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 toes and nails. At the same time, age does not matter at all here, because the fungus is observed in adults, as well as in teenagers and children.
Cause of disease
Fungus, or, as it is also called, onychomycosis, occurs as a result of exposure to various types of fungi, that is, simply, pathogens. Personal hygiene is also important; if you do not comply, you yourself create the necessary conditions for the reproduction of bacteria. In addition, you can easily become the owner of such an unpleasant disease, because the fungus can be infected from other people.
This happens most often in the following cases:
- use of common household tools and items;
- unsterilized manicure instruments;
- sauna and bath;
- shared shower in the gym or swimming pool.
The success of treatment effectiveness 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 only affect the skin or nails of the toes and hands, while others affect the sides of the fingers and the tops of the feet.
Less common are the effects of fungi such as epidermophytons, trichophytons, as well as yeast or mold, which most often appear in older people. Often this onychomycosis affects the first few toes.
Diagnostic process and factors accompanying the disease
Before determining a comprehensive treatment for nail fungus, that is, on the toes, you should undergo an examination. But it is necessary to remember the following factors that only increase the process of bacterial development:
- The occurrence of any damage to the plate itself, as well as the skin around it.
- Various types of diseases, including varicose veins and other endocrine diseases.
- Decreased immune system function and hormonal imbalance (often in pregnant women).
Symptoms of fungal diseases largely depend on the type of pathogen. It often affects toenails, and there are four levels of damage:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- onycholysis.
In addition, this disease is quite dangerous, because in the case of mold fungi there are negative effects on the body itself, as well as intoxication, because the bacteria release toxins. Let's take a closer look at how to get rid of this disease, and what medicine will really help you forget about this infection.
Methods of treating diseases
To choose the right and, most importantly, effective treatment, it is important to take into account the degree of damage to the nail plate and its growth rate. Moreover, the effect is the same in both cases: in the case of damage to the toenails, and in the case of fungus on the hands, the treatment can be either complex or local.
Local exposure is most often required if the fungus affects only a few nails, or if the plate is only half affected.
For complex techniques, 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 disinfectant effect. For example, relatively good products are based on acids and essential oils, which are available in the form of sprays or lotions, and the reviews about them are only positive. It is important that the product is suitable for everyone from a financial point of view, because the price is quite reasonable.
Taking the pill is only possible after a doctor's prescription, because it has a strong effect on the body as a whole, especially for those with liver problems. Naturally, the use of the drug is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Tablets are prescribed only in cases where the cream has no therapeutic effect, and if the affected area on 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 condition, then you don't need to worry. Otherwise, the disease takes root quickly and is very difficult to overcome. It is enough to follow the following rules regarding personal hygiene:
- do not walk barefoot on the beach or in the swimming pool;
- wearing socks and changing them daily;
- Do not try on the shoes of strangers under any circumstances;
- dry your feet after showering.
Such simple rules will allow you to increase your chances and not be infected from others with this very unpleasant disease, which in the future will give you a lot of inconvenience and discomfort.