Onychomycosis (nail and foot fungus) is a dermatological pathology which is not life-threatening, but causes many inconveniences.Even a completely healthy person can become infected with a fungus, but it is people with weak immunity who do not pay attention to hygiene who represent a risk group.
In the absence of treatment, the fungus, getting on the skin of a healthy person, can completely destroy the nail plate and spread further and further.That is why it is so important to timely start taking medications prescribed by a dermatologist.
What causes mycosis
You can become infected with a fungus after the pathogen penetrates the surface of the skin or deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.Moreover, 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 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 undeniable factors that cause the 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 better 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;
- clouding 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 thrush-causing yeast);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- nails crumble.
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 at what stage the disease is.Only after a complete examination can a dermatologist prescribe effective treatment.The Isis private clinic is ready to offer a qualified dermatologist, so seek help as soon as 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 early stages, the dermatologist prescribes external treatment with antibacterial creams and ointments.At later stages (if the pathology appeared more than a year ago), systemic treatment is prescribed, including the application of special creams, taking 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 undergo a second treatment after a while.
To avoid this, you should always think about disease prevention, especially if your immune system is weakened:
- wear shoes on the beach;
- wear closed rubber slippers in swimming pools and saunas;
- Always buy cotton socks (wash them daily);
- do not try on someone else's shoes;
- always keep your feet dry;
- Disinfect your shoes periodically.