Onychomycosis (nail and foot 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 be infected with a fungus, but the risk group is represented by people with weak immunity who do not take care of hygiene.
In the absence of treatment, the fungus, getting on the skin of a healthy person, can completely destroy the nail plate, spreading further and further.That is why it is very important that you start taking the medicines prescribed by your dermatologist on time.
What is the cause of mycosis
You can become infected with the fungus after the pathogen reaches the surface of the skin or into the deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.Moreover, it most often 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 sterilization of instruments are not followed.It is also possible to get infected by using a hotel shower or bathtub.Wearing/trying on shoes that come into contact with the feet of a person suffering from fungus will also lead to pathology.
The causes of fungi are different, but there are undoubted factors that cause infection:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- reduced functioning of the immune system;
- insufficient foot hygiene;
- carrying out antibacterial therapy;
- foot injuries (cuts, cracks, slight scratches or blisters).
What symptoms should you watch out for?
Since toenail fungus is quite difficult to get rid of (especially in the later stages), it is best to know the symptoms of this pathology in advance.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;
- clouding of the nail plate;
- bad smell when feet sweat;
- subtle spots on the nails that are gray, dull green, yellow or even black (sometimes white if the cause is the yeast fungus that causes thrush);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- crumbling nails.
If nail fungus is not treated, the symptoms become more pronounced, and the condition of the nail plate worsens.Therefore, at the first manifestations of pathology, consult a dermatologist.
Characteristics of therapy
In order to get rid of the problem as soon as possible, you need to understand at what stage the disease is.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 accordance with sanitary 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 use of special creams, taking antifungal drugs, immunostimulants and vitamin supplements.
Disease prevention
Since it is impossible to quickly cure toenail fungus, prepare for a long course of treatment, and you may have to take a second course after a while.
To avoid this, you must always keep disease prevention in mind, 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 daily);
- don't try on other people's shoes;
- always keep your feet dry;
- Disinfect your shoes periodically.