Proper treatment of the nail fungus in neglected form

Every fifth patient comes to an appointment with a dermatologist, when the disease is already in a neglected form. The main reason is the lack of treatment of the nail fungus in the initial stage.

This carelessness leads to a deep introduction of the fungal pathogen into the body and the transition of the disease to the chronic phase. Treatment of the fungus of the nail of neglected form has its own characteristics and requires a long-term complex therapy.

Features of nail fungus development

In the official register of serious diseases WHO the fungal nail infection is designated as onychomycosis, which corresponds toliteral translation from the Greek language.

The causative agents are dermatomycetes - a large group of parasitic fungi. The main role in the development of pathology is assigned to the red trichophyton.

Distribution through the body is lymphogenic, which is confirmed by a number of factors - the detection of a fungus pathogen in the lymph nodes of the inguinal zones, in the secretion of the prostate and other organs. And ascending way( along the length), starting infection from the proximal( posterior) segments of the nail plates.

Therefore, it is important not to heal visible symptoms of the disease, but completely remove the infection from the body.

The clinical picture of fungal development in the nail plates of the limbs is conventionally divided into three types of lesions.

1. Normotrophic type of lesion is characterized by the formation in the depth of the plates, mainly along the edges, white, or saturated yellow spots and bands. Over time, their merger is noted. They are localized over the entire surface of the plate, with the exception of the rear part adjacent to the hole.
2. In hypertrophic lesions, subungual keratosis develops, causing a significant thickening of the nail plate. White strips or yellow patchy inclusions are visible in the thickness. Because of the significant loss of the substance of the nails, their delamination, brittleness, characteristic edentation of the edges is noted.
3. The onycholytic appearance quickly changes the nail plate. The color varies - from a dull whitish color to a whitish-yellow color. The process of separating the plate from the bed begins.

When the fungus stage is started, the nail plates change their structure, become uneven, dense and bumpy. The increased development of hyperkeratosis inside the plate causes:

• nail deformation - thickening or thinning;
• cornification of the nail plate;
• destruction - foliation and crumbling;
• detaches the plate from the bed to form a cavity filled with dead skin cells, fungi, microbes and dirt;
• reversal of growth direction;
• may develop signs of onychriphosis( claw of a bird);
• twisting of the nail plate;
• its ingrowth into the outer lateral edge of the roller.

Possible consequences

Inadequate independent attempts to treat advanced chronic form of fungal nail infection can provoke:

• disorders in the protective functions of the body;
• slight susceptibility of the body to infections and viruses;
• exacerbation of background pathologies;
• spread of the infectious carrier into the circulatory system and internal organs;
• a general decrease in the immune system.

In addition, against the background of a chronic fungal infection, various forms of dermatitis, inflammatory-dystrophic reactions on the skin( eczema), inflammation of the mucous membranes of the conjunctiva, throat or nose, bronchitis and allergies can develop.

Such effects are caused by the action of toxins released by a fungal parasite. It should be remembered that the fungal infection is very contagious, therefore it is dangerous not only for the carrier, but also for the surrounding people.

Diagnosis and treatment of nail fungus of the neglected form

Diagnosis of nail fungus is conducted, mainly, by evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms. Correct interpretation of fungal nail infection helps determine the tactics of treatment.

Laboratory diagnostic methods are used to assess the condition of the pathogen and confirm or exclude the diagnosis.

• cytological methods of investigation( exclusion / confirmation of malignant pathologies in the nail bed);
• complex of mycological examinations( sowing and microscopy);
• definition of the etiological role of one or another pathogen, in the development of pathology - a microbiological study.

When the fungus form is started, the tactics of the treatment process is based on the use of complex methods, including antifungal preparations of internal and external application, methods of hardware treatment, correction of background side conditions - immunodeficiency, varicosity, metabolic failure.

1) To achieve the most effective treatment of neglected form of nail fungus by tablets, systemic preparations of the group of triazoles and allylamines - "Itraconazole", "Fluconazole", "Terbinafine" are prescribed. These groups include dozens of local and systemic drugs.

Effective action is due to the destructive effect of the drug on the cell membrane of the fungus. Has a fungicidal effect of accumulative properties, in 90% of cases of neglect of the disease destroys dermotophytes, yeast and mold fungi.

2) Combination of the use of systemic drugs with local therapy( ointment, lacquer) will speed up the healing process. Among the popular remedies are Clotrimazole, Lamizil and Terbinafine, Lamitel or Thermicon, Mikozan, Batrafen and others.

Hardware techniques include:

1) The laser technique does not have a significant effect on the body, it destroys fungal colonies without harming healthy tissues. Four sessions of laser therapy can get rid of the fungus( photo 4).

2) The ozone therapy method eliminates infection by injecting ozone into the nail plate. The procedure has an anti-inflammatory effect and contributes to the enhancement of immunity functions( duration of treatment is 10 sessions).

3) The method of hardware processing - electromechanical processing and removal of the upper layer of the nail. The course of treatment - 6 procedures.

In case of complete destruction of the nail plate, it is completely removed for 4 procedures by special external preparations prescribed by a doctor or for 1 session by a hardware method.

Folk remedies

Methods of treating the nail fungus in neglected form folk remedies - are unsound .Different recipes for their use have a therapeutic effect only at the beginning of the infectious process.

Treatment of a nail fungus of a neglected form with hydrogen peroxide is the only folk remedy that can be used as a disinfecting antibacterial agent in the process of drug treatment.

The easiest and sparing procedure:

1. Preventive baths - the recipe is designed for 2 liters of hot water. Dissolve a little grated tar soap, add 120 ml.3% peroxide solution. Disinfection time - 20 min. Clear the nail from the dead cells and apply an antifungal agent.
2. Compresses - tampons soaked in peroxide are applied to pre-steamed affected areas for 40 minutes( twice a day), clean the plate and apply an antifungal ointment.

Complete recovery is possible if you adhere to all medical recommendations and adhere to strict hygiene rules.