Onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that becomes noticeable when it develops quite strongly and requires active treatment. For whom are fungi the most dangerous and what mistakes should we avoid to get rid of them? Let's talk.
Damage to the toenails is caused by various types of fungi (molds, yeasts, trichophytes). The nail plates of the feet are most often affected. The danger of this disease is that it does not appear externally immediately, noticeable changes occur already when it is more difficult to influence the cause of the disease. In this case, the infection can easily spread from the feet to the hands and penetrate the organs, which negatively affects the health in general.
It is a very common disease and with age the chances of contracting it increase.
Self-medication, 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, as well as how to protect yourself from this unpleasant pathology and what treatment methods you can use and which may not help.
Types of toenail fungus
Onychomycosis can differ in the type of fungus itself, the form of the infection and the stage.
Types of fungi
- yeast.Yeasts don't just live outside, they are part of our microflora. It usually 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 cause of the disease (more than 80% of cases). You can find them in the ground, dust, and you can also catch them from cats and dogs. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm.
- Mold.Mold thrives in moisture and heat (that's why it's important to regularly ventilate the premises). Such mushrooms are very widespread, literally everywhere, some species can even be found in food. In addition to mycosis, they can cause lung diseases.
Depending on the type of fungus, some treatments may vary. To determine the type, a mycological culture is taken from the nails, where the type of fungus is determined, as well as their sensitivity to antifungal drugs. 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 front part of the foot is affected.
- Sideways- side parts.
- Proximal- rear end.
- Total- The entire foot is affected.
Stages of development
- Early.The most difficult stage, because at this time external manifestations can be slightly noticeable. At the same time, it is advisable to start treatment on it.
- Progressive.The appearance of the nails has already changed significantly.
- Launched.Nail plates are destroyed. Secondary infections may occur, which will only worsen the symptoms.
The earlier treatment begins, the more successful it will be. It is important to remember that the disease progresses faster in people with a weakened immune system.
Toenail fungus - symptoms
The first signs of a fungal infection can begin with damage to the skin of the feet, manifested by redness, peeling and itching. Also, 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 along the edge in the form of a yellowish or whitish spot. Subsequently, the color of the entire plate changes and its thickness. The infection can affect one nail or all of them.
Outwardly, there is nothing attractive about this disease - this is proven by photos of toenail fungus.
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reasons
The causes of toenail fungus are most often associated with direct contact with someone who has the infection or with objects that he or she has used (shoes, clothing, bath mats, towels, manicure tools). Infection often occurs when visiting swimming pools, saunas, baths and gyms. Factors contributing to infection are cracks in the interdigital folds, increased sweating of the feet, dry skin, plate injuries.
People with reduced immunity, as well as those who have pathologies such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immune diseases, as well as those who take steroids and cytostatics (anti-tumor), are at risk of this disease. ) medicines. drugs.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent infection, it is very important to follow the rules of hygiene:
- in pools, saunas, baths, wear only plates;
- regularly ventilate and dry the shoes;
- change socks regularly;
- after swimming, take a shower and let your feet dry;
- do not try on other people's shoes, especially barefoot;
- increasing immunity.
In addition, if you know that there is an infection carrier near you, it is important not to use their hygiene items or shoes.
How to get rid of foot fungus
At the first noticed signs of infection (we have already told and shown what the toenail fungus looks like), you should immediately start treating them without starting. First of all, the infection can reach neighboring plates and, in addition, it can enter the organs with the blood, which can cause intoxication, allergic reactions or diseases related to the immune system.
Treatment of toenail fungus includes external methods (antifungal solutions, creams, ointments), as well as oral administration of tablet antifungal drugs. In the initial stage of infection, if the duration of the disease is no more than a month and the plate damage is no more than 1/3, then only external antifungal therapy is possible. If the process is long, then tablets are needed for full recovery.
There are also surgical and laser treatment methods, but they may not be effective enough on their own; the plate can still grow back defective.
Self-medication is also inadmissible. It's very dangerous. The doctor should choose each remedy and then help monitor the healing process. In this disease, it is not fast (from 3 months or more). At the first visible improvements, you should not stop taking medication, as a relapse may occur - the infection remains inside the nail, you should wait until the plate grows completely, without damage. It is necessary to complete the entire course and always under supervision.
The most common mistakes in treatment
- Just 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 should be ironed to kill harmful spores.
- Use only your own hygiene tools, but do not treat them in any way.Regardless of who is infected - you or a relative, you should not only start using only individual hygiene items and tools, but also treat them with special means. Whenever possible, it is best to use disposable tools.
- Use folk remedies.You can find many such recipes on the Internet. Some may help, but experimenting on your own can be very dangerous. Everything should be agreed with your doctor.