The fungus often affects the skin of the feet and toenails. In the first case, the disease is called mycosis; in the second, onychomycosis. These diseases can develop independently of each other. But if timely and competent treatment is not started, mycosis of the feet quickly spreads, infecting increasingly large areas of the skin, and begins to affect the nail plate.
The mechanism of infection by mycosis and onychomycosis is the same - through microcracks and wounds, the pathogenic fungus penetrates into the skin and nail plate. If the immune system is weakened, it begins to develop. However, these diseases have different symptoms.
The main signs of mycosis of the skin of the feet are roughness, excessive dryness, peeling of the skin, itching, rash formation, and unpleasant odor of the feet. Symptoms of onychomycosis are thickening and discoloration of the nail plate, the formation of spots and grooves on its surface, increased brittleness of the nails and their detachment.
The difference between healthy nails and those affected by fungus
Since mycosis and onychomycosis are caused by pathogenic fungi, both diseases are treated with special ointments. After application, they penetrate deep into the skin and nail plate, inhibit the development of fungi, destroying them. In the early stages of fungal infection, it is sufficient to use only topical agents during treatment. But when the disease is advanced, the ointment should be used together with other medications.
It is important to note that mycosis of the feet is cured faster than onychomycosis of the nails. With the correct selection of medications, it will be possible to get rid of the skin disease in 1-2 months, while therapy for onychomycosis lasts 4-12 months. This happens because the rate of regeneration of the epidermis is much faster than the process of regrowth of the nail plate.
Advanced stage of nail fungus
Let's look at the best ointments for foot and nail fungus. When used correctly, they will help you fully heal and get your legs in order.
Antifungal ointment is a good remedy for fungus on the feet. But for it to work, it is important to choose the right medication. To do this, you first need to take an analysis (scraping), which allows you to determine which type of pathological fungus provoked the development of the disease. Most often, the causative agents of mycosis on toenails and feet are yeast, mold fungi and dermatophytes.
There are 2 groups of ointments for treating fungi:
A drug belongs to the azole group if its name contains the particle “azole”: Miconazole, Clotrimazole, Isoconazole. The course of treatment with these drugs lasts up to a month.
Allylamine ointments stop the development of fungi and additionally have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therapy with drugs of this group can continue continuously for up to 3 months.
Exoderil contains Naftifine
The use of antifungal ointments has many advantages:
The main disadvantage of ointments is that in advanced stages of the disease, when large areas of skin and nails are affected, they will not help. In such situations, they should be used in combination with systemic drugs.
Consider a list of effective ointments for foot and nail fungus:
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, pregnancy (especially the 1st trimester). Side effects are rare, local allergic reactions are possible. This is an inexpensive medicine. It costs from 50 rubles.
Contraindications – periods of pregnancy and lactation, allergies to components. Side effects are rare, but hives, itching, redness and swelling of the skin are possible. Price – from 420 rub.
Effective antifungal ointment "Lamisil"
Contraindications: hypersensitivity and age under 12 years. During pregnancy, the use of the medicine is permissible only as prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes side effects such as burning of the skin, hives, and redness occur. Price – from 570 rub. for 15 ml.
Contraindications – age under 12 years, kidney and liver diseases, hypersensitivity, tumors, pregnancy, metabolic disorders, lactation. Side effects include allergies and itching. The price of a domestically produced drug is from 60 rubles.
A more affordable analogue of Lamisil
Contraindications for use: liver and kidney diseases, age under 3 years, pregnancy. Side effects sometimes include allergic reactions and skin irritation. The price of the drug is from 460 rubles.
Contraindications for use: diabetes, allergies to components, pregnancy, age under 4 years. Adverse reactions include allergies and irritation. The price of the drug is from 950 rubles.
Using ointment against nail fungus
Even a “neglected” fungus can be cured at home. Just remember to apply once a day.
Contraindications – hypersensitivity to components, pregnancy. Side effects include allergies. Price – from 330 rub.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity; use with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Side effects include allergies, but they occur extremely rarely. Price – from 770 rub.
Cream for external use "Zalain"
Contraindications – 1st trimester of pregnancy, lactation period, allergies. Side effects are rare. There may be redness of the skin, itching, and urticaria. Cost – from 250 rubles.
Contraindications – age under 12 years, allergies to components, lactation period, pregnancy. Of the side effects, only local reactions are possible: redness, itching, dermatitis, swelling. After stopping taking the drug, they disappear. The cost of the medicine is from 440 rubles.
There are practically no contraindications for use. These include allergies to components and pregnancy. Side effects may include skin irritation. The cost of the ointment is from 990 rubles.
Contraindications – individual intolerance. Side effects - sometimes skin sensitivity increases and dermatitis appears. Cost – from 990 rub.
Salicylic ointment is used only in conjunction with other antifungal drugs
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, renal failure, age under 3 years. Side effects rarely include hyperemia, urticaria, itching, and peeling. The price of the drug is affordable - from 45 rubles.
Contraindications – individual intolerance. Side effects - possible allergies. The price of the drug is from 30 rubles.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity. In rare cases, it causes skin irritation. Price – from 40 rub.
What the best ointment will be in each specific case is determined by the doctor. There are no universal drugs that help against any type of mycosis or onychomycosis. Medicines are selected strictly individually.
You can prepare a medicinal ointment yourself using natural ingredients that have antifungal properties.
The most effective recipes:
Ointments prepared according to folk recipes are very effective, but in advanced stages of mycosis and onychomycosis they should be used together with systemic drugs. Compared to pharmaceutical products, they are much safer, since they have practically no contraindications. The only thing is an allergy to the components of the ointment.
You will find more material on the treatment of foot fungus of various forms with medications and folk remedies at this link.
In order for the antimycotic ointment to penetrate deep into the skin and nail plates as deeply as possible, the feet must be prepared accordingly:
To cure a fungus, step-by-step therapy is required:
Personal hygiene is the key to healthy nails
Ointments for foot and nail fungus are a good treatment. They are quite effective and extremely safe because they act locally. A small amount of active components penetrates into the body, so they do not affect health.
Despite the safety of using ointments, do not self-medicate. If you regularly apply a drug whose active ingredient does not act on the fungus that has affected you, there will be no result. The disease will progress and you will lose valuable time. Further treatment will become significantly more complicated.
If you have the slightest suspicion of infection with foot or nail fungus, you should consult a doctor. Only he will prescribe truly adequate treatment.
Toenail fungus is a fairly common problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age and gender. This unpleasant phenomenon occurs under the influence of pathogenic fungi and is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person (through household items, through physical contact), as well as when personal hygiene rules are not observed. Bacteria prefer to multiply in places with high humidity and high air temperatures.
There are many remedies to treat nail fungus. However, in this case, drugs alone are not enough. An important role in the fight against onychomycosis is played by the state of the immune system, proper, balanced nutrition and regular care of the feet and nails.
And which tablets for toenail fungus are considered the most effective, we will consider further.
The drug is available in the form of ointments and tablets. The main active ingredient of Lamisil is terbinafine, which has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. However, you should not hope that by taking a few tablets, the causative agent of onychomycosis will die. Treatment with medicine for nail fungus requires a course of at least 2 months. To accelerate the therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use ointments, gels, solutions and varnishes for external use.
Important: the effect of the drug does not stop immediately after taking it. It continues for several more months. This is due to the effect of accumulation of the drug in the patient’s body.
You should drink Lamisil with caution, since the drug has contraindications and side effects.
Lamisil is taken once a day. Children under 7 years old are recommended to take a quarter of a tablet, and after 7 years – half. The cost of the drug ranges from 2000 rubles.
Tablets against nail fungus "Fluconazole" are considered to be the most effective and safe. After their use, within 1.5 hours the active substance is detected in the blood plasma. The maximum concentration in the nail is observed 4-5 days after the start of administration.
Important: treatment with the drug should continue until the new nail plate grows, that is, 3-10 months. Fluconazole is not recommended for use in children under 1 year of age.
Other contraindications include:
It is prescribed once a day in a dosage of 50-400 mg, depending on the severity of the problem and the age of the patient. It is recommended that children take Fluconazole in the following dosage: per 1 kg of weight – 3-12 mg of the active ingredient. The average cost of the drug is 160 rubles. An analogue of the drug is Diflucan, the cost of which does not exceed 350 rubles.
Belongs to a group of drugs intended for toenails (for fungal infections). The tablets should be taken for a long time - more than a year. Terbinafine begins to act on the nail plate itself after 8 weeks. It is not recommended to treat toenail fungus with this remedy for children under 3 years of age.
Contraindications also include:
As the dosage increases, signs of food poisoning are observed. Terbinafine is prescribed once a day in an amount of 250 ml. Children over 3 years of age are recommended to take half a tablet. The cost of the product, depending on the region, averages 150 rubles.
The drug belongs to the broad-spectrum group. Most often used for nail fungus. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the problem. On average, it will take from 3 to 6 months for pathogens to be completely destroyed.
Important: it is forbidden to take Itraconazole while drinking alcoholic beverages.
One of the features to watch out for is the strong effect on the liver. Therefore, when taking Itraconazole, the following may occur:
Important: in women, prolonged use of the medication can cause menstrual irregularities. Children can take the drug only after consultation with a pediatrician. Itraconazole is prescribed 1 tablet 1 time per day immediately after meals. The price of the drug varies within 350 rubles.
Griseofulvin is an antibiotic drug that acts against fungal infections. In addition, the medicine can accelerate tissue regeneration. The mechanism of action of the drug is aimed at increasing tissue resistance to fungus.
You should not take Griseofulvin:
Pills are not prescribed in the presence of cancer.
Often the following side effects are noted:
In rare cases, the following are observed:
Prescribed during meals in the amount of 4 tablets per day, washed down with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Treatment lasts 1 month, then the drug is taken after 1 day. In the 3rd month, doses are taken every 3 days. Therapy should continue until the nail fungus disappears.
The active substance reaches the nail only after 12 weeks of taking the drug. Not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
Contraindications also include:
Side effects include:
Ketoconazole is prescribed to adults at a dosage of 200-400 mg per day. For children - 5-8 mg of the drug per 1 kg per day. The medicine must be taken immediately after meals.
The drug has a wide spectrum of action. The main active ingredient is the substance itraconazole, which actively fights fungal infections.
Before purchasing Irunin, you should consult a doctor, since the drug has contraindications and side effects. The drug is prescribed using the pulse therapy method, that is, it should be taken intermittently so as not to harm the body. A total of 2-4 cycles are recommended, each of which lasts no more than 7 days. The duration of the break is 3-4 weeks.
Irunin is prescribed after meals, 2 capsules per day. In advanced cases, the doctor may increase the dosage and resort to other treatment tactics.
Contraindications to Irunin:
Side effects often include:
Rarely there may be:
Important: children and pregnant women should take the drug with caution and only under medical supervision.
Tablets for foot fungus are widely prescribed in case of infection in the chronic stage. In other situations, you can do without them, even if the disease develops at a rapid pace.
For example, topical products - gels, ointments, creams, solutions, varnishes - will help relieve symptoms, itching, burning and pain. The best ones:
Don't forget about personal hygiene:
Medicine for nail fungus in tablet form is considered the most effective. However, along with this, it is recommended to observe preventive measures and adhere to personal hygiene rules.
The problem associated with the appearance of fungus on the feet, namely between the toes, has existed for a long time. But today there are many ways to quickly and efficiently get rid of this problem.
It is worth noting that foot fungus is one of the most common skin diseases.
First, you need to learn to distinguish a fungal disease from other inflammations. The fungus between the toes is characterized by characteristic itchy skin. There is also redness, discomfort and burning. After a certain time, cracks appear on the skin, this occurs as a result of exfoliation of the affected skin.
When a fungus appears:
If the above symptoms are present in you, then you are the owner of the most common dermatological disease.
The first thing you need to do is protect the rest of your family from infection. To do this you need to follow a couple of simple rules:
Having protected your family from infection, you should begin treating foot fungus and between the toes. In order for it to be effective and fast, you need to follow some recommendations:
Before treating skin fungus on the legs and between the toes, it would not hurt to consult a specialist who will select the most appropriate course of treatment.
You must understand that it is impossible to get rid of fungus on the foot, and especially between the toes, in 2-3 days. To effectively eliminate this disease, the entire range of measures should be performed. And this is from the above recommendations to the use of creams, ointments and tablets against fungus on the feet, which we will talk about now.
Today, the choice of drugs that can get rid of fungus is very large. Some ointments for foot fungus can relieve you of the disease in just 2 weeks, and some drugs against foot fungus are even one-time use.
The following drugs are used to treat foot fungus:
One of the highly effective remedies in the fight against foot fungus is Stop-Active oil. The drug not only quickly eliminates unpleasant symptoms, but also effectively destroys the fungus itself and prevents its reappearance.
A stop asset can solve several problems simultaneously:
The oil nourishes the skin and moisturizes it well.
It is worth noting that Stop-Active oil or gel can be used against foot fungus at any stage of the disease.
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Foot fungus can also be treated with tablets. The most effective remedies for foot fungus are:
It will be very difficult to cure fungal infections using only tablets, since complex treatment must be used for complete recovery. And from a financial point of view it is not profitable.
If fungus is detected on the foot or between the toes, you should avoid visiting the pool or sauna for the period of treatment. It is also necessary to adhere to simple rules so as not to infect your family members.
Treatment should begin with a visit to a dermatologist. Only a qualified specialist can prescribe the correct course of treatment.
A little traditional medicine in the treatment of foot fungus and between the toes in the video:
Pharmacists work daily on the problem of nail fungus. Every day more and more drugs with antimycotic effects appear. Antifungal drugs are produced for both external and internal use. Let's look at what the most effective tablets for toenail fungus exist and make a list.
Mycoses is a term for all diseases caused by microscopic pathogenic fungi. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate.
There are several direct and indirect ways of contracting this disease:
In addition, certain factors contribute to this. Being in the same place, one person becomes infected with a fungus, but another does not. The appearance of the disease is influenced by a person’s immunity; the weaker it is, the higher the likelihood of infection. In turn, the human immune system depends on the state of the endocrine and nervous systems. Also, do not forget that the protective functions of the body are weakened by the presence of chronic diseases. Onychomycosis is caused by excessive sweating of the feet and wearing poor-quality shoes. The composition of sweat is also a contributing factor. Age is also a contributing factor. So, in children, the skin is much more delicate and thinner, so its protective mechanisms are weaker.
Onychomycosis manifests itself in different ways, depending on the type of pathogen, as well as the degree of neglect. The pathology develops from the free edge, then stripes appear on the surface of the nail plate. If treatment is not started immediately, the disease becomes advanced and other symptoms appear.
According to statistics, out of 70% of cases of fungal infection of the toenails, the 3 middle fingers are affected, and 25% of the nail plates of the outermost fingers are affected.
Treatment for nail fungus includes several options. By taking oral medications, they enhance the body's protective functions, which increase resistance to fungal infections. All drugs differ in effectiveness, speed of action, price, composition and method of application. Let's look at the complete list of anti-fungal tablets.
Inexpensive but effective tablets for treatment. The antifungal drug is available in different forms: capsules, tablets, syrup and injections. Its active ingredient is fluconazole, which, when applied to the affected area, leads to the death of the fungus, blocking its growth and reproduction. The dosage is prescribed individually by the attending physician.
Adults with onychomycosis are prescribed 150 mg once a week. The course of treatment until a healthy nail grows completely, from 3 to 12 months.
Fluconazole is contraindicated for use during pregnancy, during breastfeeding and in children under 4 years of age. It is also worth refusing treatment with the drug if you are hypersensitive. Of the adverse reactions, cases with decreased appetite, vomiting and nausea, stool disorders, liver dysfunction and flatulence were recorded.
Another tablet against toenail fungus is Exifin. The active ingredient of the drug is terbinafine hydrochloride, which has a fungicidal and fungistatic effect. The tablets are taken orally, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually.
According to the standard regimen, 250 mg per day is prescribed. The course of treatment varies depending on the degree of the disease and the individual characteristics of the person. Therapy often takes from 6 to 12 weeks, in some cases treatment lasts up to six months.
Exifin tablets are contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation. Its use is also limited to children under 2 years of age, as well as those who have not gained a body weight of 12 kg. If you have diseases (liver and kidney dysfunction, tumors, metabolic disorders, blood diseases, psoriasis and alcoholism), you should inform your doctor about them.
Side effects may include disturbances in the functioning of the digestive, immune and central nervous systems. Possible problems with the hematopoietic organs. Problems with the musculoskeletal system are also noted.
Cheap effective Terbinafine tablets. The drug is a broad-spectrum drug that is aimed at destroying the cell membranes of fungal agents. The use of the drug allows you to destroy and suppress the growth of fungal infection.
How to take for onychomycosis:
The course of treatment is 6–12 weeks.
Contraindications to treatment with this drug include: kidney and liver dysfunction, blood diseases, malignant tumors, vascular diseases of the legs, as well as pregnancy and lactation. Among the side effects, taking Terbinafine tablets can provoke allergic reactions, lupus erythematosus, as well as nausea, dizziness, fatigue and diarrhea.
Another drug for oral administration, Irunin, is inexpensive capsules available to everyone. The active ingredient of the drug Itraconazole, which is aimed at combating almost all types of fungal pathogens.
It is strictly forbidden to take the drug if you have an individual intolerance to one of the components. Pregnant women, children and the elderly should be careful and coordinate their treatment with their doctor. It is contraindicated to take the drug during breastfeeding.
Important! In most cases, advanced nails require a longer course of treatment than indicated in the instructions.
We looked at what pills to take for nail fungus. But is it necessary to treat onychomycosis orally? In fact, you can get by with local medications and folk remedies. Taking pills, or more precisely, complex therapy, is required by an advanced form of onychomycosis.
When using local preparations, the nail is first prepared: steamed, cleaned and degreased. It is recommended to steam in soda-soap baths for about a quarter of an hour. You should also follow general hygiene guidelines, which include wearing only cotton socks, wearing only personal shoes, using your own manicure tools, or cleaning them thoroughly with alcohol. Treat chronic diseases in a timely manner and support the immune system in every possible way.
You can also use laser therapy to treat nail fungus. This is a painless procedure that takes a minimum of time and brings positive results in a short time.
It is impossible to say which drugs are the best 100%, because each case is individual. Much depends not only on the type of pathogen, but also on associated factors. It is worth noting that for nail fungus, tablets are less effective than ointments, gels, solutions and varnishes.
Important! Treatment of fungus with tablets is toxic to the body. Oral therapy negatively affects the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
But there are still cases when you can’t do without pills. In addition to the fact that they can be prescribed for chronic forms of onychomycosis, tablets can be prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus, those with weak immunity, and elderly people (over 55 years old).
Tablets are definitely more effective in case of fungal diseases of the lungs, intestines and throat.
Onychomycosis is a common fungal disease, for the treatment of which fungicidal (destroying) and fungistatic (slowing the growth of fungi) drugs are used. In such situations, patients are recommended to use topical antifungal compounds externally and tablets for toenail fungus internally.
Today there are many tablets against fungus. Below is a popular list of the best pills for toenail fungus, but you should not use it for self-medication. The prescribing of medicinal formulations should be carried out by the attending physician.
Terbinafine is an antifungal agent containing the active ingredient of the same name. Medicine is prescribed at all stages of fungal infection, but for large-scale fungal infections, longer therapy may be recommended. Experts recommend taking tablets for nail fungus for at least 6-8 months.
Terbinafine is one of the best deals if you are looking for inexpensive yet effective tablets for nail fungus because... The average price of a medicine is about 150 rubles.
Children over 3 years of age should take the product once a day in an amount of no more than 1/2 tablet, and adults should take 1 tablet. The optimal duration of treatment for nail fungus should be determined by a doctor, based on the severity of the condition.
The development of side effects is rare. There are disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system. But unpleasant symptoms quickly disappear, so there is no need to adjust the dosage.
Fluconazole is the most effective tablet for foot and nail fungus, according to most dermatologists. If it takes eight weeks of regular use to completely cure onychomycosis with Terbinafine, then the required therapeutic concentration of Fluconazole is achieved by the end of the first week.
The main form of release is capsules for oral administration. The active substance of the drug is fluconazole, the content of which in one capsule is 150 mg. Main contraindications to the use of the medicine:
The optimal daily dosage should be determined based on the extent of the fungal infection, but cannot exceed 400 mg. For children over 1 year old, the dosage is calculated based on weight and the following proportions: per 1 kg of weight, take from 3 to 12 mg of the drug. The course of treatment for nail fungus is completed after the growth of a healthy nail plate.
Fluconazole tablets can cause serious side effects. Patients may experience:
Fluconazole is also an inexpensive antifungal agent. Its average cost is 160 rubles.
Lamisil is a systemic antimycotic with a wide spectrum of action and high effectiveness against many fungal pathogens. Lamisil is similar in active ingredient to Terbinafine. You should take the tablets for at least two months, under such conditions the maximum therapeutic effect will be ensured.
The main contraindication for which this medicine cannot be prescribed concerns pathological liver damage. Lamisil for nail fungus should also not be used under the age of two years, while breastfeeding, during pregnancy, or in case of individual intolerance to the components in the composition.
The optimal duration of treatment with the drug depends on the stage of development of the fungal infection. Adults should take the medicine 1 tablet daily, and children under seven years of age should take 1/4 tablet.
Lamisil is an effective antifungal drug, but it can cause side effects:
For such reactions, it is recommended to take activated carbon. Lamisil is an expensive antifungal compound; its average price reaches 2,000 rubles.
Ketonoconazole is another popular tablet for the treatment of toenail fungus containing the active substance of the same name. Ketoconazole has a slower effect, because the required concentration of the active substance in the area of the affected nail is achieved only by the 12th week of treatment.
The main contraindications to the use of Ketoconazole in tablet form:
Effective therapy for nail fungus for adults involves taking the drug per day from 200 to 400 mg. For the treatment of children, the optimal dosage is calculated based on the child’s weight and the following proportions: per 1 kg of the young patient’s weight from 5 to 8 mg of the medicinal composition.
The medicinal composition can cause side effects, so its use must be agreed with the attending physician. Most often, patients experience frequent headaches, dizziness, discomfort in the stomach, fatigue, fatigue, anxiety, decreased blood pressure, and drowsiness.
Ketoconazole is a cheap antifungal drug, the average cost of which is 170 rubles.
Itraconazole is an effective tablet against toenail fungus, characterized by a wide range of effects on pathogenic microflora. The duration of treatment of onychomycosis with this drug does not exceed 6 months.
Itraconazole is a toxic drug, so alcohol consumption should be avoided during treatment. Before prescribing a drug for nail fungus, specialists must take into account existing contraindications, namely:
The medicine should be taken once a day, 1 tablet. To determine the optimal dosage of medication for treating young children, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Due to the high toxicity of the drug, serious side effects may occur when taking it:
The average cost of the drug is 320 rubles.
All antifungal tablets should be used only in combination with local drugs intended to treat the affected nail plate. Only in this case will the maximum therapeutic effect be achieved and onychomycosis completely destroyed.