Fungal nail disease is called onychomycosis and is caused by pathogenic fungi (dermatophytes).
Most often, the fungus affects the nails, less often the skin. Those infected with onychomycosis are mainly people who lead a healthy lifestyle - in swimming pools, saunas, on the beach.
The symptoms of onychomycosis cannot be confused with anything, because the nail, which was shiny and smooth, becomes cloudy, rough and thick. Yellow, gray, brown spots, as well as stripes or pits appear on it. The skin around the nail becomes inflamed and swollen. Nails can peel and crumble, sometimes leaving behind the nail bed.
Treatment of nail fungus
It is easy to detect a fungal disease, but it is more difficult to get rid of it. The treatment process is laborious and requires a lot of time and patience. The first results of therapy appear no later than 2 weeks after the start of treatment, and the entire period lasts from 6 to 12 months.
The danger of fungal infection of the nails is the decrease of immunity during the disease, the emergence of allergic reactions and the aggravation of chronic diseases.
Treatment for fungal diseases varies and depends on the fungus and the area affected. Combination therapy is most often used when drugs for internal use and local antifungal agents are combined.
Preparations for local therapy are different, but one of the most effective is an antifungal varnish covering the diseased nail. Other local remedies can also be applied to the skin.
Measures to prevent fungal nail infection
According to statistics, 20% of the world's population suffers from fungal diseases, so it is important to prevent diseases and observe personal protection measures.
Effective preventive measures include:
- Before visiting public places of recreation, treat the feet with antifungal ointment or any local remedy.
- After going to the pool or sauna, treat your feet and hands with a saline solution or take a bath with 72% laundry soap.
- Wear comfortable shoes and control sweaty feet to prevent the growth and development of a fungal infection.
- Strictly observe the rules and norms of personal hygiene (individual use of shoes, slippers, underwear).
- Do not walk barefoot on the beach, wear light shoes.