A remedy for removing nails affected by fungus and other methods of eliminating the nail plate, how to remove it yourself at home?

Indications for removal

Onychomycosis is a fungal process that affects the nail plates. First of all, signs of the disease appear on the thumb, but later, as the pathological process develops, the remaining nails are also affected.

A radical method of treatment in this case – removal of the nail plate – is indicated in the following cases:

preventing the spread of fungal infection to healthy skin and nails;
infection of the nail plate by 70% or more;
inconvenience when walking caused by a damaged nail plate;
the need to accelerate the therapeutic course;
lack of effect from conservative therapy;
ingrown nail;
suppuration under the nail plate;
infection of the root of the nail plate;
prevention of possible bacterial complications;
unaesthetic appearance of a nail affected by fungus;
frequent relapses of onychomycosis.

Removal of nails by a radical or minimally invasive method is indicated for the late stage of onychomycosis, which is characterized by complete destruction of the nail plate and the active spread of the infectious process, as well as inflammation of the adjacent skin.

In some cases, complete removal of the nail is the only way to solve the problem of nail fungus, for example, if the patient is intolerant to the active substances that are part of local or systemic antifungal drugs.

If the necessary measures are not taken in a timely manner, the risk of complications increases. These include erysipelas of the skin, the spread of a fungal infection to the organs of the respiratory system and digestion, and generalized damage to the body by a fungus.

Alternative Medicines

Antifungal agents, which doctors prescribe when toenail fungus is detected, can be produced not only in the format of ointments or creams, but also in powder, solution, spray, and tablets. Alternatives to "Mikospor" are:

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"Nailitis";
"Mikozan";
"Mikostop";
"Bifosin";
"Terbinafine";
"Fluconazole";
"Loceril."

Surgical removal of nails affected by onychomycosis

Surgical removal of a fungus-affected nail is a somewhat outdated method that involves removing the entire surface of the stratum corneum. Such intervention guarantees the cessation of further spread of infection and localization of the acute inflammatory process. The surgical method of removing a nail is effective for advanced stages of nail fungus.

Before performing the actual manipulation, local anesthesia is provided. The removal process looks like this:

The affected area is disinfected and numbed.
The surface that surrounds the nail is treated with iodine.
The base of the finger is pinched using a tourniquet.
The nail plate is lifted and a sharp medical instrument is inserted under it.
Carefully separate the nail.
The open wound is treated with an antibacterial agent and a bandage is applied.

After the manipulation to remove the nail, it is necessary to regularly change the bandages and treat the area with antiseptics to prevent infection and the development of inflammation.

The bandage on the operated finger must be changed at least three times a day.

This method of removing the nail plate cannot be used if the following contraindications exist:

inflammatory and infectious processes (tonsillitis, ARVI);
diabetes;
poor blood clotting;
pathologies of the immune system.

To exclude contraindications, the necessary examinations are carried out before surgery.

Currently, this method is rarely used. This is due to such disadvantages as:

high level of injury;
the need for a long rehabilitation period;
the possibility of regrowth of a nail with a disturbed shape and structure.

After complete healing of the wound, the nail grows fully within 6-8 months.

Matrixectomy

During this procedure, the matrix is affected - the growth zone of nail cells. The method is contraindicated for persons with impaired blood supply to the lower extremities, poor blood clotting and wound healing. The most common procedure is a partial matrixectomy. The method allows you to preserve the central section of the plate for subsequent growth of the nail fold. With a total matrixectomy, the matrix is completely destroyed by scraping it down to the periosteum of the phalanx of the finger.

Hardware nail removal

A more gentle method of removing a nail affected by onychomycosis is hardware treatment.

Hardware (medical) pedicure is a procedure that involves layer-by-layer removal of the nail plate down to the tissues of the nail bed. This manipulation is carried out in specialized medical institutions.

The method is painless, and the desired effect can be achieved during just one procedure.

Hardware pedicure is performed as follows:

The affected nail plate is treated with a special softening agent and an antiseptic is applied.
Select the necessary attachment for the device, with which the nail is removed.
Layer by layer, the damaged nail is removed using special diamond-coated attachments or metal cutters.

The advantages of this method of removing fungus-affected nails:

bloodlessness, which eliminates the risk of infection;
painlessness;
speed.

To really get the desired result, you need to find a specialist with a medical education who will carry out this manipulation according to all the rules.

Ointment "Mikospor"

It contains not only urea, but also bifonazole, which has proven itself in the treatment of a wide range of fungal diseases. It inhibits the growth of ergosterol, which is part of fungal cells, and changes their structure. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas before bedtime and covered with a bandage for a day. After this, it is removed and the nail is steamed in warm water. After 15 - 20 minutes, the softened layer is cleaned off with a scraper and the nail is thoroughly dried. The procedure is repeated until the nail bed is exposed. The drug destroys onychomycosis, regardless of the degree of its spread through the tissues.

Laser nail plate removal

High-intensity laser radiation is used to remove nails affected by onychomycosis. In this case, the laser acts as a surgical instrument. It is also effective for ingrown toenails.

The advantages of this method are:

painlessness;
selective effect on affected tissues and lack of destructive effects on healthy ones;
wound sterilization;
minimal wound surface area;
low risk of complications;
no bleeding;
not too long rehabilitation period;
no risk of infection, including HIV and hepatitis.

The entire process of removing a fungus-affected nail using a laser takes no more than 20 minutes.

The procedure is carried out as follows:

The finger on which the problematic nail is located is treated with an antiseptic solution.
Using a laser scalpel, the nail plate is separated from the bed. The radiation immediately heats the affected area to high temperatures, which ensures the evaporation of the tissue. In such a short period of time, healthy surrounding tissues do not have time to heat up, so they are not in danger of being burned.
The surface of the nail bed is treated with an antifungal agent and a bandage is applied with an ointment that has an antimicrobial effect.

Laser nail removal is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Contraindications also include blood diseases, epilepsy, diabetes, benign and malignant tumors, vascular atherosclerosis.

Those who have visited a solarium or recently returned from vacation should not remove their nails with a laser: at least 2 weeks must pass after excessive insolation.

Removal of nails affected by onychomycosis using medications

You can also remove nail plates using special topical medications. They contain chemicals that promote the removal of the affected nail.

Keratolytic plasters are often used - sticky strips that are impregnated with a special composition that softens the nail plate. They contain salicylic or uric acid, iodine and antifungal components - for example, ketoconazole.

Under the influence of these substances, the nail gradually becomes softer, which makes it possible for its further painless removal using scissors or a scalpel.

In pharmacies you can find the following popular keratolytic patches:

soap-salicylic;
salicylic;
Ureaplast;
Onychoplast.

Usually the patch is applied for 3 days - this time is enough for the nail plate to soften. After this, the product is removed and the nail is removed with scissors.

In addition to patches, there are also topical agents - ointments, creams, solutions that act in a similar way. This:

Mycospor ointment. It is applied to the damaged nail, having previously protected the healthy areas with a band-aid. A patch should also be applied over the treated area. Leave the ointment for 3 days, then steam your feet and gently crush the softened nail with a scraper.
Ointment Nogtivit. The product contains tea tree essential oil, urea, and stearic acid. Before applying the drug, you need to steam your feet in a bath with the addition of soda and soap. After this, Nogtivit is applied in a thick layer to the nails using a cotton swab, while healthy areas must be protected with a band-aid. Cover the treated area with a plaster and leave for 3-4 days. After this, remove the patch, steam your feet and carefully remove the softened layer of the nail. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
Antifungal serum Mikozan. This drug is convenient to apply: it comes in a container with a brush-lid. After applying Mikozan, a protective film is formed on the surface of the nail plate. Active antifungal substances penetrate deep into the layers of the nail.

Preparations for chemical removal of nail plates have contraindications, so they can only be used on the recommendation of a doctor.

Chemical method

Treatment involves the use of special medications that dissolve the nail plate. After this, mechanical removal of the affected part is carried out, followed by the application of antifungal drugs. Each medicine is prescribed individually only after consultation with a doctor. Pharmaceutical companies offer many drugs:

cream, gel and ointment;
keratolytic patch;
medicinal varnish.

Chemical method

Traditional methods

Removing a nail with a fungal infection is also possible using traditional medicine. The most popular include:

Hot solution with baking soda and tea tree oil. You should take a foot bath with the addition of these components. After each procedure, the softened layer of the nail must be carefully removed with a file treated with an antiseptic.
Birch tar. This product can be purchased at a pharmacy. Tar should be applied to problem nail plates and covered with cellophane film. The procedure should be carried out before bedtime so that the product is effective until the morning. Tar softens the plates well: after treatment, they can be easily removed with manicure tools.
Ointment with egg. To prepare the composition, you need to take a raw egg and beat it with a teaspoon of vegetable oil. You also need to add a teaspoon of dimethyl phthalate. This mixture should be applied to nails that have been previously steamed in hot water.

These methods do not always have the desired effect, especially in the case of a running process.

Mechanical nail removal at home

Mechanical removal of a nail plate affected by fungus at home must be carried out very carefully so as not to aggravate the course of the infectious process.

You can do it yourself this way:

Steam your feet in hot water.
Carefully lift the edge of the damaged nail with a sharp metal object pre-treated with an antiseptic.
Place a sterile gauze soaked in oil under the nail plate. Thanks to it, the nail will be held in the correct position.
Every day you need to use a new piece of sterile gauze. Every day you need to move it deeper and deeper under the nail, freeing up its corner. Remove sharp corners with a nail file.
After a few days, the napkin will reach the nail bed. When this happens, you need to apply force and pull the nail towards you.
When the nail affected by the fungus is removed, this area must be treated with an alcohol solution of Furacilin.

Nail care after removal

After removing the nail, it is necessary to provide the problem area with proper care. The following recommendations should be followed:

protect the treated area from moisture: it should not be wetted for a week after removal;
regularly treat the nail bed with antiseptic solutions and apply bandages with antimicrobial ointments;
limit the load on the area of the removed nail;
wear loose shoes that do not put pressure on the toes; they must be treated with antifungal agents.

Removal of the nail is required if most of the plate is infected with fungus. The procedure can be performed through surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and the use of special ointments and patches.

Healing ointments, gels and creams

The active substance in ointments and creams is uric acid. The principle of application for all medications is similar. The foot is steamed in warm water, wiped dry and treated with an antiseptic. Then lubricate the affected areas of the fungal nail with a thick layer of “Mikostop”, “Mikospor” or another product. This is done carefully to avoid contact with healthy tissues, having previously lubricated the latter with zinc ointment. The treated area is sealed with a standard plaster. In other cases, apply a dry bandage made of sterile medical gauze. The duration of exposure to the drugs is determined by the instructions. At the end of the allotted period of time, the protective material is removed, and the softened area of the nail is scraped out with a scraper or cut out.

Healing ointments, gels and creams