Onychomycosis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases on the planet.One in two people carry this disease.The infection is caused by harmful bacteria, medically called epidermophytes.
All age categories also suffer from onychomycosis.Pathogenic fungi can live on almost any surface, so a person must comply with safety standards.A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of more serious pathologies.In order 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 stubborn bacteria.In order for the microorganisms on the sole to die, the shoes must be kept for 20 minutes in a 1% formaldehyde solution.This is why it is very difficult to cure nail onychomycosis.The patient must strictly follow all instructions of the attending physician.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 nail shape.
Patients should find the best treatment for toenail fungus as soon as possible.Because without proper treatment, the disease can lead to complications.In this case, the patient feels sharp pain in the nail area 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:
- initial (change in color, 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 convinced that the best cure for toenail fungus is caution and attention.At the first manifestations 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 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 often, people with weakened immune systems are susceptible to the disease.But nevertheless, the fungus appears only in certain circumstances:
- poor quality shoes;
- nail or foot injuries;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- various skin conditions.
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 humid environment, but when a person's skin is steamed, the infection easily separates 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 with:
- slippers;
- socks;
- floor (especially tiles in the bathroom);
- sand;deck chairs.
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 for 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 to a person.Even after successful treatment, there is always a risk of relapse.An advanced form of the fungus requires complex and long-term therapy.Treatment will include many medications and procedures to restore the nail.The patient must make an appointment with:
- DERMATOLOGIST
- MYCOLOGY
It is extremely important that the patient does not delay in consulting a specialist, because the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask: which doctor should be contacted 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.During your appointment, doctors will do the following:
- listen to the patient's complaints;
- study the patient's medical file;
- 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, an onychomycosis scraping will be performed on the patient.Then the patient will be diagnosed and a treatment plan will be established.
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 seriously harm your health.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- ointments;
- gels;
- varnish;
- sprays;
- cream.
The listed external agents achieve the maximum concentration of the active substance in the affected area.This toenail fungus remedy does not enter the bloodstream, making treatment easier for those predisposed to an allergic reaction.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed when the patient:
- the fungus has affected the entire nail area;
- advanced stage of the fungus;
- the disease affected several fingers;
- diabetes mellitus;
- middle age.
Doctors warn that systemic treatment of the fungus is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as breastfeeding.In this case, a local therapeutic method is necessary.An effective remedy for toenail fungus can also be found in traditional medicine.Various prescriptions can safely speed up the healing process.
When should you not delay visiting the doctor?
In case of 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 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 should consult a specialized specialist.It is important not to self-diagnose, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (white-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 lead to 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 skin rashes and allergic dermatitis, even bronchial asthma.
The best remedies for toenail fungus
When treating mycosis, the patient should consult a doctor in a timely manner.Dermatologists note that neglected feet and nails double the risk of developing fungus.Dry, trampled skin on the feet is an ideal springboard for the development of an infection.Unlike adults, children extremely rarely suffer from mycosis, since it is difficult for pathogenic organisms to “cling” to the delicate and smooth skin.For severe stages of the disease, use:
- surgery;
- laser therapy;
- athymicotics.
Laser treatment is an effective remedy for toenail fungus.The method works due to the high temperature of the beam that covers the affected area.The laser safely kills onychomycosis mycelium and spores.Surgery involves completely removing the nail.This is done in the most difficult cases.The nail plate will only grow back if the matrix remains intact.
Folk remedies for toenail fungus
Self-therapy agreed with the doctor can significantly facilitate the course of the disease.We must not forget that the fungus must be treated comprehensively.A combination of traditional and medicinal methods can quickly cure a patient.There are many inexpensive toenail fungus remedies that you don't even need to go to the store or pharmacy for.The most popular recipes can be identified:
Garlic
Garlic.Crush 2-3 cloves.Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water to a small bowl.Apply the mixture to the nail and leave it until the morning.Repeat until completely healed.
Iodine
Iodine.Apply 1 to 2 drops to the affected area.Continue the procedure for 20 to 30 days of recovery.
Celandine
Celandine.Collect the plant in a clean place.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Leave to act for 1 to 2 hours.Use for foot baths until completely healed.