Onychomycosis (fungus of the nails and feet) is a dermatological pathology that does not pose a threat to life, but brings many concerns.Even a completely healthy person can be infected by a fungus, but it is people with weak immunity who do not pay proper attention to hygiene who represent a risk group.
In the absence of treatment, the fungus, getting into the skin of a healthy person, can completely destroy the nail plate, spreading further and further.That is why it is so important to start taking medications prescribed by a dermatologist at the right time.
What is the cause of mycosis?
You can become infected with the fungus after the pathogen enters the surface of the skin or into the deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.Moreover, more often this happens 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 able to destroy the colonies of agents, but temperatures above 60 degrees are destructive for them.
Infection with onychomycosis occurs when you visit pedicure salons, where the rules for sterilization of instruments are not respected.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 mold will also lead to pathology.
The causes of fungus vary, but there are undoubted factors that provoke the infection:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- decreased functioning of the immune system;
- insufficient foot hygiene;
- carrying out antibacterial therapy;
- foot injuries (cuts, lacerations, minor scratches 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 good 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 the appearance of small cracks in the skin;
- fogging of the nail plate;
- bad smell when feet sweat;
- subtle spots on the nails that are gray, pale green, yellow, or even black (sometimes white if the agent is a yeast fungus that causes thrush);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- nail biting.
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 soon as possible, you need to understand at what stage the disease is.Only after a thorough examination, a dermatologist will be able to prescribe effective treatment.Isis Private Clinic is ready to provide 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 accordance 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 cure toenail fungus quickly, be prepared for a long course of therapy, you may even have to take a second course after some time.
To avoid this, you should always remember to prevent diseases, 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 them daily);
- don't try on someone else's shoes;
- always keep your feet dry;
- Disinfect your shoes periodically.