Nail fungus: how to identify and eliminate the problem in time


Despite the fact that the scientific name of this disease - onychomycosis - is not so often heard by ordinary people, the prevalence of the infection itself is very high. Nail fungus is a disease that affects every fifth person on earth according to WHO.

In the early stages it may not appear too pronounced, but as it develops it will be impossible not to notice. And treatment of nail fungus takes quite a long time (from 3 months and sometimes longer than 1 year).

The danger also lies in the fact that an infection from one nail plate spreads to the rest in a fairly short time, and can also be transmitted to other people. According to statistics, 80% of people do not even know that they are carriers of the fungus.

Top 10 remedies for treating nail fungus.

May 21, 2021
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Content
  • Exoderil
  • Nizoral
  • Lamisil
  • Lotseril
  • Clotrimazole
  • Candide
  • Mycoseptin
  • Nitrofungin
  • Terbinafine
  • Mikoderil

Recently, more and more people are turning to dermatologists with a problem such as nail fungus. Symptoms of nail fungus include: peeling and loosening of the nail plate, unpleasant odor from feet and shoes, darkening of nails, etc.

Based on feedback from patients who had nail fungus, we have compiled a list of the most effective ointments and solutions, from which you can choose one product for your home medicine cabinet.

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Signs of fungus damage to the nail plate

If you notice the following manifestations on your nails, then it’s time to sound the alarm:

  • Yellowish tint
  • Delamination, destruction or thickening
  • Blotches of yellow or white spots
  • Unpleasant odor, pain
  • Changing shape

Given the variety of types of fungus, the infection in its first manifestations may look different.

For example, yeast fungi make the tone of the nail plate darker and add a yellowish color. The nail becomes deformed and takes on a wavy shape. Redness forms on the skin around the nail and even with slight exposure painful sensations appear.

Dermatophytes, affecting the nail, first appear as small spots along the edges of the plate of yellow, white and gray color. Subsequently, the nail completely turns yellow and moves away from the base.

Molds most often attack against the background of reduced immunity. It is difficult to confuse lesions with this species due to the rich palette of colors on the nails: green, blue, black, brown, yellow. Sometimes, already at the first stage, peeling and separation of the nails from the base are observed.

Exoderil

The solution for the fungus "Exoderil" contains naftifine - this substance gradually accumulates in the nails affected by the fungus and destroys it. The excipients of the drug help the active components penetrate the nail faster. In addition to the antifungal effect, Exoderil has the ability to relieve inflammation caused by mycosis and relieve itching. Contraindications to the use of the anti-fungal remedy: allergic reactions to the components of the drug, pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood.

Exoderil
Eczacibasi Ilac Sanayi ve Ticar, Türkiye; Sandoz (Sandoz), Germany; Biochemie GmbH, Austria; Globopharm pharmazeutische Productions, Austria

Naftifine is an antifungal agent for external use, belonging to the class of allylamines.
The mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of squalene-2,3-epoxidase, which leads to a decrease in the formation of ergosterol, which is part of the cell wall of the fungus. Active against dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum, molds (Aspergillus spp.), yeast fungi (Candida spp., Pityrosporum) and other fungi (for example Sporothrix schenckii). from 364

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Other products for external use

These drugs will also help get rid of foot fungus:

  1. Fundizol. A complex product that softens and removes the nail plate. Apply 4-5 times a day until a visible effect is achieved. The price of the drug is approximately 100 rubles per package
  2. Creolin. Refers to alternative medicine and is designed for use in veterinary medicine. It has antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. The liquid is applied to the affected nails 3-4 times a day. One jar of solution costs about 50 rubles.
  3. Berezhnova liquid. This is a time-tested remedy consisting of glycerin, iodine, vinegar and sodium iodide. Fingers affected by the fungus are dipped into the bath with the solution and kept there for 10 minutes. The course of treatment can last up to 6 months. The product can be ordered at the pharmacy for only 50 rubles.

Traditional medicine also suggests adding apple cider vinegar and a few drops of lemon juice to a container with Listerine. This solution has a strong antiseptic effect, softening fungal scales.

Listerine can be purchased in pharmacies for about 150 rubles per bottle.

Nizoral

The main active ingredient of Nizoral is ketoconazole. This drug has a pronounced antifungal effect and is ideal for the treatment of mycosis of toenails. Ketoconazole penetrates deep into the nail and prevents further proliferation of pathogens, destroying their metabolic processes. For optimal therapeutic effect, it is recommended to apply Nizoral to the affected areas twice a day. The indisputable advantage of this remedy for fungus is that it is completely safe for the body. Pregnant and lactating women can be treated with Nizoral.

Nizoral
Janssen-Cilag, UK

Dermatophyte skin infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum: - dermatomycosis of smooth skin;
- inguinal athlete's foot; - epidermophytosis of the hands and feet; - skin candidiasis; - pityriasis versicolor; — seborrheic dermatitis caused by Pityrosporum ovale from 430

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Salicylic ointment

Ingredients: The active ingredient is salicylic acid.

Indications: refers to non-steroidal external agents, relieves fungus from infected areas of the nail plate, has an antiseptic effect. The advantage of the drug is the absence of contraindications, but in advanced forms of the disease it is ineffective.

Application: the scheme for using salicylic ointment in the treatment of mycosis provides two options - lubricating the affected nail (area) or a compress. With the second method of treatment, the bandage is applied at night, which will speed up recovery by 3-5 days, but the side effect (skin exfoliation) requires taking baths with a soap-soda solution to remove the exfoliated epidermis.

Cost: from 25 rubles.

Lamisil

The active component of this remedy for foot fungus is terbinafine. “Lamisil” is effective in the early stages of mycosis; if it is an advanced case, it is recommended to use “Lamisil” in complex therapy or simply replace it with a stronger drug. Treatment with Lamisil lasts at least 2 weeks (the drug must be applied twice a day). Medicine for fungus is available in the form of a solution, gel, cream and spray. Due to its strong effect, Lamisil is not prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as under 12 years of age.

Lamisil dermgel
Novartis Pharma Services AG (Novartis Pharma), Switzerland

Fungal skin infections, incl.
mycoses of the feet (tinea pedis), inguinal athlete's foot (tinea cruris), fungal infections of the smooth skin of the body (tinea corporis) caused by dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton (including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton violaceum), Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum; pityriasis versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor), caused by Pityrosporum orbiculare (Malassezia furfur). from 446

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Clinical symptoms of mycoses of the hands, feet and nails

Clinical manifestations of mycosis depend on its type. The most common signs of fungal-affected skin:

  • dry skin;
  • change in its color (redness, cyanosis);
  • thickening of the skin due to thickening of its surface layers;
  • characteristic peeling, different from the peeling of healthy epidermis - cells exfoliate in clusters in the form of plates, lumps or bran;
  • specific odor (in particular, especially pronounced if the feet are affected).

He is able to develop very quickly. Therefore, you should immediately consult a doctor if there are signs of the initial stage of nail fungus.

Signs of mycosis of nails:

  • thickening and looseness of the nail plates;
  • their dullness;
  • the color of the nail plates is dirty gray, yellow or yellow-brown;
  • If the disease is not treated, in advanced cases the nail plate peels off.

Lotseril

The active substance of the drug for mycosis is amorolfine. This antifungal agent is a clear nail polish. "Loceryl" helps treat fungus directly on the surface of the nail. Amorolfine slows down the destruction of the nail by fungus, and with long-term use, it completely destroys the pathogen. The components of “Loceryl” do not have a negative effect on the body, even if you use this varnish for a long time. The course of treatment with Lotseril lasts one to two weeks, the only drawback is the high cost of the product.

Lotseril
Galderma, Switzerland

Loceryl is an antifungal drug for external use.
It has a fungistatic and fungicidal effect due to damage to the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungus by disrupting the biosynthesis of sterols. The content of ergosterol decreases, the content of atypical steric non-planar sterols accumulates. Has a wide spectrum of action. Highly active against both the most common and rare pathogens of fungal nail infections. from 837

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Clotrimazole

This remedy for foot fungus is available in the form of a cream and ointment. The active substance clotrimazole penetrates deep into the nail plate, destroys the cellular structure of the pathogen, and stops the proliferation of the fungus. Clotrimazole is effective against all types of fungal infections. The course of treatment for mycosis with clotrimazole is three to four weeks. Contraindications include: first trimester of pregnancy, lactation, allergy to the components of the drug.

Clotrimazole-Teva
Merkle GmbH, Germany

Fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by dermatophytes, mold and yeast-like fungi, lichen versicolor, erythrasma, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, mycoses complicated by secondary pyoderma.
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Causes and symptoms

Fungal infections often occur against the background of reduced immunity and the presence of autoimmune diseases. Almost immediately after infection, itching occurs, which leads to the formation of cracks and ulcers. Over time, the affected area increases, the skin becomes rough and flour-like detachments occur.

The following pathologies can provoke mycosis:

  • Chronic diseases of the endocrine system.
  • Vascular diseases.
  • Diabetes.

The risk of contracting a fungal infection increases if hygiene rules are not followed, as well as with increased activity of the sebaceous glands and heavy sweating. It is important to wear comfortable shoes made of quality materials to prevent chafing and calluses.

Candide

This is a broad-spectrum anti-fungal medicine that is used externally. "Candide" helps well with mycosis of the legs. The active ingredient in Candida is clotrimazole, which damages the membrane of the pathogenic fungus and also heals the affected tissue. Allergies to this antifungal agent are extremely rare, since it contains a minimum of components. The course of treatment with Candide, depending on the situation, lasts from a week to a month.

Candide
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India

An antifungal drug with a wide spectrum of action.
The active substance of Candida, clotrimazole, is an imidazole derivative. Its antifungal effect is due to disruption of the production of ergosterol, which is part of the fungal cell membrane. As a result of the action of clotrimazole, the permeability of the cell membrane changes, which leads to cell lysis. from 52

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Mycoseptin

This is an inexpensive drug against foot fungus, and very effective. The active ingredients of the product are undecylenic acid and its salt. "Mikoseptin" destroys fungal cells and is a powerful antiseptic. The ointment relieves itching, redness and burning. "Mikoseptin" is used in a course (four to six weeks). The drug should not be prescribed to children under 2 years of age or if they are allergic to the components of the ointment.

Mycoseptin

Mikoseptin is an ointment for topical use with an antifungal effect.
Indications for the use of Mikoseptin ointment are: superficial mycoses of the skin caused by microorganisms sensitive to the active ingredients of the drug, in particular dermatomycosis of smooth skin, inguinal dermatomycosis, dermatomycosis of the feet, interdigital dermatomycosis, including mixed candidal and bacterial infections. from 321

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Nitrofungin

This is one of the best remedies for fungus in this rating; the active ingredient of Nitrofungin is undecylenic acid. The drug acts not only as an antifungal agent, but also as a disinfectant and antiseptic. This medicine for fungus acts quickly: the symptoms of mycosis disappear, the fungus goes away. Nitrofungin should be used twice a day until the manifestations of the disease disappear completely. Contraindications: children under three years of age, pregnant and lactating women, allergies to the components of the drug.

Nitrofungin
IVEX Pharmaceuticals, Czech Republic

Fungal skin lesions: - rubrophytia;
- inguinal athlete's foot; - trichophytosis; - skin candidiasis; - mycoses of the feet; - fungal diseases of the external auditory canal. from 248

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Indications for use

Antifungal drugs are used for diseases caused by pathogenic fungi - mycoses: deep (or systemic) mycoses, in which fungi affect internal organs and the central nervous system - aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis; superficial mycoses (or dermatomycosis) of the skin, scalp, nails - pityriasis versicolor, microsporia, trichophytosis, epidermophytosis, onychomycosis, mycosis of the ear canal.

In addition, antifungal drugs are used for candidiasis of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, skin, genital organs - vaginal candidiasis, candidiasis of internal organs.

Terbinafine

This fungal remedy is available in the form of a solution, spray, cream and ointment. The active substance of the drug is terbinafine, which inhibits the proliferation of the fungus, destroys its cellular structure and ultimately completely destroys it. For one to two weeks, Terbinafine is applied 1-2 times a day. Contraindications include: pregnancy, lactation, age under three years, renal failure, cancer.

Terbinafine
Vertex CJSC, Russia

Prevention and treatment of fungus, fungal infections of the skin, including mycoses of the feet (“fungus” of the foot), inguinal athlete’s foot (tinea cruris), fungal infections of the smooth skin of the body (tinea corporis), caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton (incl. T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. verrucosum, T. violaceum), Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum;
yeast infections of the skin, mainly those caused by the genus Candida (for example, Candida albicans), in particular diaper rash; Versicolor versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor), caused by Pityrosporum orbiculare (also known as Malassezia furfur). from 38

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How to prepare your feet for applying ointment?

To destroy the mycelium that has grown deep into the nails, it is necessary that the ointment for nail fungus is absorbed as best as possible. To do this, you need to treat your feet. This is done either with the help of a therapeutic pedicure from a specialist podiatrist, or with home remedies.

If you choose a pedicure, go to a specialist, not a regular pedicure salon. The specialist not only has a device with grinding attachments, but also means of protection and disinfection, wears a special mask or helmet, and professionally disinfects the office.

The home method looks like this:

  1. Make a hot soap-soda solution (5-10 grams of soap and soda per liter of water), soak your feet in it for 15-30 minutes;
  2. Apply salicylic ointment or special Arievich ointment to your feet, wrap them in cellophane or parchment paper and leave them there for 12-24 hours. Then scrape off the keratinized skin and affected nail plates, cut off the fragments that are lagging behind the bed;
  3. Dry your feet, wipe your nails dry, and only then apply the ointment.

If 1-2 nails are affected, it is enough to apply a special peel-off patch with urea or wrap it with a product containing a 40% solution of urea or lactic acid. Then the plate is scraped off or cut to healthy tissue.

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