Onychomycosis (nail and toe fungus) is a dermatological pathology that does not pose a threat to life, but brings a lot of inconvenience.Even a completely healthy person can become infected with a fungus, but it is people with weak immunity who do not pay due attention to hygiene who represent a risk group.
In the absence of treatment, the fungus, penetrating the skin of a healthy person, can completely destroy the nail plate, spreading further and further.This is why it is so important to start taking the medications prescribed by your dermatologist promptly.
What is the cause of mycosis
You can contract a fungus after the pathogen has entered the surface of the skin or into the deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.Moreover, most often this happens during daily contact with a sick person.
Infection can occur in swimming pools, saunas and other places with high humidity.Low temperatures are not able to destroy colonies of agents, but temperatures above 60 degrees are destructive for them.
Onychomycosis infection occurs when visiting pedicure salons, where the rules for sterilizing instruments are not followed.It is also possible to become infected by using the hotel shower or bathtub.Even wearing/trying on shoes that come into contact with the feet of a person affected by fungus can lead to the pathology.
The causes of the fungus vary, but there are undoubted factors that provoke the infection:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- decreased functioning of the immune system;
- insufficient foot hygiene;
- carry out antibacterial therapy;
- foot injuries (cuts, cracks, light abrasions or calluses).
What symptoms should you pay attention to?
Since it is quite difficult to get rid of toenail fungus (especially in the later stages), it is better to know the symptoms of this pathology in advance.The main signs of onychomycosis infection:
- redness of the skin around the nail, accompanied by itching;
- peeling or the appearance of small cracks on the skin;
- dulling of the nail plate;
- bad smell when feet sweat;
- fine spots on the nails that are gray, dull green, yellow, or even black (sometimes white if the agent is a yeast that causes thrush);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- crumbling of nails.
If nail fungus is not treated, the symptoms become more pronounced and the condition of the nail plate worsens.Therefore, at the first signs of pathology, contact a dermatologist.
Characteristics of the therapy
To eliminate the problem as quickly as possible, you need to understand what stage the disease is in.Only after a complete examination will the dermatologist be able to prescribe an effective treatment.Isis private clinic is ready to offer a qualified dermatologist, so seek help when you notice the first symptoms - do not self-medicate.
In advanced cases, removal of the nail plate may be necessary;the procedure must be carried out in compliance with health conditions.
In the initial stages, the dermatologist prescribes external treatment with antibacterial creams and ointments.In the later stages (if the pathology appeared more than a year ago), systemic therapy is prescribed, including the application of special creams, taking antifungal drugs, immunostimulants and vitamin supplements.
Disease prevention
Since it is impossible to cure toenail fungus quickly, be prepared for a long course of therapy and you may even have to take a second course after some time.
To avoid this, you should always remember about disease prevention, especially if you have a weak immune system:
- wear shoes on the beach;
- wear closed rubber slippers in swimming pools and saunas;
- Always buy cotton socks (wash them every day);
- do not try on someone else's shoes;
- always keep your feet dry;
- Disinfect your shoes periodically.