Symptoms of the disease
Once the feet are infected, the fungus takes some time to take root on the nail plates. The infection first affects the thumbs, and over the course of a year or more it destroys the structure of the nails. This process is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- thickening of the plate (tissue keratinization increases);
- color change (the plate becomes yellow, black or brown);
- crumbling of the edge (in the absence of treatment or its incompleteness, the fungal infection spreads throughout the entire thickness of the nail, as a result of which it corrodes and crumbles);
- itching of the skin surrounding the nail;
- unpleasant odor coming from the feet.
General recommendations for use
Antifungal ointments for feet should be used according to the following technology:
- steaming soap foot bath;
- thoroughly dry your feet with a towel (preferably a disposable one);
- removing affected tissue with a special file (grater) or pumice stone;
- antiseptic treatment of skin and nails;
- applying the product to diseased tissue (in a thin layer) and to the healthy part of the skin that is adjacent to the lesion (about 1 cm).
General recommendations for the treatment period:
- change clothes that come into contact with the affected area daily;
- in case of foot fungus, additionally treat the inner surface of the shoe;
- when visiting public places, you need to use disposable shoes or shoes that can be easily treated with antiseptics;
- shoes of a patient with mycosis need regular antiseptic treatment.
- Antibacterial ointments (zinc, sulfur, Teymurova) eliminate the unpleasant odor. It is important to apply this type of product to dry skin to achieve good results.
Remedy for toenail fungus
Modern antifungal drugs not only destroy pathogens, but also have the ability to accumulate in tissues and act long after the end of use of antifungal drugs. As a rule, onychomycosis of the toenails is treated comprehensively over several months (on average, from 2 to 6). Therapy includes the use of external agents and systemic medications. Your doctor will be able to determine exactly which medications are suitable for treating fungus. Self-medication of onychomycosis can lead to worsening of the disease.
Diagnosis of the problem
For proper treatment, it is necessary to initially accurately determine the cause and nature of the disease. Often the fungus occurs due to candidiasis, then it can be dealt with using antifungal agents. There is also a more complex variety - hypertrophic with bacterial complications. It is several times more difficult to cure it. Mandatory surgical intervention is required, which is then accompanied by antibiotics.
However, any means can lead to complications and side effects. You also need to take into account that even among drugs of the same type there are more and less suitable for a particular case. Only a doctor can carry out the examination and subsequent prescription of medications. In addition to a competent diagnosis and prescription, the specialist will also carry out the necessary therapy, periodically check the condition of the nails and adjust the course.
Often patients resort to folk remedies. They think that even if they cannot be cured, there will be no harm. However, this is not quite true. Many doctors believe that some folk recipes can only make the situation worse.
Inexpensive remedy for toenail fungus
Reviews from third parties about the effectiveness of a particular antimycotic drug are of great importance for patients with onychomycosis. However, choosing a cheap remedy for toenail fungus based solely on other people’s responses is wrong, since each case of the disease is individual and requires the same approach to treatment. It is better to leave the choice of optimal therapy to a specialist, then the effect will come faster and you will avoid many possible troubles, including complications of the disease.
Medicines intended for local treatment of affected areas and not entering the systemic circulation are called external. They are a mandatory component of antifungal therapy, while systemic drugs are used exclusively for advanced stages of the fungus. Local medications show their effectiveness especially clearly in the initial forms of onychomycosis. External medications are suitable for the treatment of pathologies in children and patients who have contraindications to the use of oral medications.
Pills
Systemic drugs against fungal infections in adults are taken orally (orally with water). The active components of tablets and capsules are transferred from the intestines into the bloodstream and enter the nail plate, where they gradually accumulate in concentrated quantities and destroy the fungus. It is better not to buy drugs with a fungicidal effect at the pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription, since most of them can cause serious side effects.
The duration of therapy is calculated at approximately 2-6 months, but in advanced, severe cases, treatment takes longer for the medicinal substances to accumulate in the body in sufficient quantities. Your doctor may prescribe the following inexpensive medications for toenail fungus:
- Fluconazole . The tablets destroy the fungus from the inside by destroying its cells. The drug is prescribed in a dosage of 50-400 mg per day. The exact amount of medication is determined by the doctor, taking into account age and severity of the pathology. Fluconazole eliminates the unpleasant symptoms of onychomycosis and suppresses the reproduction of harmful organisms. The disadvantage of the medicine is the presence of side effects.
- Fungavis . The use of this budget drug against onychomycosis can take from 3 months to a year. Take tablets with meals, 200-400 mg per day. The downside of Fungavis is that it is prohibited to take it if you have liver pathologies.
- Irunin . The medication is indicated to be taken until complete recovery, which may take a long time. The recommended dosage of Irunin is 200 mg per day. The medicine is taken at intervals: a week of taking is followed by a rest of the same duration. The disadvantage of the drug is side effects.
Cream
In addition to systemic medications, doctors prescribe local agents that, in addition to the antifungal effect, help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of the pathology. An inexpensive and effective remedy for nail fungus is:
- Bifosin . The cream has a fungicidal and fungistatic effect and is active against many pathogens of onychomycosis. The main active ingredient of the drug is bifonazole, which easily penetrates the structure of the plate and destroys fungal cells. The advantage of the cream is that it has antiseptic properties. Disadvantage: lack of effectiveness when used independently (it is recommended to combine it with systemic medications).
- Nailitis . A popular remedy is used until the healthy plate grows completely. Before applying the cream, you should steam your nails and file off their top layer with a disposable tool. Afterwards, dry your feet with a towel. Nails are treated with nailitis by applying a thick layer of cream to the plates, which is covered with a band-aid and left for 4 days. After this time, the feet are hovered again and the dead parts of the nail plate are removed using a file. The procedures are carried out until the affected tissue is completely removed.
- Atifin . The active substance of the cream is terbinafine, under the influence of which dysfunction of the metabolism of fungal cells occurs, which leads to death. Atifin is very effective for the treatment of early stage onychomycosis. The affected tissues are lubricated with a thin layer of cream twice. To improve the effect, before this, the legs are steamed in a soda bath, and after that the plates are treated with a nail file, removing the stratum corneum.
Patch
At the beginning of the development of a fungal disease, special patches with a peeling effect can be used. The most effective among cheap antimycotic agents are:
- Nailitis . The inner side of the patch is treated with a special solution, which accelerates the death of the plate. The liquid is used to treat the nail plates after steaming the legs. The patch is removed only after 4 days, after which the procedure is repeated again. The disadvantage of Nogtevit is its relative effectiveness.
- Junlei. A Chinese remedy for the treatment of fungal infections, which is low cost. Zhonlei is used in the same way as Nogtevit, and the drug helps to quickly and painlessly remove the affected plates. For advanced onychomycosis, it is recommended to use the patch together with systemic antifungal agents.
Anti-fungal solution
Among cheap remedies for toenail fungus, solutions occupy a special place, since this form of drugs is most capable of penetrating deep into the tissues. Some of these drugs are also used to treat shoes. Effective antimycotic solutions include:
- Nitrofungin . The drug belongs to the arenes group and contains undecylenic acid, which has an antiseptic effect and prevents the development of mycoses. The liquid is used to treat the nail plates 2-3 times a day. Treatment is carried out until the healthy nail grows completely. The advantage of Nitrofungin is its effectiveness and excellent penetrating ability; the disadvantage of the drug is that it is prohibited for use in the treatment of children under 2 years of age.
- Fukortsin . One of the cheapest antifungal agents with an antiseptic and bactericidal effect, which is not always effective in treating nail plates - this is its main disadvantage. The advantage of the drug is its minimal price.
Cheap ointment
Antifungal local agents in the form of an ointment or gel are among the most popular in the treatment of onychomycosis at an early stage of their development. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:
- Terbinafine . An inexpensive ointment for nail fungus is made on the basis of allylamine, the active ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride. The medication is used to treat fungus on the legs and arms at the initial stage of development of the pathology. Use the medicine after steam baths daily. The advantages of the drug are that it is cheap, proven and effective in the treatment of early stage onychomycosis. The downside of the product is that it is not very convenient to use (in order not to accidentally wipe off the ointment, a gauze bandage is placed on top of the finger).
- Salicylic ointment . There are two ways to treat onychomycosis with this cheap universal remedy: treat the nails with ointment a couple of times a day or apply a layer to the affected plates and leave as a compress overnight. The advantage of salicylic ointment is its availability, the disadvantage is that it will be effective only at the initial stage of infection with a fungal infection.
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Healing varnishes
This dosage form of the drug is good because after the solvent evaporates, the drug is transformed into a film that is fixed on the affected plate. This property provides nail protection for several days after using the varnish. Another advantage of such medications is their ability to penetrate deep into the nail bed and provide a fungicidal and fungistatic effect there for 7-10 days.
Such remedies can be combined with laser therapy procedures and treat the fungus both at an early stage of development and later. Cheap varnishes with antimycotic effects include:
- Oflomil . This is an analogue of the expensive Loceryl varnish, produced in India. The product comes with 12 disposable files, 6 applicators and 12 napkins. The advantage of Oflomil is its high efficiency. The downside of the product for treating toenail plates is the small volume of the bottle.
- Onyhelp . The medicine contains amorolfine and is produced in Croatia. The polish comes with 30 alcohol wipes, 60 nail files and 10 applicators. The disadvantage of the product is its higher cost compared to analogues, but this is justified by the cost-effectiveness of the varnish and the large number of supplied consumables.
Cheap antifungal serums and sprays
Therapy of onychomycosis is conveniently carried out with sprays and serums, which, in addition, are cheaper than varnishes. Such products are used twice a day after preliminary cleaning of the affected plates with disposable files, which are included with the preparations. These cheap medications include:
- Mikozan . This cheap product has the form of a serum, which is applied to tissues affected by the fungus 2-3 times a day. The serum kit includes disposable files that allow you to painlessly remove the top layer of nails. The advantage of Mycozan is its effectiveness, the disadvantage is that in order to completely cure an advanced fungus, it is necessary to combine the use of serum with systemic medications.
- Lamitel . The medicine is available in the form of a spray, which is used to treat the nail plates 1-2 times a day, after steaming and filing them. The advantage of the drug is its low cost and effectiveness, the disadvantage is the risk of an allergic reaction.
Causes of mycosis of the feet
Mycosis is an infectious disease that worsens with the slightest decrease in immunity in adults and children. According to WHO, more than 30% of the world's population suffers from it, and the number of infected people is steadily growing. Even though there are many antifungal drugs in the pharmacy assortment. The thing is that pathogens quickly develop resistance (resistance) to their components.
Various negative factors predispose to the development of mycoses:
- excessive dry skin;
- predisposition to crack formation;
- wearing tight shoes that do not allow air to pass through well;
- eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis.
The risk group includes people suffering from diabetes, hypothyroidism, and immunodeficiency conditions. Fungi are transmitted from sick people to healthy contact. Infectious agents enter the skin through shared objects, such as towels or washcloths. Infection often occurs during visits to public baths, swimming pools, saunas, gyms and showers.
The pool is one of the places where fungal infection can occur.
A cheap remedy for nail fungus
Almost a third of people have fungal diseases of the feet and nails, which require complex treatment. However, many people try to cope with the problem themselves, assuming that when they contact a specialist, they will be given a list of expensive drugs that they cannot afford to purchase. This opinion is erroneous, since pharmacies also offer budget effective antimycotic drugs, for example:
- Creolin . This is the cheapest remedy for toenail fungus, which is often used in animal therapy, but is also excellent as an antifungal medicine. Plus Kreolina - the solution costs about 30 rubles and effectively fights fungal infections. The downside is the risk of damaging the skin close to the nails when processing the plates.
- Fluconazole . The drug is highly effective against many types of fungi. The tablets have a powerful systemic effect, so when taking them it is extremely important to be careful with the dosage. The price of the drug is about 40-50 rubles.
What are antifungal ointments
Antifungal ointments for feet are drugs that a doctor necessarily prescribes to a patient with mycosis of the foot. They play a primary role in the treatment of such diseases.
With their help, the following tasks are solved:
- the inflammatory process stops;
- burning and itching are eliminated;
- skin damage heals;
- dead cells are sloughed off;
- blood circulation in the affected area is activated;
- tissue regeneration starts;
- microorganisms that cause the disease are destroyed.
To prevent the development of the disease, at its initial stage for treatment it is enough to lubricate the affected areas with antiseptic ointments, which will destroy pathogenic bacteria and fungi and prevent them from multiplying. At subsequent stages of the disease, the use of antimycotic agents is required.
Domestic analogues of expensive products
Cheap medicines contain the same active ingredient as expensive medicines, while being in no way inferior in effectiveness to the latter. Such antimycotic drugs are similar in their pharmacological therapeutic action, however, before replacing the medicine with a more budget-friendly Russian analogue, it is better to consult a doctor. Cheap antifungal agents produced in Russia include:
- Clotrimazole (analogue of imported Exoderil). The ointment and solution have a high degree of penetration into tissues and provide a quick therapeutic effect.
- Rumikosis (analogue of Orungal). Capsules with antifungal components have proven themselves in the treatment of various types of mycosis. The main active component of Rumikoz - Itroconazole - effectively destroys spores, gradually accumulating in the tissues of the nails. If the dosage is observed, the drug extremely rarely causes side effects.
- Atifin (analogue of Lamisil). Tablets with a broad spectrum of action are effective against most pathogens of onychomycosis. The disadvantage of the medication is a large list of contraindications.
Compound
The active components in the formulation of antimycotic drugs are:
- terbinafine;
- butenafine;
- naftifine;
- sertaconazole nitrate;
- ketoconazole;
- bifonazole
Auxiliary components include:
- purified water;
- herbal extracts;
- urea;
- vitamins;
- essential oils;
- polysorbate;
- glycerol;
- vitamins;
- propylene glycol;
- wax;
- monoglycerides;
- Vaseline (oil);
Anti-nail fungus medications for pregnant women
Many antifungal medications are strictly prohibited for use during pregnancy, as they can harm the baby. Therapy for onychomycosis during this period is complicated by the fact that antifungal drugs have many side effects. With mild severity of the pathology, doctors limit themselves to local treatment, prescribing the following medications to the woman:
- Nailitis . Before using the product, steam your feet in water and soda. Afterwards, the plates are cleaned with a disposable file, covered with a layer of Nogtivit and covered with a plaster for 4 days. After this, you can easily remove dead nail tissue. The procedure is carried out until the fungal infection is completely eliminated.
- Bifosin . The cream is rubbed into the area affected by the fungus. It is recommended to use Bifosin a couple of times a day, and the duration of therapy is at least 12 weeks.
- Citrosept . The medicine is available in the form of drops, which are applied to the affected nails after steaming them and filing the top layer. Therapy for onychomycosis in pregnant women lasts about 16 weeks.
Classification
Antifungal ointments for feet are divided into the following groups:
- azoles;
- allylamines;
- antibiotics;
- antiseptics.
The criterion for such division is the type of the main active ingredient.
Azoles | Allylamines | Antibiotics | Antiseptics |
Sertaconazole nitrate; ketoconazole; bifonazole | Butenafine; naftifine; terbinafine | Nystatin; Amphotericin B; Mycoheptin. | Sulfur; zinc; salicylic acid. |
According to the criterion of “indications for use,” antimycotics are divided into 2 groups:
- aimed at combating the consequences caused by pathogenic fungi (deep mycoses);
- ointments that eliminate symptoms caused by opportunistic fungi (candidiasis).
In addition, all antimycotics are divided into:
- broad-spectrum drugs (act on several types of microorganisms);
- medications that work with a specific type of microorganism.
Another criterion is the impact zone.
According to it, antimycotics are divided into three groups:
- affect the upper keratinized upper layer of the skin - the epidermis (keratomycosis);
- has an effect on tissues affected by the Candida fungus;
- restore the health of the nail plates in case of onychomycosis.
According to the mechanism of pathogen destruction, drugs are divided into 2 groups:
- destroying the integrity of the cell membranes of pathogenic organisms;
- preventing the growth of fungal spores by disrupting the production of ergosterol in the cell membrane of pathogenic microorganisms.
Price
The choice of the appropriate medication should be entrusted to a specialist, since if you self-medicate, you will most likely waste money and time in vain. In addition, pathogenic spores can develop immunity to certain drugs, after which it will be much more difficult to cope with the fungus. After your doctor prescribes medications, you can purchase them at a pharmacy or buy them in an online store by ordering targeted delivery. Below is a table with prices for the most effective and cheapest antifungal medications.
Name | Price in rubles |
Terbinafine ointment | 60 |
Bifosin spray | 100 |
Fungavis tablets | 160 |
Fluconazole tablets | 40 |
Lamitel ointment | 170 |
Fukortsin | 50 |
How to choose antifungal ointments for feet
When choosing antimycotic ointments, you should pay attention to the following points:
- what type of fungus causes mycosis;
- what substance occupies the main place in the preparation;
- in what concentration the active substance is contained;
- are there any contraindications;
- what adverse reactions the ointment can cause;
- how the drug affects fungal cells;
- compatibility with other drugs;
- price.
Exifin
The active ingredient of Exifina is terbinafine (250 mg). Take 1 tablet per day. The maximum duration of treatment with Exifin can be up to 4 months. Treatment of children under 12 years of age is allowed. For children weighing over 20 kg, ½ tablet is given once a day. If the weight does not exceed 20 kg, the daily dose is reduced to ¼ tablet.
Contraindications:
- children under 3 years of age;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- pathologies of the kidneys, liver;
- intolerance to components.
With caution and under the constant supervision of a doctor, taking Exifin is allowed when:
- alcoholism;
- oncological diseases;
- diseases of the circulatory system and heart;
- psoriasis.
Side effects are the same as those of the antimycotic agents listed above.
Contraindications
Antifungal drugs, when entering a weakened patient’s body, can do more harm than good. Therefore, for certain diseases, taking antifungal drugs is prohibited.
The ban applies to patients suffering from:
- renal failure;
- allergic reactions to substances that destroy the fungus;
- liver pathologies;
- arrhythmia and other disorders of the heart and blood vessels;
Treatment for chronic alcohol dependence and tumors is allowed under the supervision of a specialist.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, taking medications is permitted only in cases where the disease causes significant harm to the health of the mother.
Breastfeeding is stopped until the end of therapy. There is a separate ban on the simultaneous use of anti-fungal tablets and certain medications.
Lamisil
The basis of the drug is terbinafine (250 mg), packages of 7 or 14 tablets. "Lamisil" is taken one tablet once a day, after meals. For mild forms of the disease, the duration of therapy is about 2 months. In more serious cases – up to 4 months.
Contraindications and side effects are the same as for similar pharmaceutical products.