What are the main causes of fungal nail infections. How can you identify the symptoms of a fungal nail infection. What are the most effective treatments for nail fungus. Who is at higher risk of developing onychomycosis. How can you prevent fungal nail infections.

Understanding Fungal Nail Infections: An In-Depth Look

Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, are common conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. These infections occur when fungi overgrow in, under, or on the nail, leading to various symptoms and potential complications if left untreated. While both fingernails and toenails can be affected, toenail infections are more prevalent due to the warm, moist environment often created by footwear.

What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?

Fungal nail infections are primarily caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. These fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin, gradually colonizing the nail bed. The same fungi responsible for other common skin conditions like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm can also cause nail infections.

Environmental factors play a significant role in the development of these infections. Fungi naturally present on or in the body can overgrow under certain conditions, leading to infection. Additionally, contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces can transmit the fungi responsible for nail infections.

Are certain individuals more susceptible to fungal nail infections?

Yes, several factors can increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection:

• Age: Older adults, particularly those over 65, are more susceptible due to reduced circulation and slower nail growth.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes and diseases that affect circulation can increase vulnerability.
• Compromised immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more prone to infections.
• Nail damage: Prior injuries to nails can create entry points for fungi.
• Frequent exposure to moisture: Regular swimming or prolonged contact with water can increase risk.
• Tight footwear: Shoes that create a warm, moist environment around toes can promote fungal growth.
• Genetic predisposition: Family history of fungal nail infections may increase susceptibility.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections

Identifying a fungal nail infection early can lead to more effective treatment. However, the onset of symptoms is often gradual, making initial detection challenging. As the infection progresses, several signs may become apparent:

• Nail discoloration: The affected nail may turn white, yellow, or brown.
• Thickening of the nail: The nail may become abnormally thick or distorted in shape.
• Brittleness: Infected nails often become brittle, crumbly, or ragged.
• Separation from the nail bed: In advanced cases, the nail may begin to lift away from the nail bed.
• Odor: A foul smell may emanate from the infected nail.
• Pain or discomfort: In some cases, the infection can cause pain, especially when pressure is applied.

How do symptoms vary among different types of fungal nail infections?

Fungal nail infections can manifest in several forms, each with distinct characteristics:

1. Distal Subungual Infection:
   • Most common type
   • Affects both fingernails and toenails
   • Characterized by jagged nail edges and white or yellow streaks across the nail
2. White Superficial Infection:
   • Primarily affects toenails
   • Presents as well-defined white spots on the nail surface
   • Can lead to a rough, soft nail prone to crumbling
3. Proximal Subungual Infection:
   • Less common, but can affect both fingernails and toenails
   • Yellow spots appear at the base of the nail, spreading upward
   • Often seen in individuals with compromised immune systems
4. Candida Infection:
   • Caused by Candida yeasts
   • More commonly affects fingernails
   • Often occurs in people who frequently immerse their hands in water

Diagnosing Fungal Nail Infections: When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild cases of fungal nail infections may be manageable with over-the-counter treatments, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. A proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, as other conditions can mimic the appearance of fungal infections.

What diagnostic methods do healthcare providers use to confirm fungal nail infections?

Healthcare providers employ several techniques to diagnose fungal nail infections:

• Visual examination: A thorough inspection of the affected nail and surrounding skin.
• Nail sample analysis: A small piece of nail may be collected for laboratory testing.
• Fungal culture: Samples are cultured to identify the specific fungal species causing the infection.
• Microscopic examination: Direct microscopy can reveal fungal elements in nail samples.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing: A molecular technique that can detect fungal DNA.

These diagnostic methods help healthcare providers distinguish between fungal infections and other nail conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Treatment Options for Fungal Nail Infections

Treating fungal nail infections can be challenging, often requiring a combination of approaches for optimal results. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the type of fungus involved, and the patient’s overall health.

What are the primary treatment options for fungal nail infections?

Treatment options for fungal nail infections include:

1. Topical medications:
   • Antifungal nail polishes (e.g., ciclopirox, amorolfine)
   • Antifungal creams and ointments
   • Best for mild to moderate infections
2. Oral antifungal medications:
   • Terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole
   • More effective for severe infections or those resistant to topical treatment
   • May require several months of treatment
3. Combination therapy:
   • Combining oral and topical treatments for enhanced efficacy
4. Nail removal:
   • In severe cases, partial or complete nail removal may be necessary
   • Allows direct application of antifungal agents to the nail bed
5. Laser therapy:
   • Emerging treatment option using targeted laser light to eliminate fungi
   • May be combined with traditional treatments for better results

How long does it take to treat a fungal nail infection?

The duration of treatment for fungal nail infections can vary significantly depending on several factors:

• Severity of the infection
• Type of fungus involved
• Chosen treatment method
• Patient’s overall health and immune status

On average, treatment can last anywhere from a few months to a year or more. It’s important to note that even after the fungus is eliminated, it may take several months for the nail to grow out completely and appear healthy again.

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections: Proactive Measures

While fungal nail infections can be persistent and challenging to treat, several preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing these infections.

What are effective strategies for preventing fungal nail infections?

To minimize the risk of fungal nail infections, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

• Maintain good hygiene:
  • Keep nails clean and dry
  • Trim nails regularly and straight across
  • Disinfect nail clippers and other grooming tools after each use
• Protect your feet:
  • Wear breathable footwear
  • Change socks regularly, especially if feet tend to sweat
  • Use antifungal powder in shoes
• Be cautious in public areas:
  • Wear sandals or water shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
  • Avoid sharing personal items like towels or shoes
• Choose nail salons carefully:
  • Ensure proper sterilization of tools
  • Avoid cutting cuticles, which can create entry points for fungi
• Manage underlying health conditions:
  • Keep diabetes under control
  • Address circulatory issues
• Use preventive treatments:
  • Apply antifungal sprays or powders to feet regularly
  • Consider using tea tree oil as a natural antifungal agent

Living with Fungal Nail Infections: Coping Strategies and Support

While fungal nail infections are generally not life-threatening, they can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. The visible symptoms can cause embarrassment and affect self-esteem, while advanced infections may lead to discomfort or pain.

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of fungal nail infections?

Coping with fungal nail infections involves both physical treatment and emotional support:

• Seek professional help: Consult a dermatologist or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Join support groups: Connect with others experiencing similar issues for shared experiences and advice.
• Practice self-care: Maintain overall foot and nail health to prevent worsening of the condition.
• Use cosmetic solutions: Consider nail polish or artificial nails to cover affected areas temporarily.
• Stay informed: Educate yourself about the condition to better understand and manage it.
• Be patient: Remember that treatment takes time, and visible improvement may be gradual.

Are there any lifestyle modifications that can help manage fungal nail infections?

Several lifestyle changes can complement medical treatment and help manage fungal nail infections:

• Dietary adjustments: Consume foods rich in antifungal properties, such as garlic and probiotics.
• Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can weaken the immune system.
• Regular exercise: Promote better circulation, which can aid in healing.
• Proper footwear: Choose shoes that allow feet to breathe and avoid prolonged moisture exposure.
• Nail care routine: Establish a consistent nail care regimen to maintain nail health.

Future Perspectives: Advancements in Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

The field of dermatology continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at developing more effective treatments for fungal nail infections. These advancements promise to improve treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.

What are some promising developments in fungal nail infection treatment?

Several innovative approaches are being explored to enhance the treatment of fungal nail infections:

• Nanotechnology-based treatments: Nanoparticles may improve drug delivery and penetration into the nail.
• Photodynamic therapy: This technique uses light-sensitive medications and specific wavelengths of light to target fungi.
• Iontophoresis: An electrical current is used to enhance the penetration of antifungal agents into the nail.
• Gene therapy: Targeting specific fungal genes to inhibit growth and reproduction.
• Combination therapies: Novel combinations of existing treatments to improve efficacy.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s natural defenses against fungal infections.

These emerging treatments hold promise for more effective, faster, and potentially less invasive management of fungal nail infections in the future.

How might future treatments impact the management of fungal nail infections?

As research progresses, future treatments for fungal nail infections may offer several advantages:

• Shorter treatment duration: More potent and targeted therapies could reduce the time required for effective treatment.
• Improved efficacy: Advanced delivery methods may enhance the ability of antifungal agents to penetrate the nail and eliminate infection.
• Reduced side effects: More precise treatments could minimize systemic side effects associated with oral medications.
• Personalized medicine: Genetic testing may allow for tailored treatments based on individual patient factors and specific fungal strains.
• Prevention strategies: Development of long-lasting preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrent infections.

While these advancements are promising, it’s important to note that they are still in various stages of research and development. Patients should continue to work closely with healthcare providers to manage fungal nail infections using currently available, proven treatments while staying informed about emerging options.

Fungal Nail Infection: Overview, Causes & Treatments

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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

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Was this helpful?

Fungal nail infections are common and are caused by fungi that live in the environment. They enter through small cracks in your nail or the nearby skin, causing infection.

Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. But when a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection.

Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects either the fingernails or toenails. Fungal infections normally develop over time, so any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels may be too subtle to notice at first.

A fungal nail infection occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.

Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, you may have contracted it as well. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails, likely because your toes are usually confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment.

If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, be sure to ask how the staff disinfects their tools and how often they do it. Tools, such as emery boards and nail clippers, can spread fungal infections from person to person if they’re not sanitized.

There are many different causes of fungal nail infections. Each cause has a treatment of its own. Although many of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing one. You’re more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:

• have diabetes
• have a disease that causes poor circulation
• are over age 65
• wear artificial nails
• swim in a public swimming pool
• have a nail injury
• have a skin injury around the nail
• have moist fingers or toes for an extended time
• have a weakened immune system
• wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots

Nail infections occur more often in men than in women, and the infections are found in adults more often than in children. If you have family members who often get these types of fungal infections, you’re more likely to get them as well.

Older adults have a high risk for getting fungal nail infections because they have poorer circulation. The nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age.

A fungal infection of the nail may affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails.

Common signs of a fungal nail infection include:

• a distorted nail that may lift off from the nail bed
• an odor coming from the infected nail
• a brittle or thickened nail

Distal subungual infection

Distal subungual infections are the most common type of fungal nail infection and can develop in both fingernails and toenails. When infected, the outer edge of the nail has a jagged appearance with white and/or yellow streaks across the nail.

The infection invades the nail bed and underside of the nail.

White superficial infection

White superficial infections usually affect toenails. A certain type of fungus attacks the top layers of the nail and creates well-defined white spots on the nail.

Eventually these white patches cover the entire nail, which becomes rough, soft, and prone to crumbling. Spots on nail may become pitted and flaky.

Proximal subungual infection

Proximal subungual infections are uncommon but can affect both fingernails and toenails. Yellow spots appear at the base of the nail as the infection spreads upward.

This infection can commonly occur in people with compromised immune systems. It can also result from minor injury to the nail.

Candida infection

Candida yeasts cause this type of infection. It can invade nails previously damaged by a prior infection or injury. More commonly, Candida affects fingernails. It often occurs in people who frequently soak their hands in water.

These infections usually start by the cuticle around the nail, which becomes swollen, red, and tender to the touch. The nail itself may partially lift off the nail bed, or fall off completely.

Because other infections can affect the nail and mimic symptoms of a fungal nail infection, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to see a doctor. They’ll take a scraping of the nail and look under a microscope for signs of fungus.

In some cases, your doctor may send the sample to a lab for analysis and identification.

Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent a fungal infection of the nails. Taking good care of your nails by keeping them well trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections.

Also avoid injuring the skin around your nails. If you’re going to have damp or wet hands for an extended amount of time, you may want to wear rubber gloves.

Other ways to prevent fungal infections of the nails include:

• washing your hands after touching infected nails
• drying your feet well after showering, especially between your toes
• getting manicures or pedicures from trustworthy salons
• avoiding being barefoot in public places
• reducing your use of artificial nails and nail polish

Products to help you avoid nail fungus

If you’re prone to excessive moisture around your fingernails or toenails, consider buying:

• antifungal sprays or powders
• moisture-wicking socks
• your own manicure or pedicure set

For some people, a fungal nail infection can be difficult to cure, and the first round of medication might not work. The nail infection can’t be considered cured until a new nail that’s free from infection has grown in.

Although this indicates that the nail is no longer infected, it’s possible for the fungal infection to return. In severe cases, there may be permanent damage to your nail, and it may have to be removed.

The main complications of a fungal nail infection are:

• a resurgence of the infection
• a permanent loss of the affected nail
• a discoloration of the infected nail
• the spread of infection to other areas of the body and possibly the bloodstream
• the development of a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis

It’s especially important to see your doctor if you have diabetes and a fungal nail infection. People with diabetes have a greater risk for developing potentially serious complications caused by these infections. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and think you’re developing a fungal nail infection.

Fungal Nail Infection: Overview, Causes & Treatments

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Fungal nail infections are common and are caused by fungi that live in the environment. They enter through small cracks in your nail or the nearby skin, causing infection.

Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. But when a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection.

Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects either the fingernails or toenails. Fungal infections normally develop over time, so any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels may be too subtle to notice at first.

A fungal nail infection occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.

Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, you may have contracted it as well. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails, likely because your toes are usually confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment.

If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, be sure to ask how the staff disinfects their tools and how often they do it. Tools, such as emery boards and nail clippers, can spread fungal infections from person to person if they’re not sanitized.

There are many different causes of fungal nail infections. Each cause has a treatment of its own. Although many of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing one. You’re more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:

• have diabetes
• have a disease that causes poor circulation
• are over age 65
• wear artificial nails
• swim in a public swimming pool
• have a nail injury
• have a skin injury around the nail
• have moist fingers or toes for an extended time
• have a weakened immune system
• wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots

Nail infections occur more often in men than in women, and the infections are found in adults more often than in children. If you have family members who often get these types of fungal infections, you’re more likely to get them as well.

Older adults have a high risk for getting fungal nail infections because they have poorer circulation. The nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age.

A fungal infection of the nail may affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails.

Common signs of a fungal nail infection include:

• a distorted nail that may lift off from the nail bed
• an odor coming from the infected nail
• a brittle or thickened nail

Distal subungual infection

Distal subungual infections are the most common type of fungal nail infection and can develop in both fingernails and toenails. When infected, the outer edge of the nail has a jagged appearance with white and/or yellow streaks across the nail.

The infection invades the nail bed and underside of the nail.

White superficial infection

White superficial infections usually affect toenails. A certain type of fungus attacks the top layers of the nail and creates well-defined white spots on the nail.

Eventually these white patches cover the entire nail, which becomes rough, soft, and prone to crumbling. Spots on nail may become pitted and flaky.

Proximal subungual infection

Proximal subungual infections are uncommon but can affect both fingernails and toenails. Yellow spots appear at the base of the nail as the infection spreads upward.

This infection can commonly occur in people with compromised immune systems. It can also result from minor injury to the nail.

Candida infection

Candida yeasts cause this type of infection. It can invade nails previously damaged by a prior infection or injury. More commonly, Candida affects fingernails. It often occurs in people who frequently soak their hands in water.

These infections usually start by the cuticle around the nail, which becomes swollen, red, and tender to the touch. The nail itself may partially lift off the nail bed, or fall off completely.

Because other infections can affect the nail and mimic symptoms of a fungal nail infection, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to see a doctor. They’ll take a scraping of the nail and look under a microscope for signs of fungus.

In some cases, your doctor may send the sample to a lab for analysis and identification.

Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent a fungal infection of the nails. Taking good care of your nails by keeping them well trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections.

Also avoid injuring the skin around your nails. If you’re going to have damp or wet hands for an extended amount of time, you may want to wear rubber gloves.

Other ways to prevent fungal infections of the nails include:

• washing your hands after touching infected nails
• drying your feet well after showering, especially between your toes
• getting manicures or pedicures from trustworthy salons
• avoiding being barefoot in public places
• reducing your use of artificial nails and nail polish

Products to help you avoid nail fungus

If you’re prone to excessive moisture around your fingernails or toenails, consider buying:

• antifungal sprays or powders
• moisture-wicking socks
• your own manicure or pedicure set

For some people, a fungal nail infection can be difficult to cure, and the first round of medication might not work. The nail infection can’t be considered cured until a new nail that’s free from infection has grown in.

Although this indicates that the nail is no longer infected, it’s possible for the fungal infection to return. In severe cases, there may be permanent damage to your nail, and it may have to be removed.

The main complications of a fungal nail infection are:

• a resurgence of the infection
• a permanent loss of the affected nail
• a discoloration of the infected nail
• the spread of infection to other areas of the body and possibly the bloodstream
• the development of a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis

It’s especially important to see your doctor if you have diabetes and a fungal nail infection. People with diabetes have a greater risk for developing potentially serious complications caused by these infections. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and think you’re developing a fungal nail infection.

causes, symptoms, effective treatment of toenail fungus

CONTENTS:

• Causes of onychomycosis
• Who is at risk
• Alarm symptoms
• Treatment tactics for nail fungus
o Systemic treatment
o Topical treatment
• Prevention

Among all diseases of the nail plate, nail fungus accounts for about 50% of cases. In about one in five people, laboratory tests reveal fungal infections. And it’s not just an aesthetic issue. Damage to the nails leads to serious consequences, especially if you do not follow the rules of treatment.

Causes of fungal nail infections

Mycosis of the nails or onychomycosis is a fungal infection that develops when spores of pathogenic fungi penetrate into the area of ​​\u200b\u200bnails on the hands or feet. Pathology can manifest itself in a change in the thickness and color of the nail plate, its separation from the nail bed. But not everyone immediately develops symptoms. This requires conditions, for example, a nail injury, weakened immune defenses, foot hyperhidrosis (increased sweating), constant exposure to a humid environment, etc.

As a rule, fungi Candida parapsilosis cause damage to the nail plate, but various dermatophytes and other molds have their place in the etiology of the disease. The middle and ring fingers are usually the first to be affected, and then the infection spreads. So far, scientists have not been able to find an explanation for this fact.

The entrance gate of infection is the area of ​​the cuticle and the lateral ridges of the nail. Considering that the fungi do not need sunlight, they take root perfectly in this area, begin to multiply and gradually move into the nail plate itself.

Who is at risk

Anyone can get a fungal infection. However, it is possible to single out those who are most at risk. Risk factors include:
• age;
• female;
• slow growth of nails;
• foot hyperhidrosis;
• frequent nail extension;
• wearing socks and shoes made of synthetic materials that cannot “breathe”;
• walking barefoot in public places: baths, swimming pools, showers;
• diabetes;
• circulatory disorders;
• wearing tight shoes.

Warning symptoms of onychomycosis

Nail fungus is always preceded by damage to the soft tissues adjacent to the plate. And the disease begins with the appearance of the following symptoms:
• swelling of tissues around the nail;
• redness and pulsation in the area of ​​the lateral ridges;
• accumulation of pus and inflammatory fluid – this symptom is confusing and confuses the diagnostic process;
• the appearance of cracks in the skin around the nail;
• discoloration of the nail: it becomes yellowish, gray or even brown;
• the appearance of grooves that originate in the nail hole;
• change in the edges of the nail, which already indicates damage to the nail plate.

Treatment of nail fungus

Previously, radical methods of treatment – removal of the nail – were widely used. However, over time, when the nail plate grew back, the problem returned again. After all, not only the nail itself is affected, but also the soft tissues around. Today, nail removal is used only as a last resort when other treatments fail, or if the lesion is too deep.

Traditional medicines seem attractive due to availability, generational experience and versatility. In fact, most methods are extremely questionable in their effectiveness and lead to complications. And even if some methods have an evidence base, they are used only as an addition to the main drug therapy.

In order not to start the disease, it is recommended to consult a specialist in time to make a diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment tactics. Onychomycosis often requires complex therapy with systemic and local drugs that will not only treat the fungus, but also eliminate the symptoms.

Systemic preparations for mycosis of nails on hands and feet

Antifungal systemic drugs in the form of tablets and capsules are prescribed if the nail plate is completely affected or if local treatment is not effective enough. Systemic treatment is aimed at fighting the fungus from the inside in order to stop the focus of infection and prevent relapse. Recommended drugs are:
• itraconazole;
• terbinafine;
• ketoconazole.

The choice of a specific drug, dosage and rules of administration should be prescribed by a qualified dermatologist or podologist.

Is topical treatment of onychomycosis effective?

If a fungal infection has affected one nail, a maximum of two or three, the affected area is located on the side or on the side of the free edge of the nail plate, and its size does not exceed 1/2 – 1/3 of the length of the nail, then local treatment is possible. Stages of local therapy:
• gradual removal of the affected surface;
• application of external antifungal drugs (varnishes, creams, ointments, solutions).

When drawing up a plan for conservative treatment, you need to remember that it will last a long time – several months, until a new nail plate grows. Plus, you need to remember about the treatment of soft tissues and, of course, compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.

Drugs of choice in the treatment of nail fungus are drugs that specifically destroy pathogenic fungi. For example, the drug and cosmetic line for the fight against skin and nail fungus EPIDERYL® MICO.

EPIDERYL® Naftifine solution
The main active ingredient naftifine 1% is an antifungal agent intended for external use, which penetrates the skin and creates antifungal concentrations. Thanks to this, the tool can be applied only 1-2 times a day, depending on the area and severity of the lesion. The drug is effective not only against Candida parapsilosis, but also against other pathogens. Naftifin provides: • destruction of the fungus; • suspension of the development of spores, mycelium of the fungus; • prevention of secondary infection; • rapid relief of inflammation. Due to this, symptoms, especially itching and burning, quickly pass.

EPIDERYL® MICO

foot care spray For maximum effect, it is recommended to use the solution for external use with the care spray. In the composition of the spray:
• Naftifine 1%, which has a long-term therapeutic effect.
• Essential oils of tea tree, lavender, oregano to enhance the protective effect and quickly restore the skin after damage.
• Coveriff 137 – a patented ingredient that will help get rid of unpleasant foot odor.
Active substances act on the areas affected by the fungus, suppressing inflammation. Essential oils promote:
• speedy tissue regeneration;
• strengthening of antifungal action;
• antiseptic cleansing. In combination with naftifine, essential oils protect the skin from infection when visiting public places or other risk factors. Therefore, it is an excellent means of preventing infection and the development of the disease.

Foot care cream EPIDERYL® MICO

Application of the cream promotes the blocking of foci of inflammation, the speedy regeneration of the affected skin. The active substances of the cream – a complex of essential oils and naftifine have:
• antifungal;
• anti-inflammatory;
• moisturizing;
• bacteriostatic action. In addition, the cream quickly relieves itching and skin irritation.

Prophylaxis

It requires careful observance of the rules of personal hygiene: wash your feet daily, pay special attention to the area between the fingers. Experts recommend carefully trimming the toenails once every 2 weeks, while the corners can only be processed with a file, otherwise there is a possibility of an ingrown nail, as well as the development of a fungal infection.

If symptoms of a lesion have already appeared, it is extremely important to consult a specialist to identify the problem in time and complete the full course of treatment. And cosmetic products of the EPIDERYL® MICO line will help protect against nail fungus.

Sources:
• Zaslavsky DV, Chuprov IN, Sydikov AA, et al. Onychomycosis: features of external therapy // Bulletin of Dermatology and Venereology. – 2016. – T. 92. – No. 5. – C. 90-95.
• Clinical recommendations “Mycoses of the scalp, trunk, hands and feet” // All-Russian public organization “Russian Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists”, 2020

Treatment of nail fungus or onycomycosis

According to medical statistics, every 3rd adult suffers from onychomycosis, which is the name given to nail fungus. Over the age of 70, nail fungus occurs in every second person.

Symptoms of nail fungus

It is not difficult to recognize a fungal nail infection in the advanced stage of the process: the nail exfoliates from the nail bed, thickens, becomes dull, yellowish, greenish or dirty brown.

In the early stages, the nails may thicken and characteristic spots or stripes may appear on their surface. If you suspect onychomycosis (nail fungus), you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment.

Medical tactics in confirming the diagnosis of onychomycosis

Fungal nail infection is treated at home after a full examination by a dermatologist. The following may be used for treatment:

• local agents;
• oral preparations with a systemic effect;
• procedures aimed at accelerating the removal of the part of the nail plate affected by the fungus.

Prescribing drugs for the treatment of fungal nails

Prescribers for the treatment of fungal nails, taking into account any other diseases that the patient has, as well as taking into account possible interactions with drugs taken by a patient with onychomycosis.

This approach avoids excessive stress on the body, as well as possible complications of taking antifungal drugs, which are not terrible for healthy people, but can occur in patients with chronic diseases.

Who should I contact with onychomycosis? To the dermatologist!

Adequate nail treatment can only be prescribed after an accurate diagnosis has been made.

Treatment of nail fungus by a doctor

Doctor can:

• to determine whether the fungus has caused changes in the nail plates;
• perform a microscopic examination of a nail scraping to determine the type of fungus;
• to determine the sensitivity of the causative agent of the disease to antifungal drugs;
• identify concomitant diseases that can create optimal conditions for the development of the fungus and recommend specialized specialists to correct the patient’s condition;
• identify possible contraindications for prescribing certain drugs;
• prescribe the most appropriate course of treatment and then adjust it as needed.