Onychomycosis (fungi on the nails and feet) 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 fungi, but a risk group is people with weak immunity who do not pay the necessary attention to hygiene.
In the absence of treatment, the fungus, falling on the skin of a healthy person, can completely destroy the nail plate, spreading more and more.That is why it is so important to start taking medications prescribed by a dermatologist in a timely manner.
What is the cause of mycosis
You can become infected with a fungus after the pathogen gets to the surface of the skin or in the deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.Moreover, this most often happens in daily contact with a sick person.
Infection can occur in a swimming pool, sauna and other places with high humidity.Low temperatures are not able to destroy the colonies of agents, but temperatures above 60 degrees are destructive for them.
Infection with onychomycosis occurs when visiting pedicure salons, where the rules for sterilization of instruments are not followed.It is also possible to get infected when using a hotel shower or bathtub.Wearing/trying on shoes that come into contact with the feet of a fungal patient will also cause pathology.
The causes of the fungus are different, but there are undoubted factors that provoke the infection:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- reduced functioning of the immune system;
- insufficient foot hygiene;
- carrying out antibacterial therapy;
- leg injuries (cuts, cracks, minor abrasions or calluses).
What symptoms should you watch out for?
Since it is quite difficult to get rid of toenail fungus (especially in the later stages), it is best to know the symptoms of this pathology in advance.The main signs of an 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 sweating feet;
- fine spots on the nails that are gray, dark green, yellow, or even black (sometimes white if the agent is a yeast fungus that causes thrush);
- gradual detachment of the nail plate;
- nail disintegration.
If the 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, contact a dermatologist.
Characteristics of therapy
In order to get rid of the problem as quickly as possible, you need to understand what stage the disease is at.Only after a complete examination will the dermatologist be able to prescribe an effective treatment.Private clinic Isis is ready to offer a qualified dermatologist, so seek help when you notice the first symptoms - do not self-medicate.
In advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove the nail plate;the procedure must be carried out in compliance 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 application 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 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 pools and saunas;
- Always buy cotton socks (wash daily);
- don't try on someone else's shoes;
- always keep your feet dry;
- Periodically disinfect your shoes.