Onychomycosis (nail and foot fungus) is a dermatological pathology that does not represent a threat to life, but brings many inconveniences.Even a completely healthy person can become infected with a fungus, but it is people with weak immunity who do not pay due attention to hygiene who represent a risk group.
In the absence of treatment, the fungus, upon contact with the skin of a healthy person, can destroy the nail plate completely and spread further and further.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 reaches the surface of the skin or the deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.In addition, this most often occurs during daily contact with a sick person.
Infection can occur in a swimming pool, sauna, and other places with high humidity.Low temperatures are not capable of destroying agent colonies, but temperatures above 60 degrees are destructive for them.
Onychomycosis infection occurs when visiting pedicure salons, where the rules for sterilizing instruments are not followed.It is also possible to become infected when using a hotel shower or bathtub.Wearing or trying on shoes that come into contact with the feet of a person suffering from fungus will also cause pathology.
The causes of the fungus vary, but there are undoubted factors that cause infection:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- decreased functioning of the immune system;
- insufficient foot hygiene;
- carry out antibacterial therapy;
- Foot 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 onychomycosis infection:
- redness of the skin around the nail, accompanied by itching;
- peeling or appearance of small cracks on the skin;
- opacity of the nail plate;
- bad smell when feet sweat;
- subtle spots on the nails that are gray, dull green, yellow, or even black (sometimes white if the agent is a fungus that causes thrush);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- Nails crumbling.
If 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.
Therapy Features
To get rid of the problem as quickly as possible, it is necessary to understand at what stage the disease is.Only after a complete examination will the dermatologist be able to prescribe an effective treatment.The Isis private clinic is ready to offer you 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 respecting 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, which includes the application of special creams, antifungal drugs, immunostimulants and vitamin supplements.
Disease prevention
Since it is impossible to cure toenail fungus quickly, be prepared for a long treatment, and you may even need to take a second treatment after some time.
To avoid this, you should always remember disease prevention, especially if you have a weak immune system:
- wearing 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 periodically.