Onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that is noticeable when it develops quite strongly and requires active treatment. For whom is the fungus most dangerous and what mistakes should be avoided when getting rid of it? Let's talk.
Damage to toenails is caused by different types of fungi (molds, yeasts, trichophytes). The nail plates of the feet are the most affected. The danger of this disease is that it does not manifest itself immediately, since noticeable changes 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 also penetrate the organs, which negatively affects overall health.
This is a very common disease and with age, the chances of getting an infection increase.
Self-treatment, despite the large number of drugs in pharmacies, is unacceptable, it may simply not bring the desired effect or worsen the condition. We tell you why, how to protect yourself from this unpleasant pathology and what treatment methods can be used and which may not help.
Types of toenail fungus
Onychomycosis can differ in the type of fungus itself, the form of infection and the stage.
types of mushrooms
- Yeast.Yeast not only lives outside, but is part of our microflora. Typically, it is made up of "good" and "bad" bacteria in an optimal combination. With normal immunity and health, yeast does not show its negative properties, and if they are disturbed, they become dangerous.
- Dermatophytes.This is the most common causative agent of the disease (more than 80% of cases). You can find them on the ground, in dust, and you can also get them from dogs and cats. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm.
- Mold.Mold thrives in humid and hot conditions (which is why it is important to ventilate rooms regularly). These mushrooms are widespread, literally everywhere, some species can even be found in food. In addition to mycoses, they can cause lung diseases.
Depending on the type of fungus, some treatment may vary. To determine the species, a mycological culture of the nails is taken, where the type of fungus is determined, as well as its sensitivity to antifungal drugs. Based on these results, the medication is selected.
Without an accurate diagnosis, self-administration of the medication simply may not work.
Types according to the form of the injury.
- Surface- damage to the nail plates themselves.
- distal- The forefoot is affected.
- Side- side parts.
- proximal- rear end.
- Total- The entire foot is affected.
Stages of development
- Early.The most difficult stage, since at this time external manifestations may be slightly noticeable. At the same time, it is advisable to start treatment.
- Progressive.The appearance of nails has already changed noticeably.
- Thrown out.The nail plates are destroyed. Secondary infections may occur, which will only worsen symptoms.
The sooner you start treatment, the more successful you will be. It is important to remember that the disease progresses more rapidly in people with weakened immune systems.
Toenail fungus: symptoms
The first signs of a fungal infection may begin with damage to the skin of the foot, manifested by redness, peeling and itching. In addition, 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 edge in the form of a yellowish or whitish spot. Subsequently, the color of the entire plate changes and its thickness changes. The infection can affect one nail or all of them.
Outwardly, this disease has nothing attractive; This is demonstrated by the photographs of toenail fungus.
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Causes
The causes of toenail fungus are usually associated with direct contact with someone who is infected with the infection or with objects they have used (shoes, clothing, 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 sweating of the feet, dry skin and lesions on the plates.
At risk of contracting this disease, first of all, are people with reduced immunity, as well as those who suffer from pathologies such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immune diseases, as well as those who take steroids and cytostatics (anti-tumor). ) drugs drugs.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent infections, it is very important to follow hygiene rules:
- in swimming pools, saunas and baths, use only whiteboards;
- ventilate and dry shoes regularly;
- change socks regularly;
- after the pool, shower and let your feet dry;
- do not try on someone else's shoes, especially barefoot;
- increase immunity.
Additionally, 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 foot fungus
At the first signs of infection (we have already told and shown what toenail fungus looks like), you should immediately start treating it without starting. First of all, the infection can reach neighboring plaques, and in addition, it can enter the organs with the blood, which can lead to poisoning, allergic reactions or diseases associated with the immune system.
Treatment of toenail fungus includes external methods (antifungal solutions, creams, ointments), as well as oral administration of antifungal drugs in tablets. At the initial stage of infection, if the duration of the disease is no more than a month and the damage to the plaque is no more than 1/3, then only external antifungal therapy is possible. If the process is long, tablets are needed for complete recovery.
There are also surgical and laser treatment methods, but alone they may not be effective enough and the plaque may still grow back defective.
Self-medication is also not allowed. It's very dangerous. The doctor should choose any remedy and then help monitor the healing process. With this disease it is not fast (from 3 months or more). At the first visible improvements, you should not stop taking medications, as a relapse may occur: the infection remains inside the nail, you need 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 errors in treatment.
- Simply dry shoes and socks without treatment.If foot fungus appears, it is important not only to wash or dry your shoes or socks. Shoes should be treated with an antifungal agent and socks ironed to kill harmful spores.
- Use only your own hygiene instruments, but do not treat them in any way.Regardless of who has the infection - you or a family member - you should not only start using individual hygiene items and tools, but also treat yourself with special means. Whenever possible, it is best to use disposable instruments.
- Use home remedies.You can find many such recipes on the Internet. Some may help, but experimenting on your own can be very dangerous. Everything must be agreed with your doctor.