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, which in medicine are called epidermophytes.
All age groups suffer equally from onychomycosis.Pathogenic fungi can live on almost any surface, so a person must follow safety standards.A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of more serious pathologies.To quickly find the right remedy for nail fungus, you need to immediately consult a doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
Pathogenic fungi are considered one of the most tenacious bacteria.In order for the microorganisms on the sole to die, the shoes must be kept for 20 minutes in a 1% formaldehyde solution.This is why it is very difficult to cure nail onychomycosis.The patient must strictly follow all instructions from the attending physician.Key signs of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of the nail;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- intense itching;
- destruction of the nail shape.
Patients need to find the best nail fungus treatment as soon as possible.Because without adequate treatment the disease can cause complications.In this case, the patient feels sharp pain in the nail and severe redness.It is important to remember that symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease.Doctors divide them into four phases:
- initial (change in color, itching);
- period of hyperkeratosis (the nail becomes loose and thick);
- stage of penetration under the nail plate (severe inflammation of the cuticles);
- advanced form (the nail atrophies and collapses).
Doctors are confident that the best remedy for nail fungus is caution and attention.At the first manifestations of mycosis, a specialist should be sought immediately.An advanced form of the disease can land the patient on the operating table.
Reasons
There are many sources of fungal infection.In fact, it can be any place where the person is barefoot.Onychomycosis is an insidious disease.The infection can appear at any time after infection.Most often, people with weak immune systems are susceptible to the disease.Even so, the fungus only occurs under certain circumstances:
- low quality shoes;
- nail or foot injuries;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people believe that onychomycosis is contracted exclusively in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and baths, although this is not entirely true.The fungus prefers a moist environment, but when a person's skin is steamed, the infection is easily separated from the affected area.This is where the danger lies.Pathogenic microorganisms fall on any surface and await their next carrier, so you can become infected through:
- slippers;
- socks;
- flooring (mainly tiles in the bathroom);
- sand;sun loungers.
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 remedy against nail fungus - personal hygiene.The disease is easy to treat only in the first few days after infection.
Which doctor will prescribe medicine for foot fungus?
Onychomycosis can cause serious discomfort and many problems for a person.Even after successful treatment, there is still a chance of relapse.An advanced form of the fungus requires complex and long-term therapy.The course of treatment will include many medications and procedures to restore the nail.The patient needs to make an appointment with:
- DERMATOLOGIST
- MYCOLOGIST
It is extremely important that the patient does not delay in seeing a specialist, as the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask: which doctor should they contact first and how to choose the best remedy for nail fungus?A dermatologist specializes in 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 experts know how to cure a fungal infection as quickly and effectively as possible.At your appointment, doctors will do the following:
- listen to patient complaints;
- study the patient's medical records;
- carry out a visual inspection;
- Examine the nail with a Wood's lamp.
Before choosing the right remedy for nail fungus, each of the listed specialists will prescribe tests.Firstly, an onychomycosis scraping will be taken from the patient.Next, the patient will be diagnosed and a course of treatment will be outlined.
Effective remedies for nail fungus
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of mycosis and its extent.Only after a clear determination of the stage of the disease will the doctor prescribe appropriate treatment.Despite many different medications, it is very difficult to get rid of the fungus.It is important to remember that self-medication can cause serious damage to your health.Patients typically receive topical medications:
- ointments;
- gels;
- varnishes;
- sprays;
- cream.
The listed external agents achieve the maximum concentration of the active substance in the affected area.This remedy for nail fungus does not enter the bloodstream, which makes treatment easier for people predisposed to an allergic reaction.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed when the patient:
- the ringworm affected the entire nail area;
- advanced stage of the fungus;
- the disease affected several fingers;
- diabetes mellitus;
- mature age.
Doctors warn that systemic treatment of the fungus is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as breastfeeding women.In this case, a local therapy method is required.An effective remedy for nail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Several prescriptions can safely speed up the healing process.
When should you not delay a visit to the doctor?
If there is any illness, the patient should always consult a doctor.Especially if it's a contagious fungal infection.The disease is often underestimated and onychomycosis can cause damage to the entire body.Delaying a visit to a specialist can cause the following complications:
- allergic sensitivity to fungi;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- penetration of infection into internal organs.
To find an effective remedy for nail fungus as quickly as possible, you need to consult a specialized specialist.It is important not to make the diagnosis alone, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (yellowish-white stripes along 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 best to contact a dermatologist who can easily select inexpensive and high-quality 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
When treating ringworm, the patient must seek medical attention in a timely manner.Dermatologists note that unkempt feet and nails double the chance of developing fungus.The dry, trampled skin on your feet is an ideal springboard for the development of infections.Unlike adults, children rarely suffer from ringworm, as it is difficult for pathogenic organisms to “cling” to the delicate, smooth skin.For severe stages of the disease use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- athymotic.
An effective remedy against nail fungus is laser treatment.The method works due to the high temperature of the beam covering the affected area.The laser safely kills the mycelium and spores of onychomycosis.Surgery involves complete removal of the nail.This is done 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 the doctor can significantly ease the course of the disease.It must be remembered that the fungus must be treated comprehensively.A combination of traditional and medicinal methods can quickly cure a patient.There are many cheap remedies for toenail fungus that you don't even need to go to the store or pharmacy.The most popular recipes can be identified:
Garlic
Garlic.Knead 2-3 cloves.Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol, and 1 tablespoon of distilled water to a small bowl.Apply the mixture to the nail and leave it until morning.Repeat until complete recovery.
Iodine
Iodine.Apply 1-2 drops to the affected area.Continue the procedure for 20 to 30 days of recovery.
Celandine
Celandine.Collect the plant in a clean area.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Leave for 1-2 hours.Use for foot baths until complete recovery.