Onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that becomes noticeable when it develops quite strongly and requires active treatment. For whom is the most dangerous fungus and what mistakes should be avoided in getting rid of it? Let's talk.
Damage to the toenails is caused by various types of fungi (fungi, yeast, trichophytes). The toenail plate is most often affected. The danger of this disease is that it does not appear externally immediately; significant changes already occur 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, and even penetrate into the organs, which has a negative effect on health in general.
This is a very common disease, and with age, the chance of getting an infection becomes greater.
Self-treatment, despite the large number of drugs in the pharmacy, is unacceptable; it may not lead to the desired effect, or it may worsen the situation. We tell you why, as well as 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 may differ in the type of fungus itself, the form of infection, and its stage.
A type of fungus
- Yeast.Yeast doesn't just live outside, it's part of our microflora. Usually, 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 it is disturbed, it becomes dangerous.
- Dermatophytes.This is the most common causative agent of the disease (more than 80% of cases). You can find it in the soil, dust, and you can even catch it from cats and dogs. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm.
- mould.Mold thrives in moisture and warmth (which is why it's important to keep the air moving). Such mushrooms are very widespread, literally everywhere, some species can even be found on food. In addition to mycosis, they can cause lung disease.
Depending on the type of fungus, some treatments may vary. To determine the species, a mycological culture is taken from the nail, where the type of fungus is determined, as well as its sensitivity to antifungal drugs. Based on these results, the drug is selected.
Without an accurate diagnosis, self-medication may not be effective.
Type according to the shape of the lesion
- Surface- damage to the nail plate itself.
- Distal- The front legs are affected.
- side- side part.
- proximal- rear.
- Amount- The whole leg is affected.
Stage of development
- earlyThe most difficult stage, because at this time external manifestations may be slightly noticeable. At the same time, it is advisable to start treatment on it.
- Progressive.The appearance of the nails has changed significantly.
- Launched.The nail plate is destroyed. A secondary infection may occur, which will only worsen the symptoms.
The sooner treatment begins, the more successful it is. It is important to remember that this disease develops faster in people with a weak immune system.
Toenail fungus - symptoms
The first signs of a fungal infection may begin with damage to the skin of the feet, shown 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 at the edges in the form of yellowish or whitish spots. After that, the color of the whole plate changes and the thickness changes. The infection can affect one nail or all of them.
Outwardly, there is nothing interesting about this disease - this is evidenced by the photo of toenail fungus.
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Cause
The cause of toenail fungus is most often associated with direct contact with a person infected with the infection, or with objects that he has used (shoes, clothes, bath mats, washcloths, manicure tools). Infection often occurs when visiting swimming pools, saunas, baths and gyms. Factors that contribute to infection are cracks in the interdigital folds, increased foot sweat, dry skin, plate injuries.
At risk for this disease, first of all, people with reduced immunity, as well as those with pathologies such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immune diseases, as well as those who take steroids and cytostatics (antitumor). ) drugs. drugs.
Prevention and treatment
To avoid infection, it is very important to follow the hygiene rules:
- in the swimming pool, sauna, bath only wear slate;
- frequently air and dry shoes;
- change socks regularly;
- after the pool, shower and let your feet dry;
- do not try on other people's shoes, especially without shoes;
- increase immunity.
In addition, if you know that there is a carrier of the infection next to you, it is important not to use their hygiene items or shoes.
How to get rid of toenail fungus
At the first signs of infection are observed (we have told and shown the appearance of toenail fungus), you must immediately start treating it without starting it. First of all, the infection can reach neighboring plates, 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 antifungal tablets. At the initial stage of infection, if the duration of the disease is not more than a month, and the damage to the plate 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 and laser treatment methods, but by themselves they may not be effective enough; the plate may still grow back damaged.
Self-medication is also not allowed. It is very dangerous. The doctor should choose any method, and then help monitor the healing process. With this disease it is not fast (from 3 months or longer). At the first visible improvement, you should not stop taking the medicine, because a relapse may occur - the infection remains in the nail, you have to wait until the plate grows back completely, without damage. It is necessary to complete the entire course, and always under supervision.
The most common mistakes in treatment
- Just dry the 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 antifungal agents, and socks should be ironed to kill harmful spores.
- Use only your own hygiene products, but do not treat them in any way.It doesn't matter who is infected - you or a relative, you not only need to start using only individual hygiene items and tools, they also need to be treated in a special way. If possible, it is better to use disposable instruments.
- Use folk remedies.You can find many such recipes on the Internet. Some may help, but trying it yourself can be very dangerous. Everything needs to be agreed with your doctor.