Treatment of nail fungus

Effective treatment of nail fungus, complex therapy to prevent relapses and doctor’s recommendations for disease prevention in K+31 clinics

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About the disease

Onychomycosis is a disease that develops on the nail plate and causes not only physical, but also psychological discomfort. It is provoked by various types of fungi. Most often, onychomycosis affects the toenails.

The fungus that has infected the nail begins to develop in the skin around it, and then gradually penetrates into the plate. This leads to changes in its shape, color and texture.

Onychomycosis manifests itself as yellowing, thickening and brittleness of the nails. Additionally, itching and discomfort appear. In the future, without proper treatment, the condition of the nails deteriorates significantly. In the most severe cases, their complete detachment is observed.

The specialists of the K+31 clinic are ready to provide you with quality assistance. We offer modern diagnostic methods and effective treatment regimens.

Nail fungus
алопеция
Reasons for development
  • Close contact with an infected person or animal. Fungi are easily transmitted in public places (for example, in swimming pools, saunas, gyms)
  • Wearing tight shoes. The fungus grows easily in warm, moist environments
  • Concomitant diseases. The development of fungus is often observed against the background of diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver and other diseases accompanied by circulatory disorders
  • Reduced immunity. This often happens against the background of ARVI, influenza, or uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs
Classification and stages of development

Depending on the type of fungus that causes it and the nature of the nail lesion, several types of onychomycosis are distinguished. The most difficult and treatable condition is total onychomycosis, in which the entire nail leaf is affected by the fungus.

Distal (lateral). The fungus affects the lateral and free edges of the nail, gradually moving towards the base.
Super formal (white). Characterized by the appearance of white spots or stripes on the surface of the nail.
Proximal. The fungus begins to invade at the edge of the skin closest to the base of the nail. Gradually he moves towards the free edge.

Symptoms

The main sign of nail fungus on the toes and hands is a change in their shade. The affected nail plate is usually yellowish or white (and in some cases brown or black) in color. Additional signs:

  • Thickening and brittleness of nails. They become thicker, rougher and easily break or crumble. In severe stages of the disease, the nail plate begins to gradually separate from the bed.
  • Discomfort or pain. When you press on the nail or when walking, noticeable discomfort appears.
  • Unpleasant odor. A characteristic sour smell is felt from under the nail.

If you have one or more of the listed symptoms, you should contact a dermatologist or mycologist as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis

Diagnostics

Correct and timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. It includes the following steps:

  • Visual inspection. The doctor examines the affected nail and assesses the general condition of the skin. Visual inspection suggests the presence of fungus.
  • Laboratory research. The specialist takes samples of the nail plate or skin and sends them to the laboratory. There, with their help, a fungal culture is grown. This allows you to determine its type.
  • Microscopy. During this test, the doctor examines samples of the nail plate under a microscope to look for the presence of fungal structures.

Only after confirmation of the diagnosis can treatment begin. This is very important, since therapy requires the use of specific drugs and often lasts a very long time.

Complications

If there is no attention to the problem, the infection gradually spreads to healthy nails, skin of the feet and even hands. Other possible complications:

  • Secondary bacterial infection. The fungus causes damage to the nail plate and the skin around the nail. This creates a "gate" for bacteria.
  • Chronic onychomycosis. The constant presence of a fungal infection contributes to the chronicity of the process and leads to relapses.

Most complications can be avoided if you start treatment at an early stage of the disease and strictly follow the specialist’s recommendations.

Features of treatment

Treatment of onychomycosis depends on the degree and nature of nail damage. It happens:

  • Local. For minor damage to the nail plate, antimycotic varnishes and ointments are used. They contain substances that destroy fungus and are applied directly to the affected nail.
  • Systemic. In cases of severe or widespread nail damage, the patient is prescribed antifungal drugs. They are intended for oral administration.
  • Surgical. The operation is prescribed for total onychomycosis. In this case, the affected nail is completely removed.

Only the doctor decides which medications are suitable in each specific case. When selecting a medicine, the specialist takes into account the type of fungus, the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient.

Systemic antimycotics are highly effective: they destroy the “pest” from the inside. At the same time, their use is often accompanied by side effects and requires regular medical monitoring.

Local remedies act directly on the affected nail. They are usually well tolerated by the body and cause fewer negative reactions. Their effectiveness depends on the depth and extent of the lesion.

An important aspect of treating nail fungus is the regular use of medications. If the course is interrupted and the drugs are used incorrectly, the fungus becomes resistant to them and treatment is delayed.

The therapy also uses the latest methods - for example, laser and photodynamic therapy. Such methods involve targeted influence. At the same time, the risk of side effects is minimized.

Temporary help is provided by home treatments - for example, baths with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and sea salt. They have a softening and antiseptic effect, but do not destroy the fungus.

Prognosis and prevention

The main preventive requirement is hygiene. This includes regular washing and drying of feet, as well as the use of a personal towel. Additional requirements:

  • The right choice of shoes. It should be comfortable and made of natural materials.
  • Use of protective equipment in public places. It is recommended to wear rubber slippers in swimming pools, saunas, and gyms.
  • Nail care. They need to be trimmed regularly and correctly.

The prognosis for treatment is favorable, but the success of therapy largely depends on the timeliness of contacting a specialist, the correct implementation of all doctor’s recommendations and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Our doctors

Marchenko
Elena Viktorovna
Head of the center for podology and mycology, dermatovenerologist, podologist, cosmetologist
Kozak
Lev Ilyich
Traumatologist-orthopedist, chiropractor
Rabadanova
Darya Anatolevna
Dermatovenerologist, podologist
All specialists
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Price

Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with a dermatovenerologist (podiatrist)
from 4 500 ₽
Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with a dermatovenerologist (podiatrist)
from 3 900 ₽

Reviews 3

Had surgery on my foot. Anastasia Alekseevna clearly explained in advance what and how would happen during the operation and after, as well as during the rehabilitation period. As a result, many years of pain went away! Now I only regret that I did not fall into the hands of this team of doctors earlier.
25.07.2024
Lyubov Viktorovna
My hand started to hurt from constantly working at the computer. I was worried for several months, nothing helped - neither exercises, nor bandages. I had already begun to seriously think about changing my field of activity, because working at a computer was simply impossible. But I went to Lev Ilyich for an appointment and within a few days the arm was completely gone! Notice that the pain did not decrease, but went away completely. I do the exercises that the doctor gave and follow all the recommendations. I sincerely recommend Lev Ilyich, because he really is a doctor!
11.07.2024
Vladimir
An excellent specialist and professional. Polite and courteous doctor. I have been visiting Lyubov Viktorovna for 4 months now. I have diabetes 2 and have foot problems. She helped me a lot. Thanks a lot!
26.02.2024
Victoria Nikolaevna Golovko
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