Onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that is manifested by quite severe development and requires active treatment. Who is the fungus most dangerous for and what mistakes should be avoided when eliminating it? Let's talk.
Toenail damage is caused by various types of fungi (molds, yeasts, trichophytes). The nail plates of the feet are most commonly affected. The danger of this disease is that it does not appear externally immediately; 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 has a negative impact on overall health.
This is a very common condition and as you get older the chances of infection increase.
Self-treatment is unacceptable, despite the large number of medications available in pharmacies; it may simply not produce the desired effect or may make the condition worse. We will tell you why and how to protect yourself from this unpleasant pathology, as well as 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 doesn't just live outside, it is part of our microflora. Normally it consists 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). They can be found in the ground, in the dust and can also be caught by cats and dogs. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm.
- Mold.Mold thrives in moisture and warmth (which is why it is important to ventilate rooms regularly). Such mushrooms are widespread literally everywhere, some species are even found on food. In addition to mycoses, they can cause lung diseases.
Depending on the type of fungus, treatment may vary. To determine the species, a mycological culture is taken from the nails, in which the type of fungus and its sensitivity to antifungal drugs are determined. Based on these results, the drug is selected.
Without an accurate diagnosis, self-administration of the drug may simply not work.
Types according to the shape of the lesion
- surface- Damage to the nail plates themselves.
- Distal- The forefoot is affected.
- Laterally- Side panels.
- Proximal- rear end.
- In total- The entire foot is affected.
Stages of development
- Early.The most difficult stage, as external manifestations may be easily noticeable at this time. At the same time, it is advisable to start treatment.
- Progressive.The appearance of the nails has already changed noticeably.
- Started.The nail plates are destroyed. Secondary infections can occur, which only worsen symptoms.
The earlier the treatment begins, the more successful it will be. It is important to remember that the disease progresses faster 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 feet, manifested by redness, peeling and itching. In addition, the disease can only begin with a change in the appearance of the nails. At the beginning of the disease, the nail plate is usually affected at the edge in the form of a yellowish or whitish spot. The color of the entire plate and its thickness then change. The infection can affect one or all of the nails.
Outwardly, this disease is not attractive - photos of toenail fungus prove this.
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causes
The causes of toenail fungus are most often due to direct contact with a person infected with the infection or with objects that they have used (shoes, clothing, bath mats, washcloths, manicure tools). Infection often occurs when visiting swimming pools, saunas, baths and fitness studios. The infectious factors include tears in the interdigital folds, increased sweating of the feet, dry skin and plate injuries.
People with reduced immunity are primarily at risk for this disease, but also people with diseases such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immune diseases, as well as people who take steroids and cytostatics (antitumor drugs) drugs. Drugs.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent infection, it is very important to follow the hygiene rules:
- wear only slate in swimming pools, saunas, baths;
- Air and dry shoes regularly;
- change socks regularly;
- After the swimming pool, take a shower and let your feet dry;
- Don't try on other people's shoes, especially barefoot.
- increase immunity.
In addition, if you know that there is a carrier of infection next to you, it is important not to use their hygiene items or shoes.
How to get rid of athlete's foot
At the first signs of infection (we have already explained and shown what toenail fungus looks like), you must immediately start treatment without initiating it. The infection can initially spread to neighboring plates and then enter the organs with the blood, which can lead to poisoning, allergic reactions or diseases of the immune system.
Treatment of toenail fungus includes external methods (antifungal solutions, creams, ointments), as well as oral administration of tableted antifungal drugs. If at the initial stage of infection the duration of the disease is no more than a month and the damage to the plate is no more than 1/3, only external antifungal therapy is possible. If the process is lengthy, tablets are required for complete recovery.
There are also surgical and laser treatment methods, but these alone may not be effective enough and the plate may still grow back defective.
Self-medication is also not allowed. It's very dangerous. The doctor should select all remedies and then help monitor the healing process. With this disease it is not rapid (from 3 months or more). At the first visible improvements, you should not stop taking medications, as a relapse may occur - the infection remains in the nail, you have to wait until the plate grows back completely and without damage. It is necessary to complete the entire course, always under supervision.
The most common errors in treatment
- Simply dry shoes and socks without treatment.If fungus appears on your feet, it's important to not just wash or dry your shoes or socks. Shoes should be treated with an antifungal 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 a relative - you need to start not only using only individual hygiene items and tools, but also treat them with special means. If possible, it is best to use disposable instruments.
- Use folk remedies.You can find many such recipes on the Internet. Some can be helpful, but experimenting on your own can be very dangerous. Everything must be coordinated with your doctor.