In scientific literature, the fungus is called "mycosis. "The limited specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you found a fungus for the first time and went to the doctor in time, a regular therapist will prescribe treatment. A mycologist is only consulted in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycoses:
- superficial (on the skin, on the nail, on the mucous membrane);
- deep or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Medicines for this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic. The former are applied directly to the affected area, the latter are taken orally in the form of tablets, syrups and capsules. If you have been smearing your nails with ointment for a whole month, but you are not getting any benefit, then you cannot do without taking medications internally.
"We often hope that it will go away on its own, " says the famous doctor and host of his own shows about this disease. - But medical science does not know of any case when a nail fungus appeared and then disappeared on its own. This doesn't happen. Either you will live with this all your life, or, under the guidance of a doctor, you will undergo appropriate treatment. Some antifungal medications cause liver complications. Of course, if you choose between a healthy nail and a healthy liver, most will choose the liver. But if we use medications carefully and under the supervision of a doctor, we are not at risk. "
Prevention
If a fungal infection is a recurring story for you, you should pay attention to preventive measures. Doctors advise following the following rules.
- Pay close attention to your clothes and shoes.. Socks should be cotton and fit loosely on the feet. It is necessary to change them periodically. Be sure to wash with hot water. Disinfect your shoes with special sprays. Boots should have time to dry between uses. It is best if you have three pairs of shoes for each season. And, of course, shoes and underwear should be strictly individual. You can't walk around the apartment in shared slippers or wear expensive shoes for a friend.
- Hygiene products must also be individual.. Everyone knows about the existence of a separate foot towel. But think about it, does each member of your family have a separate manicure set? It is better to buy several scissors and files, never change them or borrow them from each other.
- Excess moisture should not be allowed.. After all, this is an ideal environment for the spread of fungi. Always dry yourself with a towel after showering. Don't wear the same socks and shoes after running. Dry your shoes well. If necessary, use dry foot deodorant in powder form.
- Take care of your immunity. Fungus can appear on anyone's skin. But a healthy body will have enough strength to overcome it and the infection will not manifest itself in any way. Frequent mycoses may indicate that your immune defenses have decreased. The immune system can be negatively affected by taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.
- Do not confuse cleanliness and sterility. Hygiene is hygiene, but you shouldn't treat your feet three times a day with antibiotic ointment for no reason. These measures should only be taken after medical prescription. The bacteria and fungi on the skin of the feet live in a state of balance. By destroying all bacteria, we allow fungi to multiply uncontrollably.
How to deal with?
Advertising offers us many local medicines. In addition to having different compositions, they are also available in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are also corresponding pills for them.
Advice.Creams and ointments are uncomfortable to use to treat nails. You will have to apply them on a cotton pad, apply them to the nail and then seal them with a band-aid. Most medications require twice a day, which means the entire procedure will need to be repeated. While the varnish can be simply applied with a brush, the solution can be dripped and waited a bit for it to dry.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the medication. Ask him/her to tell you not only the trade name of the medicine, but also the international name of the active ingredient. This way you will be able to choose in the pharmacy not only a specific expensive product, but also its cheap analogue.
Topical medications are available under dozens of brand names. All of them are not cheap. The price is largely due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough for the entire treatment of one nail.
Attention!Most medications should be used until healthy nails grow. The rate of nail growth is an individual characteristic of each organism. But for most people this will take at least six months. Therefore, be prepared for a long treatment.
If these remedies are not enough, the doctor will select suitable tablets for you that will enhance the effect of ointments and varnishes. They are quite toxic products. But this does not mean that they should be neglected. It is only necessary to use them with extreme caution and at the same time constantly monitor the condition of the liver. Treatment with these medications is usually intermittent so that the body has time to rest.
Despite the possibility of serious side effects, you should not abandon treatment midway when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor must stop the medication. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. At the same time, you may develop resistance to the medication you were prescribed. And then the doctor will have to prescribe large doses or an even more toxic drug.
So, despite what the advertising says, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can risk trying to solve it with self-medication at home. But it is better to seek help from a doctor. He will prescribe appropriate topical medications. If they do not help, the doctor will recommend the use of systemic medications. The pills have quite a few side effects. But if you use them under the constant supervision of a specialist, you can solve the problem without causing any harm to the body.