Onychomycosis (nail and foot fungus) 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 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, getting on the skin of a healthy person, can destroy the nail plate completely, spreading 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 gets on the surface of the skin or in the deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.Moreover, most often this happens during everyday 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 colonies of agents, 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.It is also possible to become infected by using a hotel shower or bathtub.Wearing/trying on shoes that come into contact with the feet of a person suffering from fungus will also lead to pathology.
The causes of the fungus vary, but there are undoubted factors that provoke infection:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- decreased functioning of the immune system;
- insufficient foot hygiene;
- carrying out antibacterial therapy;
- foot injuries (cuts, cracks, slight abrasions or calluses).
What symptoms should you be wary of?
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 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 odor when feet sweat;
- subtle spots on the nails that are grey, dull green, yellow or even black (sometimes white if the agent is a yeast fungus that causes thrush);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- nail 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.
Features of therapy
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 a dermatologist be able to prescribe effective treatment.The Isis private clinic is ready to offer a qualified dermatologist, so seek help when you notice the first 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 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, get ready for a long course of therapy, 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 swimming pools and saunas;
- Always buy cotton socks (wash daily);
- do not try on someone else's shoes;
- always keep your feet dry;
- Disinfect your shoes periodically.