In scientific literature the fungus is called "mycosis". A narrow specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you encountered a fungus for the first time and came to the doctor on time, a regular therapist will prescribe treatment. A mycologist is consulted only in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycosis:
- superficial (on the skin, on the nail, on the mucosa);
- deep or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Drugs 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 have not received any benefit from it, you cannot do without taking drugs internally.
"We often hope that it will disappear on its own, " the famous doctor and host of his programs says of this disease. - But medical science is not aware of such a case where a fungus appeared on the nail and then disappeared on its own. This doesn't happen. Either you will live with it all your life or, under the guidance of a doctor, you will undergo a course of appropriate treatment. Some antifungal drugs cause liver complications. Of course, if choosing between a healthy nail and a healthy liver, most will choose the liver. But if we use the drugs carefully and under the supervision of a doctor, we don't risk anything. "
Prevention
If a fungal infection is a recurring story for you, you should pay attention to preventive measures. Doctors recommend following the following rules.
- Pay close attention to your clothes and shoes. Socks should be cotton and fit loosely on your feet. They need to be changed regularly. Be sure to wash in warm water. Disinfect your shoes using special sprays. The boots should be given time to dry between uses. It is best to have three pairs of shoes for each season. And, of course, shoes and underwear must be strictly individual. You can't walk around the apartment in shared slippers or put on expensive shoes for a friend.
- Hygiene products should also be individual. Everyone knows about a separate towel for the feet. But think about it, does each member of your family have a separate manicure set? It is better to buy multiple 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 towel dry after showering. Don't wear the same socks and sneakers after a run. Dry your shoes thoroughly. If necessary, use a powdered dry foot deodorant.
- Take care of your immunity. Fungi 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 mycosis may indicate that your immune defenses have decreased. The immune system can be negatively affected by taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.
- Don't confuse cleanliness and sterility. Hygiene is hygiene, but you shouldn't treat your feet three times a day with antibiotic ointments for no reason. Such measures should only be taken on medical prescription. Bacteria and fungi on the skin of the feet live in a state of equilibrium. By destroying all bacteria, we allow fungi to multiply uncontrollably.
How to treat?
Advertising offers us many local medicines. In addition to having different compositions, they are also available in different shapes. Drops, paints, ointments, creams. . . And there are also corresponding tablets for them.
Advise.Creams and ointments are inconvenient to use to treat nails. You will have to apply them on a cotton ball, apply them to the nail and then seal them with a plaster. Most drugs require taking twice a day, which means the entire procedure will have to be repeated. While the paint can simply be applied with a brush, or the solution can be dripped and wait a while for it to dry.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the drug. Ask him to recommend not only the trade name of the medicine, but also the international name of the active ingredient. This way you can choose in the pharmacy not only a certain expensive product, but also its cheap analogue.
Topical medications are available under dozens of brand names. Not all of them are cheap. The price is largely due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough for the entire course of treating one nail.
Attention!Most medications should be used until the nails grow healthy. The growth rate of nails is an individual characteristic of each organism. But for most people it will take at least six months. So be prepared for a long treatment.
If these remedies are not enough, the doctor will select for you the appropriate compresses that will enhance the effect of ointments and varnishes. These are quite toxic products. But that doesn't mean they should be neglected. You just need to use them with extreme caution and at the same time constantly monitor the condition of the liver. The course of these drugs is usually intermittent so that the body has time to rest.
Despite the possibility of serious side effects, you should not abandon the course halfway when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor should discontinue the drug. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. At the same time, it is possible that you will develop resistance to the prescribed drug. And then your doctor will have to prescribe high doses or an even more toxic medicine.
So, despite advertising claims, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can take a risk by trying to solve it by self-medicating at home. But it is better to ask a doctor for help. He will prescribe the appropriate topical medications. If they do not help, the doctor will recommend the use of systemic drugs. The pills have several side effects. But if you use them under the constant supervision of a specialist, you can eliminate the problem without causing any harm to the body.