Onychomycosis is a fairly common fungal infection of the nails, which develops when a fungus infects a part of the nail including the nail bed, matrix or plate. This infection can create cosmetic problems, as well as pain and discomfort, and can affect normal daily activities. If the infection is severe, it can cause permanent damage to the nails and can extend beyond the nails. If you know you have nail fungus, there are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of it and restore your nails to their original state.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: With Drugs
Step 1. Recognize the signs
Before tackling the problem, you need to know what to look for. Nail fungus does not necessarily have symptoms that are constant and the same for everyone. The most common feature is some localized aching or pain. The signs that attest to the presence of a fungal infection are changes in the appearance of the nail, such as color. Yellowish or whitish streaks usually begin to form on the sides of the nail, often caused by a buildup of debris under or around the nail. subsequently the nail begins to crumble, its edges thicken and it may even lift or loosen from the nail bed. Overall, the nail becomes very brittle.
- While you will typically want to treat this infection for cosmetic reasons, remember that mycosis can still be a serious problem and needs to be addressed. For example, when the infection is severe, it can cause permanent nail damage and spread to other nearby areas as well, especially if you fall into a high-risk category, such as diabetics or the immunosuppressed.
- Onychomycosis is caused by fungi, such as Trichophyton rubrum, but it can also result from non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts, especially of the Candida species.
Step 2. Don't take over-the-counter medications
Nail fungus is difficult to treat and relapses are very common. Contrary to common belief, antifungal creams, which you can find freely in pharmacies, are generally indicated for athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and do not effectively cure onychomycosis; this is because they are unable to penetrate the nail.
Step 3. Take oral medications
The most effective way to get rid of this infection is to follow a systemic prescription oral antifungal therapy. The treatment can last up to 2-3 months and among the most popular medicines we remember Lamisil, which is usually prescribed with a dose of 250 mg per day for 12 weeks. The most common side effects are skin rashes, diarrhea or liver enzyme changes. Note, however, that you cannot take this drug if you have liver or kidney problems.
You can also try Sporanox, another antifungal that is usually prescribed at a dose of 200 mg per day for 12 weeks. Side effects can include nausea, rashes, or changes in liver enzymes. In this case the drug cannot be taken if you suffer from liver problems. In addition, there have been problems of interactions with over 170 different drugs such as those based on hydrocodone and tacrolimus. Check with your doctor to make sure whatever medications you are taking do not interfere with Sporanox
Step 4. Try prescription topical antifungals
Generally they shouldn't be used alone, but you can apply them concurrently with oral therapy to speed up healing times. However, if you have reservations about oral therapy or are reluctant to start long-term oral therapy, topical medications may be a viable solution.
- A fairly common drug contains the active ingredient Ciclopirox and is commercially available in an 8% solution that must be applied every day for 48 weeks.
- You can also try the newer drug based on eficonazole, in a 10% solution and which, again, is applied every day for 48 weeks.
Step 5. Discuss surgery with your doctor
If your onychomycosis is quite severe, surgery may be required to fix the root problem. Among the various procedures is the partial or complete removal of the nail. Once the infected nail is surgically removed, an antifungal cream should be applied to the area to prevent the area from becoming infected again.
It is generally not necessary to remove the nail completely
Step 6. Consider treatment that is neither pharmacological nor surgical
This method does not involve the need to take drugs or undergo surgery, but it is a debridement of the nail, which consists of removing dead or infected tissue and cutting the nail. This technique is used when the infection is severe or if it causes abnormal growths.
Generally, doctors apply urea ointment for a period of 7-10 days and cover the nail with a dressing, in order to soften it and make it easier to remove the diseased part. It is generally a painless procedure
Step 7. Try laser treatment
This is another solution to your fungus problem, but it is usually very expensive. During the sessions, a high-power light beam is used to eradicate the fungus from the affected area. It may take several surgeries to completely remove the infection, so keep in mind that you should pay for each session.
Method 2 of 2: Alternative Treatments
Step 1. Apply the Vicks VapoRub
You can take this over-the-counter product to treat your onychomycosis. One study found that applying Vicks VapoRub daily for 48 weeks can be as effective a topical treatment as 8% Ciclopirox. Before applying the ointment, make sure the nail is clean and dry. Apply a small amount to the infected area every day using your fingers or a cotton ball, preferably in the evening. Continue the treatment for 48 weeks.
The infection may go away even before this time, but it is important to continue treatment for a couple of weeks after the signs have resolved to ensure that the fungal infection is completely cured
Step 2. Use tea tree oil
You can use this natural remedy to fight the infection. A study has shown that tea tree oil (also called tea tree oil) is effective for nail fungus. 18% of patients who used it twice a day for 24 weeks recovered from the infection. To cure this fungus, you need to use 100% pure oil, as the diluted product has not proven as effective for this particular fungus.
Make sure your nail is clean and dry before applying the solution. Put a small amount of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area twice a day for up to 6 months
Step 3. Try Ageratina Altissima Leaf Extract
In a study of 110 people, the extract of this herb was found to be effective as a topical treatment. To implement this method, apply the extract every three days for 4 weeks, then twice a week for the next 4 weeks, then once a week for an additional 4 weeks.
It is not very easy to find Ageratina altissima leaf extract in Italy. This is mostly a traditional Mexican remedy, but you can do a web search and find online retailers
Step 4. Prevent possible relapses
There are many situations that can put you at greater risk of contracting nail fungus. You are more likely to get infected if you are elderly, diabetic, immunosuppressed or have circulation problems. If you fall into a risk category, you should pay more attention and take better care of your feet. To prevent infection, you should wear shoes or sandals when in humid public areas, such as swimming pools or gyms, always keep your toenails carefully trimmed and clean, make sure to keep your feet dry, and always dry them after a shower.
- You should wear clean, sweat-absorbing socks. Wool, nylon and polypropylene are materials that help keep feet dry. Another important thing is to change socks often.
- Throw away the old shoes once you get rid of the infection, as they may still retain traces of the fungus. Also try to wear open shoes if you want to try to reduce the humidity in the area.
- Do not share the nail clippers or other tools you use for manicures and pedicures. Also choose carefully the beauty centers where you go for foot care.
- You can apply an antifungal powder or spray to try to reduce the risk of getting the infection.
- Avoid applying nail polish or using artificial products on your nails, as this can trap moisture and create a favorable environment for the fungus to develop and grow.
Advice
- You should see your doctor if the fungal nail infection does not go away or if the surrounding tissues become painful, red, or you notice pus.
- If you have other conditions such as diabetes, be aware that nail fungus can cause more serious complications such as infectious cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection.
- Natural remedies are not always effective. If you don't see any improvement after a week or so of treatment, go to your doctor to find other solutions for your infection.
- Don't wear other people's shoes if you have nail fungus, as this could leave fungal spores inside your shoes and potentially infect others' feet.
