Onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that becomes apparent when it develops strongly enough and requires active treatment. For whom is the fungus the most dangerous and what mistakes should be avoided to get rid of it? Let's talk.
Toenail damage is caused by various types of fungi (mold, yeast, trichophytes). The toenail plates are most often affected. The danger of this disease is that it does not appear immediately from the outside; visible changes occur already when it is more difficult to influence the causative agent of the disease. In this case, the infection can easily spread from the feet to the hands, as well as penetrate into the organs, which negatively affects health in general.
This is a very common disease and with age, the chances of getting an infection become greater.
Self-medication, despite the large number of drugs in pharmacies, is unacceptable; it may simply not lead to the desired effect, or may worsen the condition. We tell you why, how and how to protect yourself from this unpleasant pathology and which treatment methods can be used and which may not help.
Types of toenail fungus
Onychomycosis can vary in the type of fungus itself, the form of infection and the stage.
Types of mushrooms
- Maya.Yeast not only lives outside, but is part of our microflora. Normally, it consists of "good" and "bad" bacteria in an optimal combination. With normal immunity and health, yeast does not show its negative properties, and if they are disturbed, they become dangerous.
- Dermatophytes.This is the most common cause of the disease (more than 80% of cases). You can find them on the ground, dust and you can also catch them from cats and dogs. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm.
- moldMold thrives in moisture and warmth (which is why it's important to ventilate rooms regularly). Such mushrooms are very widespread, literally everywhere, some species can even be found in food. In addition to mycosis, they can cause lung diseases.
Depending on the type of fungus, some treatments may vary. To determine the species, a mycological culture is obtained from the nails, where the type of mold is determined, as well as its sensitivity to antifungal drugs. Based on these results, the drug is selected.
Without an accurate diagnosis, self-administration of the drug may simply not work.
Types according to the shape of the lesion
- surface- damage to the nail plates themselves.
- Distal- The front is affected.
- side- the side parts.
- proximally- rear end.
- Total- The whole leg is affected.
Stages of development
- Early.The most difficult stage, since at this time external manifestations may be slightly visible. At the same time, it is advisable to start treatment with it.
- Progressive.The appearance of the nails has already changed significantly.
- Launched.The nail plates are destroyed. Secondary infections can occur, which will only worsen the symptoms.
The sooner treatment begins, the more successful it will be. It is important to remember that the disease progresses faster in people with weakened immune systems.
Nail fungus - symptoms
The first signs of a fungal infection can begin with damage to the skin of the foot, manifested by redness, peeling and itching. Also, the disease can begin only with a change in the appearance of the nails. At the beginning of the disease, the nail plate is most often affected on the edge in the form of a yellow or white spot. Then the color of the whole plate changes and its thickness changes. The infection can affect one nail or the entire nail.
Outwardly, there is nothing attractive about this disease - this is proven by the photos of nail fungus.
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Causes
The causes of nail fungus are most often associated with direct contact with someone who is infected with the infection, or with objects that he or she has used (shoes, clothing, bath mats, washcloths, manicure tools). Infection often occurs when visiting swimming pools, saunas, spas and gyms. Factors that contribute to infection are cracks in the interdigital folds, increased sweating of the feet, dry skin, plate injuries.
At risk for this disease are primarily people with reduced immunity, as well as those with pathologies such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immunological diseases, as well as those taking steroids and cytostatic (antitumor. ) drugs. drugs.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent infection, it is very important to follow the rules of hygiene:
- in swimming pools, saunas, baths, wear only flip-flops;
- regular ventilation and dry shoes;
- change socks regularly;
- after the pool, take a shower and let your feet dry;
- don't try on someone else's shoes, especially barefoot;
- increase immunity.
In addition, if you know that there is a carrier of the infection near you, it is important not to use his sanitary items or shoes.
How to get rid of foot fungus
At the first signs of the observed infection (we have already said and shown what the toenail fungus looks like), you should immediately start treating it without starting it. First of all, the infection can reach neighboring plaques, and in addition, it can enter organs with blood, which can cause intoxication, allergic reactions or diseases related to the immune system.
Treatment of toenail fungus includes external methods (antifungal solutions, creams, ointments), as well as oral administration of tablet antifungal drugs. In the initial stage of infection, if the duration of the disease is not more than a month, and the plaque damage is not more than 1/3, then only external antifungal therapy is possible. If the process is long, then tablets are needed for complete recovery.
There are also surgical methods and laser treatment, but by themselves they may not be effective enough; the plaque can grow back with the defect.
Self-medication is also not allowed. It is very dangerous. The doctor should choose each tool, and then help monitor the healing process. With this disease it is not fast (from 3 months or longer). At the first visible improvements, you should not stop taking the medicine, as a relapse may occur - the infection remains inside the nail, you should wait until the plate grows completely, without damage. It is necessary to complete the entire course, and always under supervision.
The most frequent errors in treatment
- Simply dry your shoes and socks without treatment.If fungus appears on your feet, it is important not only to wash or dry your shoes or socks. Shoes should be treated with an antifungal agent and socks should be ironed to kill harmful spores.
- Use only your hygiene instruments, but do not handle them in any way.Regardless of who has the infection - you or a relative, you should not only start using only individual hygiene items and tools, but they should also be treated with special tools. When possible, it is best to use disposable instruments.
- Use folk remedies.You can find many such recipes on the Internet. Some may help, but experimenting on your own can be very dangerous. Everything should be agreed with your doctor.