In the scientific literature, the fungus is called "mycosis". A narrow specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you encounter a fungus for the first time and came to the doctor in time, a regular therapist will prescribe treatment. A mycologist is only consulted in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycoses:
- superficial (on the skin, on the nail, on the mucous membrane);
- deep or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Medicines for this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic. The first are applied directly to the affected area, the second are taken orally in the form of tablets, syrups and capsules. If you smear your nails with ointment for a whole month, but it does not bring any benefit, you cannot do without taking medications internally.
"Often we hope that it will go away on its own, " the famous doctor and host of his own programs says about this disease. - But medical science does not know of cases when a fungus appeared on the nail and then disappeared on its own. This doesn't happen. Either you will live with this all your life, or, under the guidance of a doctor, you will undergo appropriate treatment. Some antifungal medications cause liver complications. Of course, if you're choosing between a healthy nail and a healthy liver, most will choose the liver. But if we use medicines carefully and under the supervision of a doctor, we risk nothing. »
Prevention
If a fungal infection is a recurring story for you, you should pay attention to preventive measures. Doctors advise following the following rules.
- Pay special attention to your clothes and shoes. Socks should be made of cotton and fit well to your feet. They must be changed regularly. Be sure to wash with hot water. Disinfect your shoes using special sprays. Boots should be allowed time to dry between uses. It's better if you have three pairs of shoes for each season. And of course, shoes and underwear must be strictly individual. You can't walk around the apartment in shared slippers or wear expensive shoes for a friend.
- Hygiene products must also be individual. Everyone knows a separate towel for the feet. But think about it, does each member of your family have a separate manicure kit? It is best to buy several scissors and files, never change them or borrow them from each other.
- Excess moisture should not be allowed. After all, it’s an ideal environment for mushrooms to propagate. Always dry with a towel after showering. Don't wear the same socks and sneakers after a run. Dry your shoes thoroughly. If necessary, use a dry feet deodorant in powder form.
- Take care of your immunity. Fungus can appear on anyone's skin. But a healthy body will have enough strength to overcome it and the infection will not manifest itself in any way. Frequent yeast infections may indicate that your immune defenses have weakened. The immune system can be affected by taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.
- Do not confuse cleanliness with sterility. Hygiene is hygiene, but you should not treat your feet three times a day with antibiotic ointment for no reason. Such measures should only be taken after prescription from a doctor. The bacteria and fungi present on the skin of the feet live in balance. By destroying all bacteria, we allow fungi to multiply out of control.
How to treat?
Advertising offers us many local medicines. Besides the fact that they have different compositions, they are also available in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are also corresponding tablets.
Advice.Creams and ointments are not practical to use to treat nails. You will need to apply them to cotton, apply them to the nail, then seal them with a bandage. Most medications need to be administered twice a day, which means the entire procedure will need to be repeated. While the varnish can simply be applied with a brush, the solution can be drained and waited a bit for it to dry.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the medicine. Ask him to tell you not only the trade name of the medicine, but also the international name of the active substance. This way you can choose at the pharmacy not only a specific expensive product, but also its cheap analogue.
Topical medications are available under dozens of trade names. Not all of them are cheap. The price is largely due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough for the entire treatment of one nail.
Attention!Most medications should be used until your nails are healthy. The growth rate of nails is an individual characteristic of each organism. But for most people it will take at least six months. Therefore, be prepared for a long treatment.
If these remedies are not enough, the doctor will select suitable tablets for you that will enhance the effect of ointments and varnishes. These are quite toxic products. But that doesn't mean they should be neglected. You just need to use them with extreme caution while constantly monitoring the condition of the liver. The treatment of these medications is usually intermittent so that the body has time to rest.
Despite the possibility of serious side effects, you should not abandon the course halfway when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor must stop the medication. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. At the same time, it is possible that he may develop resistance to the medication you are prescribed. And then the doctor will have to prescribe large doses or an even more toxic drug.
So, despite advertising claims, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can take a risk by trying to solve it through self-medication at home. But it is better to seek help from a doctor. He will prescribe appropriate topical medications. If they do not help, the doctor will advise you to use systemic medications. The pills have many side effects. But if you use them under the constant supervision of a specialist, you can eliminate the problem without causing harm to the body.