Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. Everyone is a carrier of this disease. The infection is caused by harmful bacteria known medically as epidermophytes. Onychomycosis affects all age groups equally. Pathogenic fungi can live on almost any surface, so safety standards must be followed. A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of a more serious illness. To quickly find the right way to treat toenail fungus, you should consult your doctor right away.
important!
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In cases of worsening pain or other conditions, only the attending physician can prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and appropriate treatment, you should contact a specialist.
symptoms of disease
Pathogenic fungi are considered to be among the most tenacious of bacteria. In order for the microorganisms on the soles to die, the shoes must be placed in a 1% formalin solution for 20 minutes. This is why it is difficult to cure onychomycosis on the nails. The patient must strictly follow all instructions of the attending physician. The main signs of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of the nails;
- an unpleasant odor;
- severe itching;
- Destroy the shape of the nails.
Patients need to find the best way to treat toenail fungus as soon as possible. Because without proper treatment, the disease can cause complications. In this case, patients experience acute pain and severe redness of the nails. It's important to remember that symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Doctors divide them into four stages:
- initial (discoloration, itching);
- Periods of hyperkeratosis (nails become loose and thickened);
- the penetration stage under the nail plate (severe inflammation of the stratum corneum);
- Neglected forms (nail atrophy and collapse).
Doctors are convinced that the best way to treat toenail fungus is to be cautious and attentive. At the first manifestation of mycosis, you should see a specialist immediately. Advanced forms of the disease can take the patient to the operating table.
reason
Fungal infections come from many sources. In fact, it can be anywhere a person goes barefoot. Onychomycosis is an insidious disease. Infection can occur at any time after infection. In most cases, people with weakened immune systems are susceptible to the disease. But, despite this, the fungus only appears in certain situations:
- inferior shoes;
- nail or foot injury;
- failure to observe personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people think that onychomycosis is only found in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and baths, although this is not entirely true. Fungi do like moist environments, but when a person's skin is steamed, the infection is easily separated from the affected area. Here lies the danger. Pathogenic microorganisms land on any surface and wait for the next carrier, so you can get infected by:
- slippers;
- sock;
- Flooring (especially bathroom tiles);
- sand;
- Sun loungers.
The weaker the patient's immunity, the more dangerous the fungal infection is to him. To protect yourself, you need to know the first and main remedy against toenail fungus - personal hygiene. The disease is easily treatable only in the first few days after infection.
Which doctor would prescribe medicine for fungus on the legs?
Onychomycosis can cause severe discomfort and many problems. Even if treatment is successful, there is still a chance of recurrence. Neglected fungal forms require long-term and complex treatment. The course of treatment will include many medications and procedures to restore the nails. Patients need an appointment: podiatrist, beautician, therapist. Only complex treatments can help get rid of this problem.
It is very important for patients not to put off seeing a specialist, as this disease can multiply rapidly. People often ask: which doctor should I contact first and how do I choose the best medicine for toenail fungus? Dermatologists specialize in skin diseases, while mycologists specialize in fungal infections. In fact, the patient needs two doctors, so the choice between them doesn't really matter. The listed experts know how to cure a fungal infection as quickly and effectively as possible. At the appointment, the doctor will do the following:
- listen to the needs of patients;
- study the patient's medical records;
- carry out a visual inspection;
- Check your nails with a Woods lamp.
Each of the listed experts will prescribe a test before choosing the right remedy for toenail fungus. First, the patient will scrape off the onychomycosis. Next, the patient will be diagnosed and a treatment plan developed.
Effective Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Treatment of the disease depends directly on the type of fungal disease and its scale. Only after the stage of the disease is clearly defined will doctors prescribe appropriate treatment. Although there are many different medicines, this fungus can be difficult to get rid of. It is important to remember that self-medication can cause serious damage to health. Typically, patients are prescribed topical medications:
- ointment;
- gel;
- varnish;
- spray;
- cream.
The listed external drugs reach the maximum concentration of the active substance in the affected area. This medication for toenail fungus does not enter the bloodstream, which is helpful in people who are prone to allergic reactions. There are also systemic treatments. When a patient:
- fungal disease affecting the entire nail area;
- late stage of the fungus;
- Pain seized a few fingers;
- diabetes;
- mature age.
Doctors warn that systemic treatment of the fungus is strictly prohibited for pregnant women and patients with liver disease, as well as for breastfeeding. In such cases, topical treatment methods are required. Additionally, effective treatments for toenail fungus can be found in traditional medicine. Various recipes can safely speed up the healing process.
When Shouldn't a Doctor's Visit Be Delayed?
Patients should always consult a doctor in the event of any illness. Especially if it's a contagious fungal infection. Often underestimated, onychomycosis can take a toll on the entire body. Delayed appointments may lead to the following complications:
- allergy to fungi;
- exacerbation of chronic disease;
- The infection penetrates into the internal organs.
In order to find an effective treatment for toenail fungus as soon as possible, you need to consult a specialized specialist. It is important not to make the diagnosis yourself, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- Dermatophytes (white-yellow streaks along the edge of the nail);
- Yeast (yellowing of the nail plate).
- Mold (chronic form of disease).
When self-medicating, patients often skip the "contraindications" section, which can lead to serious problems. Therefore, it is best to contact a dermatologist, who can easily choose a good and cheap remedy for toenail fungus. Complications of the disease can cause various painful rashes and atopic dermatitis, and even bronchial asthma.
Best Treatments for Toenail Fungus
When treating fungal diseases, patients must seek medical attention promptly. Dermatologists point out that neglected feet and toenails can double the chance of fungus. Dry, trampled skin on the feet is an ideal springboard for infection to develop. Unlike adults, fungal diseases are rare in children because pathogens have difficulty "clinging" to delicate, smooth skin. For severe stages of the disease, apply:
- operation treatment;
- Laser Treatment;
- Antifungal.
An effective treatment for toenail fungus is laser therapy. This method works due to the high temperature of the beam covering the affected area. Lasers can safely kill mycelium and onychomycosis spores. The surgery involves complete removal of the nail. This is done under the most difficult circumstances. The nail plate will only regrow when the matrix remains intact.