Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases on the planet.Every other person is a carrier of this disease.The infection is caused by harmful bacteria, which in medicine are called epidermophytes.
All age categories equally suffer 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.In order to quickly find the right remedy for toenail fungus, you need to see a doctor right away.
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 onychomycosis on the nail.The patient must strictly follow all the doctor's instructions.The main signs of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of nails;
- the appearance of an unpleasant smell;
- severe itching;
- destruction of nail shape.
Patients need to find the best treatment for toenail 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 remember that symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease.Doctors divide them into four phases:
- initial (discoloration, itching);
- period of hyperkeratosis (the nail becomes loose and thick);
- phase of penetration under the nail plate (severe cuticle inflammation);
- advanced form (the nail atrophies and collapses).
Doctors are convinced that the best cure for toenail fungus is caution and attention.At the first manifestations of mycosis, consult a specialist immediately.An advanced form of the disease can lead the patient to the surgical table.
Reasons
There are many sources of yeast infection.In reality, it can be any place where a person is barefoot.Onychomycosis is an insidious disease.Infection can occur at any time after infection.People with a weak immune system are most often affected.But, nevertheless, the fungus appears only under certain circumstances:
- shoes of poor quality;
- nail or foot injuries;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people believe that onychomycosis is contracted only in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and baths, although this is not entirely true.Fungi prefer a moist environment, but when a person's skin evaporates, the infection easily separates from the affected area.Therein lies the danger.Pathogenic microorganisms fall on any surface and wait for their next carrier, so you can become infected by:
- slippers;
- socks;
- floor (especially 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 toenail fungus - personal hygiene.The disease is easily treated only in the first days after infection.
Which doctor will prescribe medicine for foot fungus?
Onychomycosis can cause serious discomfort and many problems to a person.Even after successful treatment, there is still a chance of recurrence.The advanced form of the fungus requires long-term and complex therapy.The course of treatment will include many medications and nail restoration procedures.The patient should make an appointment with:
- DERMATOLOGIST
- MYCOLOGIST
It is extremely important that the patient does not delay visiting a specialist, because the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask themselves: which doctor to consult first and how to choose the best medicine 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.These experts know how to cure a fungal infection as quickly and efficiently as possible.At your appointment, the doctors will do the following:
- listen to the patient's complaints;
- study the patient's medical record;
- perform a visual inspection;
- examine the nail with a Wood's lamp.
Before choosing the right remedy for toenail fungus, each of the above specialists will prescribe tests.First of all, an onychomycosis scraping will be taken from the patient.Then the patient will be diagnosed and the course of treatment will be drawn up.
Effective remedies for toenail fungus
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of mycosis and its extent.Only after clearly determining the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe adequate treatment.Despite many different remedies, it is very difficult to get rid of fungus.It is important to remember that self-medication can seriously damage your health.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- fats;
- gels;
- varnishes;
- sprays;
- cream.
The mentioned external agents achieve the maximum concentration of the active substance in the affected area.This toenail fungus medicine does not enter the bloodstream, which makes it easier to treat people who are predisposed to an allergic reaction.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed when the patient:
- mycosis has affected the entire area of the nail;
- advanced stage of the fungus;
- the disease affected several fingers;
- diabetes mellitus;
- mature age.
Doctors warn that systemic treatment of fungi is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as for breastfeeding.In that case, a local method of therapy is needed.An effective remedy for toenail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Various recipes can certainly speed up the healing process.
When should you not postpone a visit to the doctor?
If there is any illness, the patient should always consult a doctor.Especially if it is a contagious fungal infection.The disease is often underestimated, and onychomycosis can cause damage to the entire body.Postponing a visit to a specialist can cause the following complications:
- allergic sensitivity to fungi;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- penetration of infection into internal organs.
In order to find an effective remedy for toenail fungus as soon as possible, you should contact a specialist.It is important not to diagnose yourself, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (white-yellow 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 "contraindication" part, which can cause serious problems.Therefore, it is better to contact a dermatologist, who will easily choose quality, inexpensive remedies for toenail fungus.Complications of the disease can cause various painful rashes and allergic dermatitis, and even bronchial asthma.
The best remedies for toenail fungus
When treating mycosis, the patient must seek medical help in a timely manner.Dermatologists note that unkempt feet and toenails double the chances of developing fungus.Dry, trodden skin of the feet is an ideal springboard for the development of an infection.Unlike adults, children rarely suffer from mycosis, because it is difficult for pathogenic organisms to "stick" to delicate and smooth skin.For severe stages of the disease, use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- antimycotics.
An effective remedy against toenail fungus is laser treatment.The method works due to the high temperature of the air, which covers the affected area.The laser safely kills mycelium and onychomycosis spores.The operation involves the 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 toenail fungus
Self-therapy agreed with the 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 medical methods can quickly cure a patient.There are many inexpensive remedies for toenail fungus that you don't even have to go to the grocery store or pharmacy for.The most popular recipes can be identified:
Garlic
Garlic.Crush 2-3 cloves.Add garlic, 1 teaspoon alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water to a small bowl.Apply the mixture on the nail and leave it until morning.Repeat until fully recovered.
Iodine
Iodine.Apply 1-2 drops to the affected area.Continue the procedure for 20-30 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.