Onychomycosis (nail and athlete's foot) 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 a fungus, but a risk group is people with weak immunity who do not pay attention to hygiene.
Without treatment, the fungus that gets on the skin of a healthy person can completely destroy the nail plate and continue to spread.That is why it is so important to start taking the medications prescribed by your dermatologist on time.
What causes mycosis?
You can become infected with a fungus after the pathogen enters the surface of the skin or into the deep layers of the dermis through microcracks.In addition, this most often happens during everyday contact with a sick person.
Infections can occur in swimming pools, saunas and other places with high humidity.Low temperatures are not able to destroy colonies of pathogens, but temperatures above 60 degrees are destructive for them.
Infection with onychomycosis occurs when visiting pedicure salons where the rules for sterilizing instruments are not followed.Infection is also possible through using a hotel shower or bathtub.Wearing/trying on shoes that come into contact with the feet of a person suffering from fungus also leads to pathology.
The causes of the fungus are different, but there are undoubtedly factors that provoke infection:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- reduced immune system function;
- inadequate foot hygiene;
- conducting antibacterial therapy;
- Foot injuries (cuts, tears, minor abrasions or calluses).
What symptoms should you be wary of?
Since it is quite difficult to get rid of toenail fungus (especially in later stages), it is best to know the symptoms of this pathology in advance.The main signs of infection with onychomycosis:
- Redness of the skin around the nail, accompanied by itching;
- peeling or appearance of small cracks in the skin;
- clouding of the nail plate;
- bad smell when feet sweat;
- Fine spots on the nails that are gray, dull green, yellow, or even black (sometimes white if the pathogen is a yeast that causes thrush);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- Nail crumbles.
If nail fungus is not treated, the symptoms worsen and the condition of the nail plate worsens.Therefore, at the first signs of pathology, contact a dermatologist.
Features of therapy
In order to eliminate the problem as quickly as possible, you need to understand at what stage the disease is.Only after a complete examination can a dermatologist prescribe effective treatment.Isis private clinic is ready to provide you with a qualified dermatologist.Therefore, seek help when you first notice symptoms – do not self-medicate.
In advanced cases, removal of the nail plate may be necessary;The procedure must be carried out in compliance with hygienic conditions.
In the initial stages, the dermatologist prescribes external treatment with antibacterial creams and ointments.In 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 preparations.
Disease prevention
Since it is impossible to cure toenail fungus quickly, prepare for a long course of therapy, and after a while you may even have to undergo a second course of treatment.
To avoid this, you should always think about disease prevention, 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 someone else's shoes.
- Always keep your feet dry;
- Disinfect your shoes regularly.