The fungal disease of the nails is called onychomycosis and is caused by pathogenic fungi (dermatophytes).
Most often, the fungus affects the nails, less often - the skin. Infected with onychomycosis are mainly people who lead a healthy lifestyle - in pools, saunas, on the beach.
The symptoms of onychomycosis cannot be confused with anything, because the nail from shiny and smooth becomes cloudy, rough and thickened. Yellow, gray, brown spots appear on it, as well as streaks or depressions. The skin roller around the nail becomes inflamed and swollen. Nails can peel and crumble, and sometimes fall behind the nail bed.
Treatment of nail fungus
Detecting a fungal disease is easy, but it is much 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 earlier than 2 weeks after the start of treatment, and the entire period takes from 6 to 12 months.
The danger of a fungal nail infection is that during the disease immunity decreases, allergic reactions occur and chronic diseases worsen.
The therapy of fungal diseases is different and depends on the area affected by the fungus and its type. Most often, combined therapy is used, when drugs for internal use and topical antifungal agents are combined.
Preparations for local therapy are different, but one of the most effective is the antifungal varnish that covers the diseased nail. Other topical agents can be applied to the skin.
Measures to prevent fungal nail infections
According to statistics, 20% of the world's population suffers from fungal diseases, so it is important to observe measures for the prevention of the disease and personal protection.
Effective preventive measures include the following:
- Before visiting public places of recreation, treat the feet with an antifungal ointment or other topical medicine.
- After visiting the pool or sauna, treat your feet and hands with a saline solution or take baths with 72% laundry soap.
- Wear comfortable shoes and monitor sweaty feet so that conditions are not created for 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 go to the beach barefoot, but wear light shoes.