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 one must observe safety standards.A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of more serious pathologies.To quickly find the right remedy for toenail fungus, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of the disease
Pathogenic fungi are considered to be some of the most resistant bacteria.To kill the microorganisms on the sole, the shoes should be kept for 20 minutes in a 1% formaldehyde solution.That is why it is very difficult to cure nail onychomycosis.The patient must strictly follow all the instructions of the attending physician.The main signs of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of the nail;
- the appearance of an unpleasant smell;
- severe itching;
- destruction of the shape of the nails.
Patients should 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 sharp 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:
- initially (discoloration, itching);
- period of hyperkeratosis (nails become loose and thick);
- stage of penetration under the nail plate (severe inflammation of the cuticles);
- advanced form (the nail atrophies and collapses).
Doctors are convinced that the best remedy for toenail fungus is caution and attention.At the first manifestations of mycosis, you should immediately go to a specialist.The 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.Most often, people with a weak immune system are susceptible to the disease.But nevertheless, the fungus appears only under certain circumstances:
- shoes of poor quality;
- nail or foot injuries;
- failure to observe personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people think that onychomycosis is contracted exclusively in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and baths, although this is not entirely true.Fungi really prefer a moist environment, but when a person's skin evaporates, the infection is easily shed from the affected area.Herein lies the danger.Pathogenic microorganisms fall on any surfaces and wait for their next carrier, so you can get infected by:
- slippers;
- socks;
- floor (especially tiles in the bathroom);
- sand;deckchairs.
The weaker the patient's immunity, the more dangerous the fungal infection is for him.To protect yourself, you need to know the first and main remedy against toenail fungus - personal hygiene.The disease is easy to treat 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 procedures to restore the nail.The patient must make an appointment at:
- DERMATOLOGIST
- MYCOLOGIST
It is extremely important that the patient does not postpone the visit to a specialist, since the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask: which doctor to see first and how to choose the best medicine for toenail fungus?A dermatologist is a specialist 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 specialists know how to cure a yeast infection as quickly and effectively as possible.At your appointment, doctors will do the following:
- listening to patient complaints;
- examine 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 listed specialists will prescribe tests.First of all, an onychomycosis scraping will be taken from the patient.After that, the patient will be diagnosed and a course of treatment will be drawn up.
Effective means for the treatment of nail fungus
The treatment of the disease depends directly on the type of mycosis and its scale.Only after clearly determining the stage of the disease will the doctor prescribe adequate treatment.Despite the many different medicines, it is very difficult to get rid of the fungus.It is important to remember that self-medication can seriously damage your health.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- ointments;
- gels;
- varnishes;
- sprays;
- cream.
The listed external agents reach the maximum concentration of the active substance in the affected area.This toenail fungus treatment does not enter the bloodstream, making it easier to treat people prone 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 affects several fingers;
- diabetes mellitus;
- adulthood.
Doctors warn that systemic treatment of the fungus is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and people with liver diseases, as well as for nursing mothers.In this case, a local method of therapy is required.An effective remedy for the treatment of toenail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Various recipes can safely speed up the healing process.
When should you not delay a visit to the doctor?
If there is any disease, 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 organism.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.
To find an effective toenail fungus treatment as quickly as possible, you should consult a specialist.It is important not to diagnose yourself, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (white-yellow stripes on 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 better to contact a dermatologist, who can easily choose high-quality and inexpensive means for the treatment of nail 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 promptly.Dermatologists note that unmaintained feet and toenails double the risk of developing fungus.Dry, scaly skin on the feet is an ideal springboard for the development of an infection.Unlike adults, children rarely suffer from mycosis, since it is difficult for pathogenic organisms to "stick" to the delicate and smooth skin.In severe stages of the disease, use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- atymicotics.
Laser treatment is an effective remedy against toenail fungus.The method works thanks to the high temperature of the beam that covers 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-treatment, agreed with the doctor, can significantly ease the course of the disease.It should be remembered that the fungus must be treated comprehensively.The combination of traditional and medicinal methods can quickly cure the patient.There are many cheap nail fungus remedies that you don't even need to go to the store or pharmacy for.The most popular recipes can be identified:
garlic
garlic.Mash 2-3 cloves.Add garlic, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water to a small bowl.Apply the mixture on the nail and leave 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.
yellow flowers
yellow flowers.Collect the plant in a clean place.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Leave for 1-2 hours.Use for foot baths until full recovery.