Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases on earth.One in every two people is a carrier of this disease.The infection is caused by harmful bacteria, medically known as epidermophyton.
People of all ages suffer from onychomycosis equally.Pathogenic fungi can survive on almost any surface, so people must adhere to safety standards.A seemingly harmless infection may be a symptom of a more serious illness.In order to quickly find the right way to treat onychomycosis, you need to consult a doctor immediately.
disease symptoms
Pathogenic fungi are considered among the toughest bacteria.In order to kill microorganisms on the soles of the shoes, the shoes must be placed in a 1% formaldehyde solution for 20 minutes.This is why onychomycosis on the nails is difficult to treat.Patients must strictly adhere to all instructions given by the attending physician.The main symptoms of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- Nails turn yellow;
- An unpleasant odor occurs;
- severe itching;
- Destruction of nail shape.
Patients need to find the best treatment for onychomycosis as quickly as possible.Because without proper treatment, this disease can cause complications.In this condition, patients experience severe pain and severe redness in their nails.It is important to remember that symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease.Doctors divide it into four stages:
- Initial (color change, itching);
- Hyperkeratosis stage (nails become loose and thickened);
- Penetration stage under the nail plate (severe inflammation of the cuticle);
- Advanced form (nail atrophy and collapse).
Doctors believe that the best way to treat toenail fungus is with caution and focus.When the first symptoms of fungal disease appear, you should immediately see a specialist.Advanced forms of the disease can send patients to the operating table.
reason
Fungal infections can come from many sources.In fact, it can be anywhere one goes barefoot.Onychomycosis is an insidious disease.Infection can occur anytime after infection.Most commonly, people with weakened immune systems are susceptible to this disease.But, despite this, this fungus appears only under certain circumstances:
- Shoes are of poor quality;
- Injury to fingernails or feet;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- Various skin diseases.
Most people think that onychomycosis is only contracted in swimming pools, saunas, beaches, and bathrooms, although this is not entirely true.Fungi do like moist conditions, but when a person's skin is steamed, the infection can easily separate from the affected area.This is where the danger lies.Pathogenic microorganisms land on any surface and wait for the next carrier, so you can become infected through:
- slippers;
- sock;
- Flooring (especially bathroom tiles);
- Sand; sun loungers.
The weaker the patient's immunity, the more dangerous a fungal infection is for him.To protect yourself, you need to know the first and main remedy against onychomycosis - personal hygiene.The disease is easily treatable only in the first few days after infection.
Which doctor would prescribe medication for foot fungus?
Onychomycosis can cause severe discomfort and many problems.Even if treatment is successful, recurrence is possible.Advanced forms of the fungus require long-term and complex treatment.Treatment will include many medications and surgery to repair the nail.Patients need to make an appointment:
- dermatologist
- mycologist
It is very important for patients not to delay seeing a specialist, as this disease spreads very quickly.People often ask: Which doctor should you contact first and how to choose the best drug for onychomycosis?Dermatologists specialize in skin diseases, while mycologists specialize in treating fungal infections.In fact, the patient needs both doctors, so the choice between them is not important.The experts listed know how to cure fungal infections as quickly and effectively as possible.At your appointment, your doctor will do the following:
- listen to patient complaints;
- Research patient records;
- Perform visual inspections;
- Examine the nails with a Wood's lamp.
Each expert listed will perform tests before choosing the right treatment for toenail fungus.First, the onychomycosis will be scraped off the patient's body.Next, the patient is diagnosed and a treatment plan is developed.
Effective ways to treat onychomycosis
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of fungal disease and its size.Only after the stage of the disease is clearly determined will the doctor take appropriate treatment measures.Although there are many different medications, getting rid of the fungus can still be very difficult.It's important to remember that self-medication can cause serious damage to your health.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- ointment;
- gel;
- varnish;
- spray;
- cream.
The listed external preparations achieve a maximum concentration of active substance in the affected area.This toenail fungus treatment does not enter the bloodstream, making it easier to treat for people prone to allergic reactions.There are also systemic treatments.Prescribed when the patient:
- Mycosis affects the entire area of the nail;
- Late stages of fungi;
- The disease affects several fingers;
- diabetes;
- The age of maturity.
Doctors warn that systemic treatment of the fungus is strictly prohibited for pregnant women, patients with liver disease and those who are breastfeeding.In this case, topical treatments are needed.Effective remedies for toenail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Various prescriptions can safely speed up the healing process.
When should you not postpone going to the doctor?
Patients should always consult their doctor if any medical condition is present.Especially if it is a contagious fungal infection.An often underestimated condition, onychomycosis can cause damage to the entire body.Delaying seeing a specialist can lead to the following complications:
- Allergy to fungi;
- Exacerbation of chronic disease;
- The infection penetrates internal organs.
In order to find an effective way to treat onychomycosis as quickly as possible, you need to consult a specialized specialist.It's important not to make a diagnosis on your own, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophytes (white-yellow streaks along the edge of the nail);
- Yeast (yellowing of the nail plate);
- Mold (chronic disease).
When self-treating, patients often skip the "Contraindications" section, which can lead to serious problems.Therefore, it is better to contact a dermatologist who can easily choose high-quality and cheap treatments for onychomycosis.Complications of the disease can cause various painful rashes and allergic dermatitis, and even bronchial asthma.
The best way to treat onychomycosis
When treating fungal diseases, patients must seek prompt medical treatment.Dermatologists note that unkempt feet and toenails increase the chance of developing fungus.Dry, trodden foot skin is an ideal springboard for infection to develop.Unlike adults, children rarely get fungal diseases because pathogenic microorganisms have difficulty "attaching" to delicate, smooth skin.For severe stages of the disease use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser treatment;
- No thymic medicine.
Laser treatment is an effective way to treat onychomycosis.This method works because the beam covering the affected area is very hot.Lasers can safely kill the mycelium and spores of onychomycosis.The surgery involves complete removal of the nail.This was done under the most difficult of circumstances.The nail plate will only grow back if the matrix remains intact.
Folk remedies to fight onychomycosis
Self-treatment with a doctor's approval can significantly ease the course of the disease.It should be remembered that fungi must be treated comprehensively.A combination of traditional and pharmaceutical methods can cure patients quickly.There are many inexpensive treatments for toenail fungus that you don't even have to go to a store or pharmacy to buy.The most popular recipes can be determined:
garlic
garlic.Crush 2-3 cloves.Combine garlic, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water in a small bowl.Apply the mixture on your nails until morning.Repeat until full recovery.
iodine
iodine.Apply 1-2 drops to affected area.Continue the procedure for a recovery period of 20-30 days.
Celandine
Celandine.Gather the plants to a clean area.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Leave for 1-2 hours.Use in foot baths until complete recovery.