Fungal infection of the nails on the hands and (especially often) toes — a very common dermatological problem. How dangerous is onychomycosis (this is how official medicine calls this disease)? Thickened, yellowed nails, reddened and flaky skin, the appearance of an unpleasant odor — all these manifestations of the fungus make us hide the hands or feet from prying eyes. However, while continuing to experience significant discomfort, we usually buy one of the drugs, often guided by information from the commercial. Alas, this approach to treatment is not very effective, especially when it comes to advanced disease. How to treat nail fungus correctly? Together with estet-porttal.com, let's look into this problem, which is relevant for many.
Fungus infection: how it happens
It so happened that well-groomed fingernails and toenails are involuntarily associated with well-being and success, while the unaesthetic appearance of nails affected by a fungus involuntarily suggests the carelessness of their owner. However, very often the problem seems not so significant that it needs to be addressed to a doctor.
It should be remembered that the incredibly wide distribution and high survival rate of the causative agents of this disease make it very likely for any person to meet with them.
Onychomycosis is caused by some varieties of microscopic dermatophyte fungi, the structure and metabolic features of which significantly complicate the treatment of the disease.
High humidity areas present the greatest potential risk of fungal infection. Most often this happens:
· in baths and saunas;
· in the showers of fitness centers;
· in shady places near bodies of water;
· in greenhouses and greenhouses.
You are at risk of catching a fungus:
· if you often wear tight or uncomfortable shoes;
· take antibiotics for a long time and uncontrollably;
· Your immune system is weakened .
In addition, older people are at risk of developing onychomycosis, since their metabolic rate is significantly reduced.
What is the danger of nail fungus
How dangerous is onychomycosis (that's how official medicine calls this disease)? First of all, nails affected by the fungus — This is a significant reduction in the quality of life. And the matter is not only (and not so much!) in the state of physical discomfort, which is caused by thickened nails and itching of the skin in the adjacent areas. Significantly reduced social activity of a person who is forced to refuse to visit the sauna, gym or beach — any place where it becomes necessary to take off your shoes.
However, that's not all! If you do not treat the disease seriously, the pathogen will inevitably spread to healthy nails or settle in other parts of the body. In addition, areas affected by onychomycosis become entry gates for various bacterial infections. Fungal infection is especially difficult for patients with diabetes mellitus, it can complicate the course of bronchial asthma and cause allergic reactions.
Main symptoms of fungal nail infections
Onychomycosis usually develops quite slowly, the initial symptoms of the disease are almost invisible. That is why it is important to be able to recognize the disease in time at the earliest stages. In this case, the treatment will require much less effort and time.
The first "wake-up call" indicating infection with onychomycosis — flaky skin in the interdigital folds, burning sensation and itching. Then, usually, the appearance of small bubbles is observed. If such bubbles burst, sores and cracks remain in their place. And only after that, the fungus captures the nail plate.
One of the characteristic signs of a fungal infection, experts consider the absence of a healthy shine of the nail plate, the appearance of a yellowish tint, whitish or brown stripes. In addition, there may be deformation of the upper part of the nail.
The appearance of the listed symptoms — a serious reason not only to think about how to treat nail fungus, but also to contact a dermatologist.
How to treat nail fungus: basic methods
First of all, we note that the treatment of onychomycosis is much more effective if the patient consults a doctor at the first signs of the disease. How to treat nail fungus offer modern dermatologists? To combat the fungus, the following are currently prescribed:
· external antimycotic agents — varnishes, creams, ointments and sprays;
· systemic drugs for oral use, which have fungicidal and fungistatic effects;
· external antiseptic preparations — alcohol solution of iodine, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate and other available means;
·
Specialists insist on a comprehensive treatment of onychomycosis, which must necessarily take place under the supervision of a dermatologist. A variety of traditional medicine recipes, & nbsp; which are often used in solving the problem: how to treat nail fungus, based on the use of herbal ingredients that have antifungal effects help enhance the effect of pharmaceutical preparations and speed up recovery.
How to effectively prevent the development of onychomycosis
Fungal infections of nails — diseases that require long-term treatment, in which it is necessary to carefully follow all the doctor's prescriptions. It is much easier to prevent fungal infection than to ask yourself later: how to treat nail fungus? To avoid the problem, it is enough to follow a few simple rules.
1. Carefully monitor the condition of the skin of the feet and hands, do not disregard injuries, calluses and inflammation, as they contribute to the penetration of fungal spores. Do not forget to treat them with an antiseptic solution and seal them with a band-aid.
2. Do not forget about hygiene, daily change of socks. For excessive sweating, use drying agents sparingly so as not to create favorable conditions for the development of a fungal infection.
3. Try not to walk without shoes in saunas, swimming pools, on the beach and in other public places. If this does happen, wash your feet thoroughly and be sure to apply an antifungal cream.
4. When nail fungus appears in family members, persuade them to undergo treatment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
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