Few people know that it is quite difficult to get rid of this unpleasant disease and the whole process takes quite a lot of time. Almost 20% of the population suffers from this disease, which occurs in both toes and nails. At the same time, age is not absolutely important here, because the fungus is observed in adults, even in teenagers and children.
Causes of the disease
Fungus, or as it is called, onychomycosis, occurs as a result of exposure to various types of fungi, that is, simply pathogens. Personal hygiene is also important, if you do not follow it, you yourself create the necessary conditions for the multiplication of bacteria. In addition, you can easily become the owner of such an unpleasant disease, because the fungus can be transmitted from another person.
This most often happens in the following cases:
- use of common household tools and items;
- unsterilized manicure tools;
- saunas and baths;
- shared showers in gyms or swimming pools.
The success of the effectiveness of the treatment is the diagnosis of the causative agent of the disease, which is carried out using laboratory tests.
At the same time, each type of mushroom has a certain area of influence. For example, some affect only the skin or nails on the toes and hands, while others affect the sides of the toes and the top of the heel.
Epidermophytons, trichophytons, and fungi such as yeast or mold are less common in older people. Often this onychomycosis affects the first few fingers.
Diagnostic process and factors accompanying the disease
Before prescribing a comprehensive treatment of nail fungus, that is, toes, you should undergo an examination. However, it is worth remembering the following factors that only improve the bacterial growth process:
- Any damage to the plate itself, as well as to the surrounding skin.
- Various types of diseases, including varicose veins and other endocrine diseases.
- Decreased function of the immune system and hormonal imbalance (often in pregnant women).
Symptoms of fungal disease mainly depend on the type of pathogen. It often affects toenails and there are four degrees of damage:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- onycholysis.
In addition, the disease is quite dangerous, because in the case of mold fungi, it has a negative effect on the body itself, as well as its intoxication, because the bacteria release toxins. Let's consider in more detail how to get rid of this disease and which drugs will really help you forget about this infection.
The method of treatment of the disease
To choose the right and, most importantly, effective treatment, it is necessary to take into account the degree of damage to the nail plate and its growth rate. Moreover, the effect is the same in both cases: the treatment can be complex or local when the toenails are damaged and there is a fungus on the hands.
If the fungus has affected only a few nails or only half of the plate is affected, local exposure is most often required.
As for complex techniques, doctors prescribe antifungal agents both externally and internally. You should also take vitamins or immunomodulators and disinfectants to improve the immune system. For example, a fairly good product is based on acids and essential oils, available in the form of a spray or lotion, and reviews about it are only positive. It is important that the product is suitable for absolutely everyone from a financial point of view, because its price is quite reasonable.
Taking pills is only possible after a doctor's appointment, because they have a strong effect on the body as a whole, especially those with liver problems. Of course, the use of such drugs is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Tablets are prescribed only when creams have no therapeutic effect and the affected area of the nail plate is large enough.
Preventive methods
As already mentioned, the infection process occurs due to direct contact of nails or skin with the source of infection. If your immunity is in perfect order, there is no need to worry. Otherwise, the disease takes root very quickly and it is very difficult to eliminate it. It is enough to observe the following rules regarding personal hygiene:
- do not walk barefoot on beaches or pools;
- wear socks and change them daily;
- Never try on a stranger's shoes;
- dry your feet after showering.
Such simple rules will allow you to increase your chances and avoid contracting this extremely unpleasant disease from someone else, which will provide you with a lot of anxiety and worry in the future.