Few people know that getting rid of this unpleasant disease is quite difficult and the whole process takes a lot of time. Almost 20% of the population is affected by this disease, which occurs on both toes and nails. At the same time, age is absolutely not important here, since the fungus is observed in adults and even in adolescents and children.
Causes of the disease
Fungi or, as it is also called, onychomycosis, occurs 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 multiplication of bacteria. In addition, you can easily become the owner of such an unpleasant disease, since the fungus can be infected by another person.
Most often this happens in the following cases:
- use of common household tools and objects;
- unsterilized manicure tools;
- saunas and baths;
- communal 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 with the help of 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 toes and hands, while others affect the lateral areas of the toes 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 most often occur in the elderly. Often this onychomycosis affects the first few toes.
The diagnostic process and the factors that accompany the disease
Before choosing a complete treatment for nail fungus, namely toenail fungus, you should undergo an examination. But it is worth remembering the following factors that only improve the process of bacterial development:
- The appearance of any damage to the plate itself, as well as to the surrounding skin.
- Various types of diseases, including varicose veins and other endocrine diseases.
- Reduced immune system function and hormonal imbalance (common in pregnant women).
Symptoms of a fungal disease largely 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, since mold fungi have a negative effect on the organism itself, as well as its intoxication, since the bacterium releases toxins. Let's take a closer look at how to get rid of this disease and what medicines will really help you forget about this infection.
A method of treating the disease
In order 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 the speed of its growth. In addition, the effect is the same in both cases: with damage to the toenails and with fungus on the hands, the treatment can be both complex and local.
Most often, local exposure is required 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. You should also take vitamins to improve the immune system or immunomodulators and agents that have a disinfecting effect. For example, a fairly good product is based on acids and essential oils, which is available in the form of a spray or lotion, and the reviews about it are only positive. It is important that the product is suitable for absolutely everyone from a financial point of view, since its price is quite reasonable.
Taking pills is possible only after a doctor's prescription, as they have a strong effect on the body as a whole, especially for those who have liver problems. Naturally, the use of such drugs is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Tablets are prescribed only in cases where creams have no therapeutic effect and if the affected area of the nail plate is large enough.
Preventive methods
As already mentioned, the infection process occurs due to direct contact of the nails or skin with the source of infection. If your immunity is in perfect order, then you should not worry. Otherwise, the disease takes root very quickly and is very difficult to overcome. It is enough to observe the following personal hygiene rules:
- do not walk barefoot on the beaches and in the pools;
- wear socks and change them every day;
- Never try on a stranger's shoes;
- dry your feet after showering.
Such simple rules will allow you to increase your chances and not get infected from someone else with this extremely unpleasant disease, which will cause you a lot of inconvenience and discomfort in the future.