Few people know that getting rid of this unpleasant disease is quite difficult and the whole process takes quite a long time. Almost 20% of the population is affected by this disease, which occurs in both the toes and the fingernails. At the same time, age is not at all important here, since the fungus is observed in adults and even in adolescents and children.
Causes of the disease
Fungus, or, as it is also called, onychomycosis, arises as a result of exposure to various types of fungi, that is, simply put, pathogens. Personal hygiene is also important, if you do not observe it, you yourself create the necessary conditions for the proliferation of bacteria. In addition, you can easily become the owner of such an unpleasant disease, since the fungus can be infected by another person.
This happens most often in the following cases:
- use of common household tools and items;
- non-sterile manicure instruments;
- 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 fungus has a specific affected area. For example, some affect only the skin or nails of the fingers and toes, while others affect the lateral areas of the fingers and the top of the sole.
Much less common are the effects of fungi such as epidermophytons, trichophytons, as well as yeasts or molds, which appear more frequently in older people. This onychomycosis often affects the first toes.
The diagnostic process and the factors that accompany the disease.
Before determining a comprehensive treatment for nail fungus, that is, on the toes, it is advisable to undergo an examination. But it is worth remembering the following factors that only improve the bacterial development process:
- The appearance of any damage to the plaque itself, as well as the surrounding skin.
- Various types of diseases, including varicose veins and other endocrine diseases.
- Decreased immune system function and hormonal imbalance (often in pregnant women).
The symptoms of a fungal disease largely depend on the type of pathogen. It often affects the toenails and there are four degrees of damage:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- onycholysis.
In addition, the disease is quite dangerous, since in the case of mold there is a negative effect on the body itself, as well as its poisoning, since the bacteria releases toxins. Let's take a closer look at how to get rid of this disease and what medications will really help you forget about this infection.
Method of treatment of the disease.
To select the correct and, most importantly, effective treatment, it is imperative to take into account the degree of damage to the nail plate and the rate of growth. Furthermore, the effect is the same in both cases: in case of damage to the toenails and in the case of hand fungus, the treatment can be complex or local.
Local exposure is usually necessary if the fungus has affected only a few nails or if the plate is only half affected.
As for the complex technique, doctors prescribe antifungal agents, both externally and internally. It is also advisable to take vitamins to improve the immune system, or immunomodulators, and agents that have a disinfectant effect. For example, a fairly good product based on acids and essential oils, which is produced 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 an economic point of view, since its price is quite reasonable.
Taking pills is possible only with a doctor's prescription, since they have a strong effect on the body as a whole, especially those who have liver problems. Naturally, the use of such drugs is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. Tablets are prescribed only in cases where creams do not have a therapeutic effect and if the affected area of the nail plate is large enough.
Preventive methods
As already mentioned, the infection process occurs through direct contact of the nails or skin with the source of infection. If your immunity is in perfect condition, then you don't need to worry. Otherwise, the disease takes root very quickly and is very difficult to overcome. It is enough to follow the following rules regarding personal hygiene:
- do not walk barefoot on beaches or swimming pools;
- wear socks and change them daily;
- Do not try on a stranger's shoes under any circumstances;
- dry your feet after showering.
Such simple rules will allow you to increase your chances and not become infected with another person with this extremely unpleasant disease, which in the future will cause you a lot of inconvenience and discomfort.