Properly treat nail fungus
Anyone who has a fungus on fingernails or toenails has to be prepared for lengthy therapy. What you should be aware of
Nail fungus is a taboo subject. Those who suffer from it want to keep the infection as secret as possible - often at the expense of quality of life. Nevertheless, nail fungus is common. Around ten to 30 percent of people worldwide are affected.
The fungi mainly attack the toenails, less often the fingernails. In many cases, onychomycosis, as doctors call nail fungus, is preceded by athlete's foot . The pathogens easily get into the nail from the skin if the conditions are favorable for them. For example, if you injure your nail with a pair of scissors, you can open a gateway for fungi. If nail growth is impaired by certain diseases or the immune system is weakened, the germs can also multiply.
If you suspect that you might have a fungal infection on your nail, you should definitely see a doctor, or even better, go to a dermatologist right away. Because: Even if fungicides are available over-the-counter in pharmacies, the nail can also be affected by another cause.
Nail fungus treatment is a test of patience
Once the diagnosis of nail fungus has been made, those affected have to prepare for lengthy therapy. "Basically, the treatment lasts until the nails have grown back completely healthy," explains Dr. Angela Unholzer, dermatologist from Donauwörth. How quickly this happens varies greatly from person to person. For one thing, fingernails grow much faster than toenails. On the other hand, it plays a role which nail is infected, how much the fungus has spread in it and what state of health the patient is in. "In older people and those who have diabetes or circulatory disorders, the nails grow more slowly," says the expert. So the treatment can sometimes only last about three months,
The doctor may prescribe a nail polish or tincture. As an alternative or in addition, he advises taking tablets for oral use. The agents contain fungicidal agents, so-called antimycotics. They penetrate the nail layers from the outside or inside and render the fungi harmless.
Nail polish or tablets?
A purely external treatment with varnish or tincture is only sufficient if only a small part of the nail is superficially affected. If the pathogen has spread to half of the nail plate or has infected several nails, tablets are required. Even if the patient is taking a fungicidal drug, it is fundamentally advisable to also use a locally attacking agent. "The combination therapy increases the likelihood that the fungi will be completely eliminated and also accelerates the healing process," explains Unholzer.
Varnish or tincture should usually be applied thinly to those affected. It is important to use the nail files that are often included beforehand. This allows the diseased nail material to be removed. In addition, this allows the active ingredient to penetrate better. The files are only suitable for one-time use! The professional grinding of the nails, carried out by the dermatologist or the foot care practice, helps more effectively. "This allows you to reach fungal cells that accumulate in air-filled cavities between the nail layers and would otherwise escape therapy," emphasizes the dermatologist.
Anyone who has to take tablets should point out possible liver diseases to the doctor, unless he asks about them anyway. Because with long-term use, the substances can damage the liver under certain circumstances.
What if the nail fungus comes back?
If the germs are not completely killed by the medicinal substances, the fungus can spread again after a while. A common reason: patients discontinue therapy too early. Or the pathogens are only inhibited in their growth and remain in an inactive state. In this case, the drugs are ineffective. But the risk of a relapse can be reduced: "Anyone who has athlete's foot at the same time, for example in the spaces between the toes, must also treat it," advises Unholzer. Because from there the microorganisms can penetrate the nail again.
Avoid relapse
It is also advisable to disinfect all shoes - from sandals to jogging shoes. The procedure should take place once a week. If you have nail fungus on your feet, it is best to wash your feet every day and then dry them thoroughly - also between your toes. Socks and towels regularly belong in the washing machine at at least 60 degrees Celsius. Bathroom carpets can also be washed. Unholzer even advises: "Clean the bathroom tiles with a disinfectant and do not go barefoot through the apartment." These measures prevent the fungi from spreading. This not only prevents re-infection, but also supports therapy.
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