Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases on the planet.Every second person is a carrier of this disease.Infection is caused by harmful bacteria, which in medicine are called epidermophytes.
All age categories suffer equally from onychomycosis.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 pathologies.In order to quickly find the right remedy for toenail fungus, you need to immediately consult a doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
Pathogenic fungi are considered one of the most tenacious 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 onychomycosis on the nail.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 need to find the best treatment for toenail fungus as soon as possible.Because without proper treatment, the disease can cause complications.In this case, the patient experiences acute pain in the nail and severe redness.It is important to remember that symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease.Doctors divide them into four phases:
- initial (color change, 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 confident that the best remedy for toenail fungus is caution and attentiveness.At the first manifestations of mycosis, you should immediately go to a specialist.An advanced form of the disease can bring the patient to the surgical 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 weak immune systems are susceptible to the disease.But, nevertheless, the fungus occurs only under certain circumstances:
- poor quality shoes;
- injuries to nails or feet;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- various skin ailments.
Most people believe that onychomycosis is contracted exclusively in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and baths, although this is not entirely true.The fungus does prefer a moist environment, but when a person's skin is steamed, the infection is easily separated 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;sun loungers.
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 against 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 a lot of problems to a person.Even after successful treatment, there is still a chance of relapse.An advanced form of the fungus requires long-term and complex therapy.The course of treatment will include many medications and procedures to restore the nail.The patient needs to make an appointment with:
- DERMATOLOGIST
- MYCOLOGIST
It is extremely important for the patient not to delay visiting a specialist, as the disease multiplies very quickly.People often ask: which doctor should they contact 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.At your appointment, doctors will do the following:
- listen to the patient's complaints;
- study the patient’s medical record;
- conduct 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 of all, a scraping of onychomycosis will be taken from the patient.Next, the patient will be diagnosed and a course of treatment will be drawn up.
Effective remedies for toenail fungus
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of mycosis and its scale.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 damage to your health.Patients are usually prescribed topical medications:
- ointments;
- gels;
- varnishes;
- sprays;
- cream.
The listed external agents reach the maximum concentration of the active substance in the affected area.This remedy for toenail fungus does not enter the bloodstream, which makes treatment easier for people who are predisposed to an allergic reaction.There is also systemic therapy.It is prescribed when 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 for pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as for breastfeeding.In this case, a local method of therapy is required.An effective remedy for toenail fungus can also be found in folk medicine.Various prescriptions can safely speed up the healing process.
When should you not delay visiting a doctor?
If any disease is present, 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 cause the following complications:
- allergic sensitivity to fungus;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- penetration of infection into internal organs.
In order to find an effective remedy for toenail fungus as soon as possible, you need to consult a specialized specialist.It is important not to make a diagnosis yourself, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (white-yellow stripes along the edges of the nail);
- yeast (the nail plate turns yellow);
- mold (chronic type of illness).
When self-medicating, patients often skip the “contraindications” section, which can cause serious problems.Therefore, it is better to contact a dermatologist, who can easily select high-quality, 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 mycosis, the patient must seek medical help in a timely manner.Dermatologists note that unkempt feet and toenails double the chance of developing fungus.Dry, trampled skin of the feet is an ideal springboard for the development of 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:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- athymicotics.
An effective remedy against toenail fungus is laser treatment.The method works due to the high temperature of the beam, which covers the affected area.The laser safely kills mycelium and spores of onychomycosis.Surgery involves complete removal of the nail.This is done in the most difficult cases.The nail plate will grow back only if the matrix remains intact.
Folk remedies against toenail fungus
Self-therapy agreed with the doctor can significantly ease the course of the disease.It should be remembered that the fungus must be treated comprehensively.A combination of traditional and medicinal methods can quickly cure a patient.There are many inexpensive remedies for toenail fungus that you don’t even have to go to the store or pharmacy for.The most popular recipes can be identified:
Garlic
Garlic.Mash 2-3 cloves.Add garlic, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon distilled water to a small bowl.Apply the mixture to the nail and leave until the morning.Repeat until complete recovery.
Iodine
Iodine.Apply 1-2 drops to the affected area.Continue the procedure for 20-30 days of recovery.
Celandine
Celandine.Collect the plant in a clean area.Rinse and add 3 liters of water.Leave for 1-2 hours.Use for foot baths until complete recovery.