How to cure nail fungus: main rules and mistakes that should not be made

Onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that becomes noticeable when it develops quite intensely and requires active treatment. For whom is the fungus most dangerous and what mistakes should be avoided to get rid of it? Let's talk.

Damage to toenails is caused by different types of fungi (molds, yeasts, trichophytes). The nail plates on the feet are most affected. The danger of this disease is that it does not appear immediately, noticeable changes already occur when it is more difficult to influence the causative agent of the disease. In this case, the infection can easily spread from the feet to the hands, and can also penetrate the organs, which harms overall health.

This is a very common disease and, with age, the chances of getting an infection increase.

Self-treatment, despite the large number of medicines in pharmacies, is unacceptable, as it may simply not lead to the desired effect or may worsen the condition. We tell you why, as well as how to protect yourself from this unpleasant pathology and which treatment methods can be used and which may not help.

Types of nail fungus

Onychomycosis can differ in the type of fungus itself, the form of infection and the stage.

Types of fungi

• Yeast.Yeast doesn't just live outside, it's part of our microflora. Typically, it consists of "good" and "bad" bacteria in an ideal combination. With normal immunity and health, yeast does not show its negative properties, and if they are disturbed, they become dangerous.
• Dermatophytes.This is the most common causative agent of the disease (more than 80% of cases). You can find them on the floor, in dust, and you can also get them from cats and dogs. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm.
• Mold.Mold thrives in damp, warm environments (which is why it's important to regularly ventilate rooms). These mushrooms are widespread, literally everywhere, some species can even be found in food. In addition to ringworm, they can cause lung disease.

Depending on the type of mushroom, some treatments may vary. To determine the species, a mycological culture is taken from the nails, where the type of fungus is determined, as well as its sensitivity to antifungals. Based on these results, the medicine is selected.

Without an accurate diagnosis, self-administration of the medication may simply not work.

Types according to the shape of the injury

• Surface- damage to the nail plates themselves.
• Distal- The forefoot is affected.
• Side- side parts.
• Proximal- rear end.
• Total- The entire foot is affected.

Development stages

• Early.The most difficult stage, as at this time external manifestations may be slightly noticeable. At the same time, it is advisable to start treatment.
• Progressive.The appearance of your nails has already visibly changed.
• Released.The nail plates are destroyed. Secondary infections may occur, which will only worsen symptoms.

The sooner treatment begins, the more successful it will be. It is important to remember that the disease progresses more quickly in people with a weakened immune system.

Nail fungus - symptoms

The first signs of a fungal infection may begin with lesions on the skin of the foot, manifested by redness, scaling and itching. Furthermore, the disease can only begin with a change in the appearance of the nails. At the beginning of the disease, the nail plate is most often affected at the edge in the form of a yellowish or whitish spot. Subsequently, the color of the entire plate changes and its thickness changes. The infection can affect one nail or all of them.

Outwardly, there is nothing attractive about this disease - this is proven by photos of nail fungus.

Causes

The causes of nail fungus are most often associated with direct contact with someone who is infected with the infection or with objects that he or she has used (shoes, clothes, bath mats, washcloths, manicure tools). Infection often occurs when visiting swimming pools, saunas, baths and gyms. Factors that contribute to infection are cracks in the interdigital folds, increased sweating of the feet, dry skin and lesions on the plates.

At risk for this disease are, first of all, people with reduced immunity, as well as those who have pathologies such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immune diseases, as well as those taking steroids and cytostatic (antitumor) drugs.

Prevention and treatment

To prevent infection, it is very important to follow hygiene rules:

1. in swimming pools, saunas, baths, only slate is used;
2. regularly air and dry your shoes;
3. change socks regularly;
4. after the pool, take a shower and let your feet dry;
5. do not try on someone else's shoes, especially barefoot;
6. increase immunity.

Furthermore, if you know that there is a carrier of the infection near you, it is important not to use your hygiene items or shoes.

How to get rid of foot fungus

At the first signs of infection noticed (we have already told and shown what nail fungus looks like), you should immediately start treating it, without starting it. Firstly, the infection can reach neighboring plaques, and in addition, it can enter the organs with the blood, which can cause poisoning, allergic reactions or diseases associated with the immune system.

Treatment of nail fungus includes external methods (antifungal solutions, creams, ointments), as well as oral administration of antifungal medications in tablets. At the initial stage of infection, if the duration of the disease is not more than a month and the plaque damage is not more than 1/3, only external antifungal therapy is possible. If the process is long, pills will be needed for a complete recovery.

There are also surgical and laser treatment methods, but by themselves they may not be effective enough; the plaque may still grow back defective.

Self-medication is also not permitted. It's very dangerous. The doctor must choose any means and then help monitor the healing process. With this disease it is not quick (from 3 months or more). At the first visible improvements, you should not stop taking medications, as a relapse may occur - the infection remains inside the nail, you need to wait until the plate grows back completely, without damage. It is necessary to complete the entire course, and always under supervision.

The most common errors in treatment

• Simply dry untreated shoes and socks.If fungus appears on your feet, it is important not to just wash or dry your shoes or socks. Shoes should be treated with an antifungal agent and socks should be ironed to kill harmful spores.
• Only use your own hygiene instruments, but do not treat them in any way.Regardless of who has the infection - you or a relative, you need to not only start using only individual hygiene items and utensils, but also treat them with special means. Whenever possible, it is best to use disposable instruments.
• Use folk remedies.You can find many of these recipes on the Internet. Some may help, but experimenting on your own can be very dangerous. Everything needs to be agreed with your doctor.