Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases on the planet.One in two people 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 rules.A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of more serious pathologies.To quickly find the right remedy for toenail fungus, you should 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.That is why it is very difficult to cure onychomycosis in the nail.The patient must strictly follow all instructions of the treating doctor.The main signs of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of the nail;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- severe itching;
- destruction of the shape of the nail.
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 intense redness.It is important to remember that symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease.Doctors divide them into four phases:
- initial (color change, 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 toenail fungus is caution and attention.At the first manifestations of mycosis, it is advisable to immediately go to a specialist.An advanced form of the disease can land the patient on the operating table.
Reasons
There are many sources of fungal infection.In reality, it can be any place where a person is barefoot.Onychomycosis is an insidious disease.The infection can appear at any time after infection.Most of the time, people with weak immune systems are susceptible to the disease.But, nevertheless, the fungus appears only under certain circumstances:
- poor quality shoes;
- nail or foot injuries;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- various skin ailments.
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 sprayed, the infection is easily separated from the affected area.This is where the danger lies.Pathogenic microorganisms fall on any surface and wait for their next carrier, so you can become infected through:
- sneakers;
- 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 easy to treat only in the first days after infection.
Which doctor will prescribe a remedy 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 very important that the patient does not delay visiting a specialist, since the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask: which doctor to go to first and how to choose the best remedy for toenail 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 specialists know how to cure a fungal infection as quickly and effectively as possible.At your appointment, doctors will:
- listen to patient complaints;
- study the patient's medical history;
- 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, the patient will have an onychomycosis scraping taken.The patient will then be diagnosed and a treatment plan will be developed.
Effective remedies for toenail fungus.
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of mycosis and its scale.Only after a clear determination of the stage of the disease will the doctor prescribe the appropriate treatment.Despite the existence of 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 health.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- ointments;
- gels;
- varnishes;
- aerosols;
- cream.
The listed external agents reach the maximum concentration of the active ingredient in the affected area.This toenail fungus remedy does not enter the bloodstream, making treatment easier for people predisposed to an allergic reaction.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed when the patient:
- the mycosis has 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 in pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as in breastfeeding women.In this case, a local therapy method is required.An effective remedy for toenail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Various recipes can safely speed up the healing process.
When should you not delay visiting 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 throughout the body.Delaying a visit to the specialist can cause the following complications:
- allergic sensitivity to mushrooms;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- penetration of infection into internal organs.
To find an effective remedy for toenail fungus as soon as possible, it is necessary to consult a specialized specialist.It is important not to make a diagnosis yourself, since there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (white and yellow stripes along the edges of the nail);
- yeast (the nail plate turns yellow);
- mold (type of chronic disease).
When self-medicating, patients often skip the “contraindications” section, which can cause serious problems.Therefore, it is better to contact a dermatologist, who will be able to easily select high-quality and 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 should seek medical help in a timely manner.Dermatologists point out that neglected feet and nails double your chances of developing fungus.Dry, trampled skin on the feet is an ideal springboard for the development of infections.Unlike adults, children rarely suffer from mycoses, since it is difficult for pathogenic organisms to "stick" to delicate, soft skin.For severe stages of the disease use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- athymycotics.
An effective remedy against toenail fungus is laser treatment.The method works due to the high temperature of the beam that covers the affected area.The laser safely kills onychomycosis mycelium and spores.The surgery involves complete removal of the nail.This is done in the most difficult cases.The nail plate will grow back only if the matrix remains intact.
Popular remedies against toenail fungus.
Self-therapy agreed with the doctor can significantly alleviate the course of the disease.It should be remembered that the fungus must be treated comprehensively.A combination of traditional and medicinal methods can quickly cure a patient.There are many inexpensive remedies for toenail fungus for which you don't even need to go to the store or pharmacy.The most popular recipes can be identified:
Garlic
Garlic.Grind 2-3 cloves.Add garlic, 1 teaspoon isopropyl alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water to a small bowl.Apply the mixture on 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 20-30 days of recovery.
Celandine
Celandine.Pick the plant in a clean area.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Leave it on for 1-2 hours.Use for foot baths until complete recovery.