment Own urinewhich is also brushed on every day. In fact, the urea contained in the urine is a frequently used agent in dermatology, the effect of this treatment has not yet been clearly proven.
In addition, there are home remedies like Salt water or alcohol. However, frequent uses with these substances can also make the healthy ones skin irritate. The most frequently used home remedies, which also show the best evidence in terms of their effect, are treatment with vinegar and Tea tree oil.
Also read: Treat nail fungus home remedies and nail fungus with vinegar
Treatment with vinegar
For nail fungus, many sufferers turn to treatment vinegar on. It will Water with vinegar in relation to 1:1 mixed and so several times a day given on the nail fungus. The treatment with vinegar has the background on a nail acidic environment to create in which mushrooms cannot survive. Mostly will Apple Cider Vinegar recommended.
Another method for nail fungus on foot is it a Foot bath with vinegar and the feet approx. 15 minutes to bathe in it. N
Some people recommend using vinegar after treatment Vinegar essence, so concentrated vinegar. However, caution is advised here because at long-term treatment with vinegar Skin damage can arise.
Also read: Treat nail fungus with vinegar
Treatment with tea tree oil
In addition to the vinegar treatment, that is Tea tree oil Another popular home remedy for nail fungus. The benefit of tea tree oil is that it is no harmful effects like irritation there. However, the oil has proven antimicrobial effects. Here too, many people report that tea tree oil is a very effective treatment. The tea tree oil is used several times a day with a cotton swab on the affected nail applied, mostly over 1-2 weeks. The concentration of tea tree oil should be used in treating nail fungus 5-10% do not exceed.
Treatment with laser
One of the newer methods of treating nail fungus is the use of Laser light, which is mainly used in the USA and is not entirely free of criticism. A laser is mainly used when Contraindications to other methods treatment or the nail fungus has proven resistant to other treatment attempts.
One is preferred Neodymium yag laser used. The laser works by developing Heat on the nail and is able to kill the fungal threads, it also has healing effects increased blood flow discussed. The duration of the treatment is Weeks, with some sources describing a one-time session as sufficient. However, this statement should be viewed with caution. Overall, the use of laser turns out to be promising alternative, but currently there are still insufficient study results in front. A cure with the laser alone is still considered unlikely and should combined with other methods become.
also read: Laser nail fungus
Treatment with varnish
When treating Nail fungus a varnish is very often applied to the nail, the antifungal Active ingredients (directed against the fungus) contains. These substances influence the metabolism and growth of the mushrooms and have good effects. Active ingredients often used in the paint are included Amorolfin, Ciclopirox or Clotrimazole. In many cases the paint is without prescription available in the pharmacy, otherwise you have to consult your family doctor. As with other methods, patience is also required here to successfully combat the nail fungus. Over a period of 2-3 months is the paint initially every 2 days, then twice a week applied to the nail. Other preparations are also used daily. The application is similar to that of a normal nail polish.
To improve the success of the treatment, one should remove as much of the infected material as possiblebefore reapplying the paint. Mostly the paint is waterproofwhich has a good effect on the spot, on the other hand you have to remove the paint with solvents or arrows.
Hence, in treating nail fungus as well water-soluble paints that are simply brushed on before going to bed. Which paint is most useful also depends on the pathogen. Not every paint works equally well, so that after unsuccessful treatment you should change the paint or consult a doctor for a more detailed examination. There is also an alternative to paint Anoint against nail fungus, the benefits of which come into play when a lot skin around the nail is infected with. Treatment with a varnish is one of the most common methods.
also read: Treat nail fungus with varnish
Treatment with tablets
The antifungal agents that act against fungi can also be administered orally in the form of tablets. This becomes necessary when the nail fungus in deeper layers has penetrated and can no longer be reached from the outside. This is more like Rare the case, however, requires targeted treatment.
Also read: Nail fungus medication
Treatment of nail fungus during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Treatment of nail fungus in women in the pregnancy or Lactation differs in some respects from other patient groups.
The local Treatment from the outside in the form of Lacquer, with vinegar, tea tree oil, or other home remedies is in the pregnancy and breastfeeding harmless for the child in the womb. However, one tends to be in pregnancy increased to nail fungus, so when treating preventive Methods play a bigger role.
Problematic it becomes when the nail fungus cannot be treated sufficiently with a local treatment, because many drugsthat are taken for nail fungus contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Especially the drug class of azoles like Fluconazole or Itraconazole can be proven to harm the unborn child and should therefore be avoided.
Also read: Medication during pregnancy and Medication during breastfeeding
Other methods of combating nail fungus are therefore used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. One possibility is that mechanical removal of damaged nail substance, which also removes the pathogens.
A trained one Podiatrist offers the possibility to use the Grind or mill off nails. This is followed by a antifungal varnish applied to treat the nail still affected by nail fungus. Women in the pregnancy or Lactation In the case of nail fungus, it is better to consult a doctor who can advise on the various methods and dangers.
More on this topic under: Nail fungus in pregnancy
diagnosis
A nail fungus can be recognized quickly using simple methods. First and foremost are the typical symptoms and that Appearance at the Nail fungus decisive.
Is the Nail discolored, in shape and consistency the patient changes and describes one more itching, the diagnosis of nail fungus is very close. Furthermore there are questions about Fungal diseases in the family and to existing ones Pre-existing illness posed. In cases of doubt or to rule out other suspected diagnoses, further examinations are carried out. To do this, the doctor takes one Acid testthat are in laboratory is examined so that the pathogen can be determined. It is crucial in the diagnosis to determine the extent of the nail fungus and get one To determine pathogensso that one can initiate adequate treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of nail fungus are fairly straightforward. At first there is one Discoloration of the nail and the environment. When the nail substance breaks down, the Softened nail and white to yellowish colored. In the course of the nail more fragile and shows a Scaling, individual layers may peel off. In addition, in most cases, nail fungus develops a moderate to sometimes very unpleasant one itching.
If the nail fungus is left untreated, further symptoms can arise, as the fungus then grows into deeper layers and in some cases even into blood can scatter. Then it comes to Pain and one general feeling of illness. This situation is very Rarebut shows the importance of treatment.
causes
As already mentioned can everyone on Nail fungus get sick.
The pathogens are present almost everywhere, they can be found in abundance, for example in Swimming pools or in the earth, also Pets can be carriers of the fungal threads. Normally, contact does not cause nail fungus, but sometimes the pathogens can spread to the smallest Cracks in the skin or at the Nail fold penetration. Then they cause nail fungus by feeding on the horny substance of the nail and skin components. The affected structures are destroyed.
Feet that are exposed to increased moisture and people with certain underlying diseases (Diabetes mellitus, Circulatory disorders, Immunodeficiency) at increased risk of nail fungus.
Treatment can go in different directions depending on the cause.
forecast
The treatment of nail fungus is in most cases crowned with success The prognosis is good. As a rule, the treatment on fingernails hits faster than on the toes. Duration and course of the disease are at Nail fungus depending on how quickly treatment was started after the onset of symptoms, it is Weeks to months.
Without therapy if the nail fungus can spread to neighboring structures, so are Inflammation of the surrounding skin or deeper tissues possible. However, the fungus can be contained and treated well with adequate methods.
Since it is a relative time consuming treatment action must be taken to ensure that the measures are applied consistently. In a few cases and especially when those affected have other underlying illnesses such as Diabetes mellitus treatment for nail fungus may take longer and require further action.
Usually, however, a nail fungus can well treated become.
prophylaxis
There are a number of measures and behaviors that can reduce your risk of developing nail fungus. In principle, however, an infection can never be ruled out despite extensive prophylaxis. First is one good hygiene especially the toenails with thorough drying. Help in swimming pools or in the sauna Slippers to prevent infection with fungal pathogens. Used items like Towels, socks or mats from the bathroom should washed regularly at high temperatures become. Of course you should use towels, nail files, etc. do not share with people who already have nail fungus.
Any Underlying diseasesshowing the appearance of Nail fungus promote, must well adjusted and be treated.
Also can do the right thing Footwearthat gives the feet air and is not too tight, prevent nail fungus on the feet.
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