Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases on the planet.Every second person is a carrier of this disease.The infection is caused by harmful bacteria, medically known as epidermophytes.
All age groups suffer equally from onychomycosis.Pathogenic fungi can live on almost any surface, so the person must follow safety regulations.A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of more serious pathologies.In order to quickly find the right remedy for nail fungus, consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of the disease
Pathogenic fungi are considered one of the most persistent bacteria.To kill the microorganisms on the soles, the shoes must be kept in a 1% formaldehyde solution for 20 minutes.Therefore, it is very difficult to cure nail onychomycosis.The patient must strictly follow all the instructions of the attending physician.The main signs of the fungus are:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of the nail;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- severe itching;
- destroying the shape of the nail.
Patients should find the best treatment for nail fungus as soon as possible.Because without proper treatment, the disease can cause complications.In this case, the patient experiences acute pain in the nail and severe redness.It is important to note that symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease.Doctors divide them into four stages:
- initial (color change, itching);
- a period of hyperkeratosis (the nail becomes loose and thick);
- the stage of penetration under the nail plate (severe inflammation of the cuticle);
- advanced form (the nail withers and collapses).
Doctors are sure that the best cure for nail fungus is caution and attention.At the first signs of mycosis, consult a specialist immediately.The advanced form of the disease can bring the patient to the surgical table.
Reasons
There are many sources of yeast infection.In fact, any place where a person is barefoot can be.Onychomycosis is an insidious disease.Infection can appear at any time after infection.Most often, people with a weak immune system are susceptible to the disease.Nevertheless, the fungus occurs only under certain conditions:
- poor quality shoes;
- nail or foot injuries;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people believe that nail fungus only occurs in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and spas, although this is not entirely true.The fungus prefers a moist environment, but if a person's skin is steamed, the infection easily separates from the affected area.Herein lies the danger.Pathogenic microorganisms fall on any surface and wait for their next carrier, so you can become infected with:
- slippers;
- socks;
- floor (especially tiles in the bathroom);
- sand;sunbeds.
The weaker the patient's immunity, the more dangerous a fungal infection can be for him.To protect yourself, you need to know the first and main medicine against nail fungus - personal hygiene.The disease is easily treatable only in the first days after infection.
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Onychomycosis can cause a person serious discomfort and many problems.Even after successful treatment, there is a chance of relapse.The advanced form of the fungus requires long-term and complex therapy.During the treatment, several drugs and procedures are used to restore the nail.The patient must request an appointment:
- DERMATOLOGIST
- MYCOLOGIST
It is extremely important that the patient does not delay seeing a specialist, as the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask: which doctor should they see first and how to choose the best treatment for nail fungus?A dermatologist deals with skin diseases, while a mycologist deals exclusively with fungal infections.In reality, the patient needs both doctors, so the choice between them does not matter.The listed specialists know how to cure a fungal infection as quickly and efficiently as possible.At your appointment, doctors will:
- listen to the patient's complaints;
- study the patient's medical record;
- perform a visual inspection;
- examine the nail with Wood's lamp.
Before choosing the right remedy for the treatment of nail fungus, each of the listed specialists prescribes examinations.First of all, an onychomycosis scraping should be taken from the patient.After that, the patient is diagnosed and the treatment plan is set up.
Effective remedies against nail fungus
The treatment of the disease depends directly on the type and degree of mycosis.Only after clearly determining the stage of the disease, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment.Despite the variety of medicines, it is very difficult to get rid of the fungus.It is important to remember that self-medication can cause serious health damage.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- ointments;
- gels;
- lacquers;
- sprays;
- cream.
The listed external agents reach the maximum concentration of the active ingredient in the affected area.This nail fungus medicine does not enter the bloodstream, which makes it easier to treat people prone to allergic reactions.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed when the patient:
- mycosis affected the entire area of the nail;
- advanced stage of the fungus;
- the disease affected several fingers;
- diabetes mellitus;
- mature age.
Doctors warn that the systemic treatment of the mushroom is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as in case of breastfeeding.In this case, a local therapeutic method is required.An effective remedy against nail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Various recipes can safely speed up the healing process.
When should you not delay seeing a doctor?
If any illness exists, the patient should always consult a doctor.Especially if it is a contagious fungal infection.The disease is often underestimated, and onychomycosis can damage the entire body.Delaying a visit to a specialist can cause the following complications:
- allergic sensitivity to mushrooms;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- penetration of the infection into the internal organs.
In order to find an effective remedy for nail fungus as soon as possible, you should consult a specialist.It is important not to self-diagnose, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (white-yellow stripes on the edges of the nail);
- yeast (the nail plate turns yellow);
- mold (chronic type of disease).
When self-medicating, patients often skip the "contraindications" section, which can cause serious problems.Therefore, it is better to visit a dermatologist, who can easily choose good quality, inexpensive remedies for nail fungus.Complications of the disease can cause various painful rashes and allergic dermatitis, and even bronchial asthma.
The best remedies for nail fungus
During the treatment of mycosis, the patient must seek medical help in a timely manner.Dermatologists note that unkempt feet and nails double the chance of developing fungus.The dry, trampled skin of the feet is an ideal springboard for the development of infections.Unlike adults, children rarely suffer from mycosis, as pathogenic organisms have a hard time "sticking" to delicate and smooth skin.Use in severe stages of the disease:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- thymicotics.
Laser treatment is an effective remedy against nail fungus.The method works due to the high temperature of the beam, which covers the affected area.The laser safely destroys mycelium and onychomycosis spores.The operation involves the complete removal of the nail.This happens in the most difficult cases.The nail plate will only grow back if the matrix remains intact.
Folk remedies against nail fungus
Self-therapy agreed with a doctor can significantly ease the course of the disease.It should be remembered that the fungus must be treated comprehensively.A combination of traditional and medicinal methods can quickly cure the patient.There are many inexpensive remedies for nail fungus that do not even require going to a store or pharmacy.The most popular recipes are:
Garlic
Garlic.Crush 2-3 cloves.Add garlic, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water to a small bowl.Apply the mixture to the nail and leave it until morning.Repeat until fully healed.
Iodine
Iodine.Apply 1-2 drops to the affected area.Continue the procedure for 20-30 days after healing.
Bloodweed
Bloodweed.Collect the plant in a clean place.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Let it stand for 1-2 hours.Use as a foot bath until fully healed.