Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases on the planet.Every second person is a carrier of this disease.The infection is caused by harmful bacteria, known in medicine as epidermophytes.
All ages are equally susceptible to nail fungus.Pathogenic fungi can live on almost any surface, so people must follow safety standards.Seemingly harmless infections can be symptoms of more serious conditions.To quickly find the right treatment for toenail fungus, you need to consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of the disease
Pathogenic fungi are considered one of the most tenacious bacteria.In order for the microorganisms in the sole to die, the shoes must be soaked in a 1% formaldehyde solution for 20 minutes.This is why it is so difficult to cure onychomycosis on the nails.Patients must strictly comply with all instructions given by the attending physician.Key signs of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellow nails;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- severe itching;
- destroys nail shape.
Patients need to find the best treatment for toenail fungus as soon as possible.Because if not treated properly, the disease can cause complications.In this case, the patient has acute pain in the nail and severe redness.It is important to remember that symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease.Doctors divide them into four stages:
- initial (color change, itching);
- period of hyperkeratosis (nails become loose and thick);
- stage of penetration under the nail plate (severe cuticle inflammation);
- progressive form (atrophy and collapse of the nail).
Doctors firmly believe that the best treatment for toenail fungus is caution and attention.At the first manifestations of fungal disease, you should immediately see a specialist.An advanced form of the disease may land the patient on the surgical table.
Reason
There are many sources of fungal infection.In fact, it could be any place where a person walks barefoot.Nail fungus is a dangerous disease.Infection can appear at any time after infection.Usually, people with weak immune systems are susceptible to illness.However, fungi only appear in certain cases:
- poor quality shoes;
- wounds to the nails or feet;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people believe that onychomycosis is only transmitted in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and bathhouses, although this is not entirely true.This fungus prefers moist environments, but when human skin is steamed, the infection is easily separated from the affected area.This is where the danger lies.Pathogenic microorganisms fall on any surface and wait for the next carrier, so you can become infected through:
- slippers;
- socks;
- floors (especially tiles in the bathroom);
- sand;sun loungers.
The weaker the patient's immunity, the more dangerous the fungal infection is for him.To protect yourself, you need to know the first and main measure against toenail fungus - personal hygiene.The disease is easy to treat in the first days after infection.
Which doctor will prescribe medicine for foot fungus?
Onychomycosis can cause severe discomfort and many problems for a person.Even after successful treatment, there is still a risk of recurrence.An advanced form of fungus that requires long and complex treatment.Treatment will include a variety of medications and procedures to restore the nail.Patients need to make an appointment with:
- DOCTOR FLOOD SKIN
- fungal specialist
It is extremely important that the patient does not delay seeing a specialist, as the disease spreads very quickly.People often ask: which doctor should I contact first and how to choose the best treatment for toenail fungus?Dermatologists specialize in skin diseases, while mycologists specialize in treating fungal infections.In fact, patients need both doctors so choosing between them is not a problem.The listed specialists know how to cure fungal infections as quickly and effectively as possible.At your appointment, the doctors will do the following:
- listen to patient complaints;
- Research patient medical records;
- conduct a visual inspection;
- Check nails with Wood's lamp.
Before choosing the right treatment for toenail fungus, each of the listed specialists will prescribe tests.First, the patient will have the nail fungus scale scraped.Next, the patient will be diagnosed and given a treatment course.
How to effectively treat toenail fungus
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of fungal disease and its scale.Only after clearly determining the stage of the disease will the doctor prescribe full treatment.Although there are various medications available, it is very difficult to get rid of the fungus.It is important to remember that self-medication can seriously damage your health.Patients are often prescribed topical medications:
- ointment;
- gel;
- varnish;
- sprays;
- cream.
The listed external agents reach the maximum concentration of the active substance in the affected area.This toenail fungus treatment does not enter the bloodstream, which makes treatment easier for people prone to allergies.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed when the patient:
- fungal disease that has affected the entire nail area;
- progressive stage of the fungus;
- the disease affects several fingers;
- diabetes;
- adulthood.
Doctors warn that systemic treatment of fungus is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as breastfeeding.In this case, a topical treatment is required.An effective remedy for toenail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Various prescriptions can safely accelerate the healing process.
When should you not delay seeing a doctor?
If there is any medical condition, the patient should always consult a doctor.Especially if it is a contagious fungal infection.This disease is often underestimated and onychomycosis can cause damage to the entire body.Delaying seeing a specialist can cause the following complications:
- allergic sensitivity to fungi;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- Penetration of infection into internal organs.
To find an effective treatment for toenail fungus as soon as possible, you need to consult a specialist.It is important not to self-diagnose as there are several types of nail fungus:
- dermatophyte (white-yellow stripes along the edge of the nail);
- enamel (nail plate turns yellow);
- mold (chronic disease).
When self-medicating, patients often ignore the "contraindications" section, which can cause serious problems.Therefore, it is better to contact a dermatologist, who can easily choose high-quality, inexpensive treatments for toenail fungus.Complications of the disease can cause painful rashes and atopic dermatitis, and even bronchial asthma.
The best remedies for toenail fungus
When treating fungal diseases, the patient must seek medical help promptly.Dermatologists note that uncared for feet and toenails double the risk of developing fungus.Dry, trampled foot skin is an ideal springboard for infections to develop.Unlike adults, children rarely get fungal diseases because it is difficult for disease-causing organisms to "stick" to delicate and smooth skin.For severe stages of the disease use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- sport.
An effective treatment against toenail fungus is laser treatment.This method works thanks to the high temperature of the beam, which covers the affected area.The laser safely destroys fungal mycelia and spores of nail fungus.Surgery involves complete removal of the nail.This is done in the most difficult cases.The nail plate will only grow back if the substrate remains intact.
Folk remedies to treat toenail fungus
Self-treatment as agreed by your doctor can significantly reduce the course of the disease.It should be remembered that fungus must be treated comprehensively.The combination of traditional methods and medicine can quickly cure patients.There are many inexpensive toenail fungus treatments that you don't even have to go to the store or pharmacy to buy.The most popular recipes can be identified:
Garlic
Garlic.Crush 2-3 cloves.Combine garlic, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 1 teaspoon distilled water in a small bowl.Apply the mixture to your nails and leave until morning.Repeat until complete recovery.
Iodine
Iodine.Apply 1-2 drops to the affected area.Continue the procedure for 20-30 days of recovery.
celandine
Celandine.Collect the plants in a clean place.Wash and add 3 liters of water.Leave for 1-2 hours.Used to soak feet until complete recovery.