Toenail fungus is one of the most common infectious diseases. This pathology has a second name - onychomycosis. Its pathogens are divided into three main categories: yeast-like, mold, and dermatomycetes. Most often, damage to the nail plate on the legs is caused by the third group. There are many factors that affect the penetration of foreign microorganisms under the nail. Fungal infections are classified according to cause and appearance. In order for it not to spoil your life for a long time, it is necessary to start with it in a timely and correct manner. Therapy includes special antifungal drugs (ointments, creams, tablets, medical solutions, varnishes). It is important to find out which means are effective in your case so that the treatment is not useless.
The reasons
Before starting to fight the fungus, it is necessary to determine the cause that triggered its development. Consider the main factors that affect the penetration of microorganisms deep into the nail:
- mechanical damage to the plate;
- Contact with personal hygiene items from an infected person;
- increased sweating;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- constant contact with chemicals and degreasers that destroy the structure of the nail;
- Ignoring the rules of personal hygiene;
- Occupations associated with high levels of pollution and humidity;
- a sharp deterioration in immunity.
Secondary reasons against which toenail fungus can develop are:
- Aging of the skin;
- violation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract;
- allergic reaction;
- Failure of the adrenal glands;
- hormonal disorders (long-term use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy);
- Bad habits;
- regular consumption of alcoholic beverages.
People with HIV, diabetes, obesity and other diseases that negatively affect the body's defenses are at risk. In addition, those who visit beauty salons that do not disinfect tools are prone to developing such a nuisance. Saunas, baths, swimming pools, and other places of mass gathering of people are favorable habitats for fungal infections.
Please note that drug treatment will not be sufficient if you do not first address the underlying cause that caused the fungus to develop. Therefore, first consult a mycologist. The doctor will direct you to the necessary tests and examinations.
Symptoms
The manifestations of each species of mushroom are different. First, let's look at the main symptoms:
- at the initial stage, the structure of the nail plate is destroyed and its color changes;
- a sore nail leaves the skin and soon falls off;
- there is dryness, itching, an unpleasant smell in the feet and toes;
- some areas of the skin are peeling;
- Dysbiosis develops (the patient feels weak, drowsy, loses his appetite).
The correct choice of drug depends on the shape of the fungus. Consider the symptomatology of each type of pathology.
| Surname | Pathogen | Manifestations |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatophyte (most common) | Epidermophyton, Trichophyton, Microsporum | Yellow and gray stripes are formed on the nail. Soon such formations are localized on the nails of the neighboring fingers. The second stage is characterized by the separation of the nail from the skin. The neglected form is dangerous as the fungus spreads to the foot. |
| Yeast (women are more susceptible than men as the main cause of this type is regular use of detergents) | candidate | At the first stage, the cuticle is affected (it becomes inflamed, when pressed, pus is released). In addition, the nail plate loses its density and discolored, becomes bumpy, disappears in pieces. The fingers are swollen and the infected person complains of pain. |
| Mold (easiest to deal with) | Mould | In the first stage, unbearable itching occurs in and around the nail. Then different colored spots appear. In a neglected form, the plate completely changes color, dryness of the skin of the feet appears, it cracks and hurts. |
In addition, the fungus is classified according to the degree of development, which also determines the choice of individual treatment:
- The initial form (normotrophic) is characterized by a change in the color of the plate and the formation of spots.
- The second stage (hypertrophic) brings discomfort. It manifests itself in the form of a deformation of the nail (brittle, tuberosity).
- The third form (atrophic) implies complete atrophy of the plate (detached from the bed). This stage is neglected, it is quite difficult to treat.
It is recommended to consult a doctor, since amateur performance can bring not only useless, but also negative results.
treatment
Are you suffering from a dreaded problem like nail fungus? Tired of itching and unpleasant smell from your feet? Have you invested a lot of time and money and an unpleasant disease still quickly affects your nails? That is fixable! The choice of effective drugs is based on the analysis of a large amount of information and surveys of people who have already gone through an unpleasant period in the fight against the fungus.
Tablets
As already mentioned, it is of paramount importance to determine the type of pathogen and the stage of development of the pathology. An additional measure is to exclude the likelihood of an allergic reaction from the body to the pills.
Treatment should not be done only locally, exposure from the inside is necessary, as the result of incomplete treatment is zero. To reduce the negative effect of the drug, you need to drink more fluids. Since such drugs are toxic, the first condition is a lean diet (excluding yeast-fermented dairy products, fatty foods). It is recommended that you do a blood test every three months to keep your body under control.
Local preparations
Such funds are used in combination with tablets. A procedure to clean the affected areas must be followed before use. Therefore:
- Wash your feet with an antibacterial product;
- Take a bath (dilute two tablets of antimicrobial agent in five liters of boiling water). The duration of the procedure is fifteen minutes;
- Remove peeled nail particles and dry your feet.
After performing such a procedure, you can use the drug (several times a day).
They quickly eliminate itching, discomfort and unpleasant smell. Already after the first application you will feel a clear relief. Essential oils work as a complementary treatment. Prevention includes strengthening the immune system. To prevent the development of fungal infections of the nails, it is recommended to use personal care products, wear slippers in saunas and swimming pools, wear comfortable shoes, and keep your feet dry.
To cure toenail fungus, consult a mycologist first (preferably within the first two weeks). The use of medication is a mandatory method of getting rid of this disease. Remember that timely treatment is the key to a speedy recovery without complications.