Few people know that it is quite difficult to get rid of this unpleasant disease and the whole process takes a long time. Nearly 20% of the population is affected by this disease which affects both toes and nails. At the same time, age absolutely does not matter here, since the fungus is observed in adults and even adolescents and children.
Causes of disease
Fungus, or, as it is also called, onychomycosis, results from exposure to various types of fungi, that is, in simple terms, pathogens. Personal hygiene is also important: if you do not observe it, you yourself create the necessary conditions for the proliferation of bacteria. In addition, you can easily become the owner of such an unpleasant disease, because the fungus can be infected by another person.
This most often happens in the following cases:
- use of common household tools and items;
- unsterilized manicure instruments;
- saunas and baths;
- shared showers in gymnasiums or swimming pools.
The success of the effectiveness of treatment lies in the diagnosis of the causative agent of the disease, carried out using laboratory tests.
At the same time, each type of fungus has a specific affected area. For example, some only affect the skin or nails of the toes and fingers, while others affect the lateral areas of the fingers and the upper part of the soles.
The effects of fungi such as epidermophytons, trichophytons, as well as yeasts or molds, which appear most often in older people, are much less common. This onychomycosis often affects the first toes.
The diagnostic process and factors that accompany the disease
Before determining a comprehensive treatment for nail fungus, especially on the toes, you must undergo an examination. But it is worth remembering the following factors that only improve the process of bacterial development:
- The appearance of any damage to the plaque itself, as well as the surrounding skin.
- Different types of diseases, including varicose veins and other endocrine diseases.
- Decreased immune system function and hormonal imbalance (often in pregnant women).
The symptoms of a fungal disease largely depend on the type of pathogen. It often affects toenails, and there are four degrees of damage:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- onycholysis.
In addition, the disease is quite dangerous, because in the case of mold there is a negative effect on the body itself, as well as its intoxication, since the bacteria releases toxins. Let's take a closer look at how to get rid of this disease and what medications will actually help you forget about this infection.
Method of treating the disease
In order to select the correct and, most importantly, effective treatment, it is imperative to take into account the degree of damage to the nail plate and the rate of its growth. Moreover, the effect is the same in both cases: in case of toenail damage, and in case of fungus on the hands, the treatment can be either complex or local.
Local exposure is most often necessary if the fungus has only affected a few nails, or if the plate is only halfway affected.
As for the complex technique, doctors prescribe antifungal agents, both externally and internally. You should also take vitamins to improve the immune system, or immunomodulators and agents with a disinfectant effect. For example, a fairly good product is based on acids and essential oils, available in the form of a spray or lotion, and reviews about it are only positive. It is important that the product suits absolutely everyone from a financial point of view, since its price is quite reasonable.
Taking pills is possible only after a doctor's prescription, since they have a strong effect on the body as a whole, especially for those who have liver problems. Naturally, the use of such drugs is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Tablets are prescribed only in cases where creams do not have a therapeutic effect and the affected area of the nail plate is large enough.
Preventive methods
As already mentioned, the infection process occurs due to direct contact of nails or skin with the source of infection. If your immunity is in perfect condition, you don't have to worry. Otherwise, the disease takes root very quickly and is very difficult to defeat. It is enough to follow the following rules regarding personal hygiene:
- do not walk barefoot on beaches or in swimming pools;
- wear socks and change them daily;
- Under no circumstances try on a stranger's shoes;
- dry your feet after taking a shower.
Such simple rules will allow you to increase your chances and not become infected with this extremely unpleasant disease from someone else, which in the future will bring you a lot of inconvenience and discomfort.