Onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that becomes noticeable when it develops quite strongly 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 different types of fungi (molds, yeasts, trichophytes). The nail plates of the feet are most often affected. The danger of this disease is that it is not immediately visible, noticeable changes already occur when it is more difficult to affect the causative agent of the disease. In this case, the infection can easily spread from the feet to the hands, as well as penetrate the organs, which generally has a negative effect on health.
It is a very common disease and with age, the chance of infection increases.
Despite the fact that there are many drugs in pharmacies, self-medication is unacceptable, it simply may not have the desired effect or may worsen the condition. We tell you why, as well as how you can protect yourself from this unpleasant pathology and which treatment methods can be used and which cannot help.
Types of nail fungus
Onychomycosis can differ in the type of fungus, the form and stage of infection.
Types of mushrooms
- Maya.Yeast doesn't just live outside, it's part of our microflora. It normally consists of "good" and "bad" bacteria in an optimal combination. With normal immunity and health, yeast do not show negative properties and become dangerous when disturbed.
- Dermatophytes.The most common causative agent of this disease (more than 80% of cases). You can find them on the ground, in dust, and you can also catch them from cats and dogs. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm disease.
- Mold.Mold thrives in humidity and heat (that's 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 treatment methods may vary. To determine the species, a mycological culture is taken from the nails, where the type of fungus is determined, as well as its sensitivity to antifungal drugs. Medicine is selected based on these results.
Without an accurate diagnosis, self-administration of the drug may simply not work.
Types according to the shape of the lesion
- Superficial- damage to the nail plates themselves.
- Distal- The front part of the foot is affected.
- Lateral- side parts.
- Proximal- at the back end.
- General- The whole leg is affected.
Stages of development
- Early.The most difficult stage, because at this time external manifestations can be somewhat noticeable. At the same time, it is advisable to start treatment on it.
- Progressive.The appearance of the nails has already changed noticeably.
- It started.Nail plates are destroyed. Secondary infections can occur, which will only worsen the symptoms.
The earlier the treatment starts, the more successful it is. It should be remembered that the disease develops faster in people with weak immunity.
Toenail 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 in the form of a yellowish or whitish spot on the edge. Later, 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 attractive about this disease - this is evidenced by photos of toenail fungus.
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Reasons
The causes of toenail fungus are most often direct contact with an infected person or the things he uses (shoes, clothes, bath mats, washing clothes, manicure tools). Infection often occurs when visiting swimming pools, saunas, baths and gyms. Factors that cause infection are cracks in the interdigital folds, increased sweating of the feet, dry skin, plate injuries.
Those at risk for this disease are, first of all, people with reduced immunity, as well as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immune diseases, as well as those taking steroids and cytostatic (antitumor). ) drugs. medicines.
Prevention and treatment
It is very important to follow hygiene rules to prevent infection:
- wearing only slate in swimming pools, saunas, baths;
- regular air and dry shoes;
- change socks regularly;
- take a shower and dry your feet after swimming;
- do not try to wear other people's shoes, especially barefoot;
- increase immunity.
In addition, if you know that there is an infection carrier with you, it is important not to use his hygiene products and shoes.
How to get rid of foot fungus
At the first signs of infection (we have already told and shown what nail fungus looks like), you should start treating it immediately before it starts. First of all, the infection can pass to 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 tablet antifungal drugs. At the initial stage of infection, if the duration of the disease does not exceed one month and the plaque damage does not exceed 1/3, only external antifungal therapy is possible. If the process is long, tablets are needed for full recovery.
There are also surgical and laser treatments, but they may not be effective enough on their own, and the plaque may still be defective.
Self-medication is also not allowed. It is very dangerous. The doctor should choose any remedy and then help to monitor the healing process. This disease is not fast (for 3 months or longer). You should not stop taking the medicine at the first visible progress, because a relapse may occur - the infection remains in the nail, you need to wait for the plate to grow completely without damage. The entire course must be completed and is always under supervision.
The most common mistakes during treatment
- Simply dry the shoes and socks without treating them.If you have fungus on your feet, don't just 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 own hygiene tools, but do not treat them in any way.Regardless of who has the infection - you or your relative should not only start using personal hygiene products and tools, but also be treated with special means. If possible, it is better to use disposable tools.
- Use folk methods.You can find many such recipes on the Internet. Some may help, but experimenting alone can be very dangerous. Everything should be agreed with your doctor.