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 from onychomycosis equally.Pathogenic fungi can live on almost any surface, so a person must follow safety standards.A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of more serious illnesses.In order to quickly find the right remedy for toenail fungus, you must consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of the disease
Pathogenic fungi are considered to be one of the most stubborn bacteria.In order for the microorganisms on the sole to die, the shoes must be kept in a 1% formaldehyde solution for 20 minutes.For this reason, it is very difficult to cure onychomycosis of the nail.The patient must strictly follow all instructions given by the attending physician.The main signs of a fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of the nail;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- severe itching;
- Destruction of the nail shape.
Patients need to find the best treatment for toenail fungus as soon as possible.Because without the right treatment, the disease can lead to complications.In this case, the patient feels acute 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 (color change, itching);
- Period of hyperkeratosis (the nail becomes loose and thick);
- Stage of penetration under the nail plate (severe cuticle inflammation);
- advanced form (the nail atrophies and collapses).
Doctors are convinced that caution and attention are the best way to combat toenail fungus.At the first signs of mycosis, you should immediately consult a specialist.An advanced form of the disease can land the patient on the operating table.
Reasons
There are many sources of fungal infections.In reality, it can be any place where a person is barefoot.Onychomycosis is an insidious disease.The infection can occur at any time after infection.Most often, people with weak immune systems are susceptible to the disease.However, the fungus only occurs under certain circumstances:
- poor quality shoes;
- injuries to nails or feet;
- poor personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people believe that onychomycosis is transmitted exclusively in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and spas, although this is not entirely true.Although the fungus prefers a moist environment, if a person's skin is steamed, the infection is easily cleared 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:
- slippers;
- socks;
- floor (especially tiles in the bathroom);
- Sand;Sunbeds.
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 most important remedy for toenail fungus - personal hygiene.The disease can only be easily treated in the first few days after infection.
Which doctor prescribes a medication for athlete's foot?
Onychomycosis can cause serious discomfort and many problems to a person.Even after successful treatment, there is still a risk of a relapse.An advanced form of the fungus requires long-term and complex therapy.The course of treatment includes many medications and procedures to restore the nail.The patient must make an appointment with:
- DERMATOLOGIST
- MYCOLOGIST
It is extremely important for the patient not to delay the visit to the specialist, as the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask: Which doctor should you contact first and how do you 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 specialists listed know how to cure a fungal infection as quickly and effectively as possible.At your appointment, doctors will:
- listen to the patient's complaints;
- study the patient's medical record;
- carry out a visual inspection;
- Examine the nail with a Wood lamp.
Before choosing the right remedy for toenail fungus, each of the listed specialists will prescribe tests.First, a scraping of the onychomycosis is taken from the patient.Next, the patient is diagnosed and a course of treatment is drawn up.
Effective remedies for toenail fungus
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of mycosis and its extent.Only after a clear determination of the stage of the disease will the doctor prescribe adequate treatment.Despite many different medications, it is very difficult to get rid of the fungus.It is important to remember that self-medication can cause serious harm to health.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- Anoint;
- gels;
- varnishes;
- sprays;
- Cream.
The external active ingredients listed achieve 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 prone to an allergic reaction.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed if the patient:
- Mycosis has affected the entire area of the nail;
- 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 when breastfeeding.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 certainly speed up the healing process.
When should you not delay seeing a doctor?
If there is an illness, the patient should definitely see a doctor.Especially if it is a contagious fungal infection.The disease is often underestimated and onychomycosis can cause damage to the entire body.Delaying a visit to a specialist can lead to the following complications:
- allergic sensitivity to fungi;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- Penetration of infection into internal organs.
In order to find an effective remedy for toenail fungus as quickly as possible, you need to consult a specialized specialist.It is important not to make the diagnosis yourself, as there are different forms of onychomycosis:
- Dermatophyte (white-yellow stripes along the edges of the nail);
- yeast (the nail plate turns yellow);
- Mold (chronic illness).
When self-medicating, patients often skip the “Contraindications” section, which can lead to serious problems.Therefore, it is better to contact a dermatologist who can 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 mycoses, the patient must seek medical attention in a timely manner.Dermatologists point out that unkempt feet and toenails double the risk of fungal formation.Dry, trampled foot skin is an ideal springboard for the development of an infection.In contrast to adults, children rarely develop mycoses because pathogens have difficulty attaching themselves to the delicate, smooth skin.In severe stages of the disease use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- Athymicotics.
An effective remedy for toenail fungus is laser treatment.The method works due to the high temperature of the jet that covers the affected area.The laser safely kills mycelium and onychomycosis spores.During the operation the nail is completely removed.This happens in the most difficult cases.The nail plate only grows back if the matrix remains intact.
Folk remedies for toenail fungus
Self-therapy coordinated with your doctor can significantly alleviate the course of the disease.It should be noted that the fungus requires comprehensive treatment.A combination of traditional and medical methods can quickly cure a patient.There are many inexpensive remedies for toenail fungus that don't even require you to go to the store or pharmacy.The most popular recipes can be identified:
Garlic
Garlic.Crush 2-3 cloves.Place garlic, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water in a small bowl.Apply the mixture on the nail and leave it until morning.Repeat until full recovery.
iodine
Iodine.Apply 1-2 drops to the affected area.Continue the process for 20 to 30 days to recover.
Celandine
Celandine.Collect the plant in a clean place.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Leave on for 1-2 hours.Use as a foot bath until fully recovered.