Nail fungus is a common disease that thousands of people face every year. Its danger lies in the implicit symptoms at the initial stage. And the earlier the presence of an infection is detected, the easier it is to cure it. However, even in this case, the process is not always quick and easy. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" figured out the problem and prepared for you an overview of the best remedies for nail fungus.
Content
Nail fungus - what is it?
So in the common people is called onychomycosis - damage to the nail plate caused by parasitic fungi (dermatophytes, microsporia and others), which can develop both on the hands and feet.
The Russian classification distinguishes the following types of onychomycosis - normotrophic, hypertrophic and atrophic. In the first case, the color of the diseased nail changes, there are distinct white-yellow spots and stripes, but the natural thickness of the plate is preserved. In the second stage of the disease, the nail is deformed and becomes noticeably thicker, partial destruction is possible from the edge, the spots darken and even turn green, the skin around it turns red and inflamed, and painful sensations arise when pressed. In severe atrophic cases, the affected nail is rejected.
By location, such types of onychomycosis are distinguished as:
- Distal - symptoms appear at the free edge of the plate;
- The proximal is the opposite of the distal, since part of the nail near the cuticle is affected;
- Lateral - characteristic spots are present on the sides;
- Total - complete infection.
When making a diagnosis, it should be remembered that the described changes in the nail plates are not always indicators of onychomycosis. In some cases, the deformation of the nail is not fungal in nature, but caused by other reasons, for example, bruising, trauma, or the use of low-quality varnishes.
The causes of the appearance of the fungus
The optimal conditions for the development of fungal infections are warm and humid environments. According to the study, during which the statistics of the incidence of onychomycosis in sixteen European countries were analyzed, fungal infections on the legs are most common. This is due to the fact that footwear often contributes to the high humidity and temperature conditions that fungi love.
Also, fungal infections are more common in adults than in children or adolescents - every fifth person has encountered this trouble at least once in his life. And every year the likelihood of undergoing the disease only increases in connection with vascular disorders and changes in cell nutrition in connection with the age-related transformation of the body.
In some cases, onychomycosis is a secondary disease caused by diabetes mellitus (up to 30% of cases) or psoriasis (up to 56% of cases). Also, obesity, immunodeficiency, taking certain medications, and others can serve as possible root causes.
Representatives of some professions are also at risk of contracting onychomycosis, for example, miners and metallurgists, who in their daily activities are faced with increased dust content, gas pollution, and high temperatures. Caution should be observed by the military and athletes, as well as workers and visitors to baths, saunas, swimming pools, gyms, nail salons, medical and sanatorium institutions. All these places are characterized by high traffic, are associated with high humidity and temperature, and therefore the risk of contracting through contact and household is extremely high.
How to cure nail fungus?
The treatment of fungal diseases should be approached extremely responsibly, since it is important not only for beauty, but also for health. In no case should the disease be started, as otherwise it can lead to surgical intervention to remove the affected tissue.
Remedies for nail fungus are sold in pharmacies in the form of medicated varnishes, ointments, balms, gels, creams, sprays and tablets. Their list is very wide, but the basis of all are antibacterial active substances. And in addition to cost, the criteria for choosing a suitable antifungal drug include:
- The type of pathogen;
- The degree of damage;
- Distribution area;
- The presence of chronic diseases;
- Contraindications.
At the initial stage of the development of the disease, local treatment can be tried. However, it should be remembered that a fungal-type infection can develop very actively. And often it is possible to achieve the desired result and complete cure only with the use of complex therapy prescribed by a specialist, which includes not only external preparations (ointments, gels, creams), but also tablets with active ingredients such as itraconazole or fluconazole. They can only be prescribed by a doctor who decides how to treat the fungus, taking into account the causes of the disease, the predisposition to allergic reactions and other equally important factors. For the appointment of systemic treatment, the diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory tests.
How to choose the right medicine?
When deciding which drug is best to buy, you should not trust advertisements that tell you how to get rid of nail fungus with the help of some almost instantly acting antifungal drugs. Not some miracle ointment, even if declared as a result of the latest developments in the field of pharmacology, will not give a result in a few days. The promised quick effect will only be the result of external improvement, and the bacteria hidden inside will continue to develop. Treatment of onychomycosis is a long-term process, stretching for a period of 3 to 12 months, depending on the etiology, because the infection remains inside the nail plate until it is completely renewed, that is, until a healthy nail grows back.
The main mistake that can be made when eliminating onychomycosis is to abandon treatment at the first appearance of improvements. Even after all the symptoms have passed, treatment procedures must be continued for another two weeks to consolidate the effect.
It should also be remembered that the course of antibiotics should be carried out to the end and to the extent prescribed by the doctor. Antibiotics are not as harmless as they seem at first glance. And the WHO has long been talking about the danger of antibiotic resistance, that is, the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics, which develops, among other things, due to improper use of antibacterial and antimicrobial drugs.
Antifungal creams
They are not the most convenient way to fix the problem.First, it is necessary to remove the layer of the nail affected by the infection, for which you should use a disposable file or a file previously treated with a disinfectant. And then, with a frequency of twice a day, spread the product not only on the plate itself, but also on the skin around it. The only exceptions are drugs with urea in the composition. After the cream is applied, the sore nail should be sealed with a plaster so that the medicine does not accidentally smear.
Antibacterial varnishes
The most convenient form of treatment for a bacterial infection in the nail plate. It should be applied 1-2 times a week after cleaning the plate from the affected particles and degreasing. The use of varnish will be effective only in the initial stages of the disease and if the focus of the disease is not located under the nail plate.
Solutions and sprays
In the form of a solution, the medicine is quite comfortable to use. However, you should pay attention to the fact that the frequency of its use is higher than that of varnish - up to twice a day. And unlike creams and ointments, solutions are quickly absorbed into tissues, since alcohol is present in the composition of the drug, due to which the nail dries quickly and does not create additional difficulties. The active substance quickly penetrates inside and acts quite effectively. The tool is consumed economically - 1-2 drops are required at a time.
Anti-fungus pills
Drug treatment with tablets is prescribed at the stage when the infection has already hit a significant area of the plate, since they are characterized by an aggressive effect - acting from within the body, the tablets have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. They are used in accordance with the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician. However, this method of treatment has many side effects from the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
Antifungal ointments
The best drugs in terms of availability and effectiveness. Also, the popularity of ointments is due to the wide selection and budget prices. The disadvantages include a greasy consistency, since petroleum jelly is often present in the composition. But this disadvantage is compensated by an excellent anti-inflammatory effect, efficiency even at an advanced stage and the absence of side effects. The duration and frequency of application depends on the stage of the disease.
Folk remedies - is it worth using?
There are no pleasant diseases, but most people treat nail fungus as something particularly shameful. And therefore, they do not go to the pharmacy, and even more so to the doctor, hoping to cure the ailment using home formulations and folk methods instead of pharmaceuticals. And this is the main mistake when choosing an antifungal agent.
There are many reasons for refusing to use pharmaceuticals, but something else is important in this case - herbal infusions, juices, decoctions and other refinements are nothing more than weak antiseptics. And they are not suitable as a worthy alternative to antibiotics. They may be able to remove external symptoms for a while, but they will not destroy the infection so that it does not return.
Home-made mixtures will not only have a zero effect, as a result of which the disease will go into a more advanced stage, but can also be harmful, since some of them burn the upper layer of the epidermis. And this will complicate further treatment, since antifungal drugs cannot be applied to damaged and wounded skin. It is much easier and more productive to purchase a specialized treatment product than to knead a new bath each time. The only way she can help is to soften the nail plate and then perhaps the antifungal drug will work more effectively.
Tips: how to avoid nail fungus?
To protect yourself, doctors recommend:
- Observe standard hygiene rules for body care - take a shower regularly, wash your hands during the day, change socks daily, monitor the cleanliness and length of nails, periodically disinfect shoes;
- Give preference to natural fabrics when choosing wardrobe items that are in direct contact with nails;
- Do not walk barefoot, do not wear someone else's shoes;
- To put on your own slippers when visiting common areas - saunas, showers, changing rooms;
- Do not use other people's personal belongings - towels, gloves, etc .;
- Change shoes into changeable shoes, especially in winter, so that your feet sweat less;
- Do not do manicures and pedicures in questionable salons, where they may be careless about the need to sterilize instruments.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of varnishes against fungus:
- Effective suppression of microbes;
- Safe and convenient application;
- Beautiful and durable coating.
Disadvantages:
- Low penetration of active ingredients;
- Ineffectiveness with deep infection;
- High price.
Advantages of ointments:
- Low cost;
- Wide choose;
- Low consumption;
- Good performance indicators.
Disadvantages:
- Absorbs for a long time.
Advantages of solutions and sprays:
- Absorbs quickly;
- It is economically consumed;
- Good efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- Contraindicated in some cases;
- High price.
Advantages of tablets:
- They have a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
Disadvantages:
- They have contraindications;
- Side effects are possible.
Advantages of creams:
- Comfortable consistency;
- Good result.
Disadvantages:
- The need for additional manipulations;
- Rubbing frequency.
Main characteristics
| room | Specifications | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Release form | Preparations for nail fungus are available in the form of gels, sprays, balms, creams, ointments, varnishes and tablets. Most drugs are readily available in pharmacies, but there are over-the-counter topical preparations. |
| 2 | pharmachologic effect | Most of the drugs against nail fungus are aimed at anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, fungicidal (fungistatic) effects. |
| 3 | Mode of application | Oral medication (tablets) or topical treatment is possible. |
| 4 | Dosage | The amount and frequency of drug use are determined by the doctor depending on the stage of the disease. Most topical preparations (except varnishes) are usually applied 1 to 3 times a day for 6-12 weeks (sometimes longer), depending on the degree of damage. |
| 5 | Contraindications | Not all antifungal medications are approved for use during pregnancy, lactation and are suitable for children. Individual intolerance to certain ingredients is also possible. Special attention should be paid to this, since acute rejection of any component can interfere with treatment. |
| 6 | Side effects | On the part of the tablets, various side effects are possible, so the doctor determines the need for taking them. External care products for the skin of the hands and feet can cause allergic reactions of varying severity and manifestation - itching, irritation, redness, burning. Dry skin is also possible. |
| 7 | The cost | At a price, drugs differ depending on the form of release, the main active ingredient and the manufacturer. The average price of an antifungal ointment is 210 rubles, solution - 680 rubles, cream - 300 rubles, varnish - 1060 rubles. |
Rating of quality antifungal drugs in 2020
The best ointments for fungus
Salicylic ointment 4%
- Manufacturer: Russia (Tula pharmaceutical factory);
- Volume - 100 g;
- Price - 30 rubles.
A budget drug used for skin diseases. Sold in dark glass jars. The main active ingredient is salicylic acid. Doctors recommend applying this drug in the standard way or making compresses at night, but the effect of use will be only in the initial stages of the disease.
Contraindications - childhood, increased susceptibility to salicylic acid.
Advantages:
- easy to use;
- economical consumption;
- affordability;
- anti-inflammatory effect.
Disadvantages:
- will not give results with severe defeats;
- incompatible with resorcinol and zinc oxide;
- not suitable for the child.
Mycoseptin
- Manufacturer: Czech Republic (Zentiva);
- Volume - 30 g;
- Price - 350 rubles.
Inexpensive medication with undecylenic acid and zinc undecylenate as the main active ingredients. It is indicated for skin and fungal diseases. It has a pronounced fungistatic, that is, inhibiting the growth of infectious agents. Relieves irritation and promotes quick healing. Can be used in children from 2 years of age.
Contraindication - susceptibility to acid and its derivatives, as well as other components of the drug. Use during pregnancy and lactation only for strict medical reasons.
Advantages:
- suitable for children's treatment;
- affordable cost;
- suitable for prevention;
- quickly absorbed.
Disadvantages:
- possible redness, itching, burning, rash;
- there is no data on the interaction of the drug with other drugs.
Mycozoral 2%
- Manufacturer: Russia (Biosynthesis);
- Volume - 15 g;
- Price - 250 rubles.
Ointment with ketoconazole - a synthetic derivative of imidazole dioxolane, which is characterized by high antifungal efficacy by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol in microbial cells, which leads to a decrease in their viability. The drug is a white substance, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. Has a mild specific smell.
Contraindications - cannot be used in case of violation of the integrity of the skin, as well as in case of susceptibility to ketoconazole.
Advantages:
- use during pregnancy and lactation is allowed after consulting a doctor;
- a wide range of actions;
- high efficiency;
- affordable cost.
Disadvantages:
- side effects are present.
Best Antifungal Solutions
Nitrofungin
- Manufacturer: Israel (TEVA);
- Volume - 25 ml;
- Price - 300 rubles.
Antifungal yellow solution in a white or brown glass bottle. The main active ingredient is chloronitrophenol, which also has bactericidal properties. The product should be applied 2-3 times a day with a cotton swab. The limitation for child treatment is over 2 years of age.
Contraindications - pregnancy, breastfeeding.
Advantages:
- good value for money;
- ease of use;
- excellent result;
- low consumption;
- there is an analogue in the form of a spray.
Disadvantages:
- there is a smell of ethanol;
- irritation and other allergic reactions are possible;
- paints the nail plate yellow;
- stains clothes and does not wash well.
Micoderil
- Manufacturer: Russia (Pharmstandard);
- Volume - 10 ml;
- Price - 450 rubles.
The tool belongs to the class of allylamines. The main active ingredient is naftifine hydrochloride, which acts on the fungus, reducing the composition of ergosterol in its cells. Effective against most dermatophytes. Perfectly fights against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Contraindications - susceptibility to propylene glycol or naftifine. With caution and after consultation with your doctor, Mikoderil should be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Advantages:
- prevents secondary infection;
- quickly relieves inflammation and itching;
- colorless consistency;
- easy to use;
- acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
- the experience of children's use has not been studied;
- possible local allergic reactions, expressed as dryness, hyperemia and burning of the skin;
- there is a chemical odor.
Exoderil
- Manufacturer: Austria (Sandoz);
- Volume - 30 ml;
- Price - 1,300 rubles.
Antifungal agent with naftifine hydrochloride as the main active ingredient. It is characterized by a powerful antibacterial effect that maximizes the elimination of inflammation and itching. Treats onychomycosis and dermatomycosis.
Contraindications - pregnancy, childhood.
Advantages:
- efficiency;
- convenient bottle with a dispenser;
- good customer reviews.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- shortly enough;
- allergies may occur.
The best creams for fungus
Fundizol
- Manufacturer: Russia (Infarma);
- Volume - 30 g;
- Price - 100 rubles.
According to buyers, one of the best foot care products with antibacterial function. By softening, fundizol painlessly removes the damaged part of the nail along with the epidermis. The composition is based on salicylic acid and potassium iodide, but in addition to them there are natural components - oak bark extract and celandine. Besides treatment, it can also be used as a preventive measure when visiting saunas, swimming pools, beaches and other public places where shoes are removed.
Contraindications - individual intolerance to the components, pregnancy and lactation.
Advantages:
- universality of application;
- does not cause irritation;
- eliminates unpleasant odor;
- heals cracks;
- nice smell;
- well absorbed.
Disadvantages:
- oily texture.
Travogen 1%
- Manufacturer: Germany (Bayer);
- Volume - 20 g;
- Price - 650 rubles.
Medicinal product for external use based on isoconazole. It is indicated for mycoses, candidomycosis, erythrasma. Effectively destroys dermatophytes, mold, yeast and yeast fungi, as well as gram-positive bacteria. Suitable for adults and children from 1 month.
Contraindications: increased susceptibility to the main and auxiliary components.
Advantages:
- low toxicity;
- suitable for children;
- well tolerated even by sensitive skin;
- high efficiency;
- there is no smell.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- prescription drug;
- no data on interaction with other drugs.
Clotrimazole
- Manufacturer: TEVA (Israel);
- Volume - 20 g;
- Price - 130 rubles.
An external drug that is suitable for both adults and children. It is used for skin and fungal diseases. In addition to cream, it also exists in the form of a solution and ointment. The active ingredient clotrimazole has proven itself in the fight against fungi, slowing down their growth and damaging them at the cellular level. To achieve complete recovery, it is recommended to use the cream for another two weeks after the symptoms disappear.
Contraindications - increased susceptibility to the components, the first trimester of pregnancy, lactation period.
Advantages:
- low cost;
- prevents further spread of infection;
- packing is enough for a long time;
- suitable for children.
Disadvantages:
- allergic reactions are possible;
- the effectiveness of clotrimazole decreases with simultaneous use with nystatin, natamycin and amphotericin B.
The best antifungal varnishes
Demicten
- Manufacturer: Russia (Biobyuti);
- Volume - 10 ml;
- Price - 180 rubles.
The basis of this product is polyvinyl acetate, which has antiviral, antiseptic and bactericidal effect. In addition to it, there are natural elements - vitamins, minerals, agar-agar and grain sprout extract. When the emulsion is applied to the nail, it transforms into a protective film, which, covering the plate, prevents the growth of bacteria and activates the growth of healthy cells. The description of the product indicates that this remedy is an auxiliary element to the main therapy for the treatment of fungus. The varnish should be applied very carefully and only on the affected areas.
Advantages:
- economical consumption;
- fortified composition;
- stimulates tissue regeneration;
- dries quickly;
- there are no contraindications;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- unpleasant sensations may occur;
- the presence of formaldehyde (formic aldehyde).
Batrafen 8%
- Manufacturer: Germany (Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH);
- Volume - 3 g;
- Price - 2 300 rubles.
A tool that can be used not only for the treatment of onychomycosis, but also as a preventive measure. It is applied in a thin layer on a sore nail at intervals of 1 time in 2 days. Before the first use, cut off the part of the plate affected by the fungus. It is necessary to remove the layer of accumulated varnish weekly with a standard cosmetic product. As you recover, the number of procedures decreases. The main active ingredient is ciclopirox, which has a high antibacterial effect, suppresses the development of most pathogens.
Contraindications - susceptibility to components.
Advantages:
- high antimycotic effect;
- the convenience of use.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- there is no clinical experience with the use of the drug by pregnant women, children under 10 years of age and lactating women.
Oflomil
- Manufacturer: India (Glenmark);
- Volume - 2.5 g;
- Price - 700 rubles.
A local antifungal agent in the form of a clear liquid, sometimes with a light yellow tint. The active substance is amorolfine hydrochloride, which is able to fight all the most common pathogens of onychomycosis. In addition to varnish, the kit includes auxiliary materials - alcohol wipes for degreasing, disposable files, spatulas for applying the drug, instructions.
Contraindications - susceptibility to ingredients.
Advantages:
- 1 bottle is enough for the entire course of treatment;
- there is everything you need to use;
- high concentration of antibacterial substance;
- does not cause allergies;
- high efficiency;
- availability.
Disadvantages:
- should be applied strictly before bedtime;
- long course duration.
Which company is better?
The world's best drug manufacturers are Pfizer (USA), Novartis (Switzerland), Merck & Co (USA), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Israel), Bristol-Myers Squibb (USA), Takeda Pharmaceutical (Japan), Eli Lilly and Company ( USA), Merck KGaA (Germany), GlaxoSmithKline (UK), AstraZeneca (UK), Astellas Pharma (Japan) and others.
In Russia, most of the market is occupied by Sanofi, Bayer, Berlin-Chemie, Novartis, Servier, Teva, Takeda, Zentiva, GlaxoSmithKline and Stada Arzneimittel.
Popular inexpensive drugs are produced by domestic brands such as Biochemist, Organika, Biosynthesis, Dalkhimpharm, Tula Pharmaceutical Factory, Pharmstandard, Infarma.
If you have experience using the drugs for nail fungus described in the rating, or more effective remedies, tell us about it in the comments.
