Treatment of nail fungus

Effective treatment of nail fungus, complex therapy to prevent relapses and doctor’s recommendations for disease prevention in K+31 clinics

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About the disease

Onychomycosis is a disease that develops on the nail plate and causes not only physical, but also psychological discomfort. It is provoked by various types of fungi. Most often, onychomycosis affects the toenails.

The fungus that has infected the nail begins to develop in the skin around it, and then gradually penetrates into the plate. This leads to changes in its shape, color and texture.

Onychomycosis manifests itself as yellowing, thickening and brittleness of the nails. Additionally, itching and discomfort appear. In the future, without proper treatment, the condition of the nails deteriorates significantly. In the most severe cases, their complete detachment is observed.

The specialists of the K+31 clinic are ready to provide you with quality assistance. We offer modern diagnostic methods and effective treatment regimens.

Nail fungus
алопеция

Reasons for development

  • Close contact with an infected person or animal. Fungi are easily transmitted in public places (for example, in swimming pools, saunas, gyms)
  • Wearing tight shoes. The fungus grows easily in warm, moist environments
  • Concomitant diseases. The development of fungus is often observed against the background of diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver and other diseases accompanied by circulatory disorders
  • Reduced immunity. This often happens against the background of ARVI, influenza, or uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs

Classification and stages of development


Depending on the type of fungus that causes it and the nature of the nail lesion, several types of onychomycosis are distinguished. The most difficult and treatable condition is total onychomycosis, in which the entire nail leaf is affected by the fungus.

Distal (lateral). The fungus affects the lateral and free edges of the nail, gradually moving towards the base.
Super formal (white). Characterized by the appearance of white spots or stripes on the surface of the nail.
Proximal. The fungus begins to invade at the edge of the skin closest to the base of the nail. Gradually he moves towards the free edge.

Symptoms

The main sign of nail fungus on the toes and hands is a change in their shade. The affected nail plate is usually yellowish or white (and in some cases brown or black) in color. Additional signs:

  • Thickening and brittleness of nails. They become thicker, rougher and easily break or crumble. In severe stages of the disease, the nail plate begins to gradually separate from the bed.
  • Discomfort or pain. When you press on the nail or when walking, noticeable discomfort appears.
  • Unpleasant odor. A characteristic sour smell is felt from under the nail.

If you have one or more of the listed symptoms, you should contact a dermatologist or mycologist as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis

Diagnostics

Correct and timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. It includes the following steps:

  • Visual inspection. The doctor examines the affected nail and assesses the general condition of the skin. Visual inspection suggests the presence of fungus.
  • Laboratory research. The specialist takes samples of the nail plate or skin and sends them to the laboratory. There, with their help, a fungal culture is grown. This allows you to determine its type.
  • Microscopy. During this test, the doctor examines samples of the nail plate under a microscope to look for the presence of fungal structures.

Only after confirmation of the diagnosis can treatment begin. This is very important, since therapy requires the use of specific drugs and often lasts a very long time.

Complications

If there is no attention to the problem, the infection gradually spreads to healthy nails, skin of the feet and even hands. Other possible complications:

  • Secondary bacterial infection. The fungus causes damage to the nail plate and the skin around the nail. This creates a "gate" for bacteria.
  • Chronic onychomycosis. The constant presence of a fungal infection contributes to the chronicity of the process and leads to relapses.

Most complications can be avoided if you start treatment at an early stage of the disease and strictly follow the specialist’s recommendations.

Features of treatment

Treatment of onychomycosis depends on the degree and nature of nail damage. It happens:

  • Local. For minor damage to the nail plate, antimycotic varnishes and ointments are used. They contain substances that destroy fungus and are applied directly to the affected nail.
  • Systemic. In cases of severe or widespread nail damage, the patient is prescribed antifungal drugs. They are intended for oral administration.
  • Surgical. The operation is prescribed for total onychomycosis. In this case, the affected nail is completely removed.

Only the doctor decides which medications are suitable in each specific case. When selecting a medicine, the specialist takes into account the type of fungus, the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient.

Systemic antimycotics are highly effective: they destroy the “pest” from the inside. At the same time, their use is often accompanied by side effects and requires regular medical monitoring.

Local remedies act directly on the affected nail. They are usually well tolerated by the body and cause fewer negative reactions. Their effectiveness depends on the depth and extent of the lesion.

An important aspect of treating nail fungus is the regular use of medications. If the course is interrupted and the drugs are used incorrectly, the fungus becomes resistant to them and treatment is delayed.

The therapy also uses the latest methods - for example, laser and photodynamic therapy. Such methods involve targeted influence. At the same time, the risk of side effects is minimized.

Temporary help is provided by home treatments - for example, baths with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and sea salt. They have a softening and antiseptic effect, but do not destroy the fungus.

Prognosis and prevention

The main preventive requirement is hygiene. This includes regular washing and drying of feet, as well as the use of a personal towel. Additional requirements:

  • The right choice of shoes. It should be comfortable and made of natural materials.
  • Use of protective equipment in public places. It is recommended to wear rubber slippers in swimming pools, saunas, and gyms.
  • Nail care. They need to be trimmed regularly and correctly.

The prognosis for treatment is favorable, but the success of therapy largely depends on the timeliness of contacting a specialist, the correct implementation of all doctor’s recommendations and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Our doctors

Marchenko Elena Viktorovna
Experience 12 years
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Marchenko
Elena Viktorovna
Head of the center for podology and mycology, dermatovenerologist, podologist, cosmetologist
Shishova Anastasia Alekseevna
Experience 7 years
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Shishova
Anastasia Alekseevna
Traumatologist-orthopedist
Kozak Lev Ilyich
Experience 5 years
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Kozak
Lev Ilyich
Traumatologist-orthopedist, manual therapist
All specialists
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Make an appointment at a convenient time on the nearest date

Price

Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with a dermatovenerologist (podiatrist)
from 5 460 ₽
Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with a dermatovenerologist (podiatrist)
from 5 460 ₽

Reviews

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Anastasia Alekseev Shishova, traumatologist and orthopedist, for her work, for the help she provided me, for her responsiveness, and most importantly, her professionalism! Anastasia Alekseevna restored my strength, health, and self-confidence with her truly "golden hands"! Thank you so much, Anastasia Alekseevna, for everything! I wish you all the best! Sincerely, Elena O.
17.12.2025
O. Elena Viktorovna
Excellent. He knows his business very well.
05.12.2025
K. Dmitry Vladimirovich
Elena Viktorovna is a wonderful doctor! Knowledgeable, friendly, calm, and gets to the heart of the matter. I highly recommend her!
15.11.2025
Ch. Alexandra Mikhailovna
Extremely favorable impressions from the reception
09.11.2025
B. Elena Nikolaevna
Thank you to Elena Vladimirovna for her professionalism, attentive attitude, clear explanation of my problem, recommendations, and kindness. I am very pleased with the appointment!
16.10.2025
L. Marina Borisovna
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the clinic doctors: Lev Olegovich Kneller for his attentive attitude towards the patient during preparation for the surgery; Anastasia Alekseevna Shishova for the flawless surgery, responsiveness and support during rehabilitation; Azimov Khurshidbek Paizillaevich for his professionalism (with you, epidural is not scary); Khaizhok Konstantin Ayanovich for his sensitive attention and consultation upon discharge. Special thanks to all the junior staff: they are competent in their field, polite and kind. The clinic itself has a cozy atmosphere, everything is thought out to the smallest detail, you feel at home. During my stay at the clinic, I was pleasantly surprised by the full and varied diet. I would also like to note the presence of a park area, walks in the fresh air charge you with positive emotions! Sincerely, Ksenia, Apatity.
On December 9, 2024, I had surgery on my right foot. Doctor Shishova Anastasia Alekseevna. Heartfelt gratitude for the attentive, sensitive and respectful attitude towards the patient. I was convinced once again (two years ago Anastasia Alekseevna performed surgery on my left foot) of her highest professionalism. The problem with the right foot was complicated by a painful relapse. Of course, I agreed to the surgery. My trust in Doctor Shishova Anastasia Alekseevna is very high. I am also in a rehabilitation, recovery period. I follow all the doctor's recommendations and advice. We are constantly in touch. The foot is returning to its proper form. The result is obvious. A deep bow to all the department staff, all the medical personnel who were involved during my stay at the clinic.
23.06.2025
N. Elena Viktorovna

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