In the scientific literature, the fungus is referred to as "mycosis". A narrow specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you find the fungus for the first time and come to the doctor on time, then the usual therapist will prescribe treatment. Mycologists are consulted only in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycosis:
- superficial (on the skin, on the nails, on the mucous membrane);
- deep, or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Medicines for this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic. The first is applied directly to the affected area, the second is taken orally in the form of tablets, syrup, and capsules. If you have smeared your nails with ointment for a month, but there is no benefit from it, then you cannot do without taking medicine internally.
"Often we hope it will go away on its own, " said the famous doctor and host of his own program about the disease. - But medical science does not know such cases when the fungus appears on the nails and then disappears by itself. This is not the case. Either you will live with it for the rest of your life, or, under the guidance of a doctor, you will undergo a proper course of treatment. Some antifungal drugs cause liver complications. Of course, if you had to choose between healthy nails and a healthy heart, most would choose the heart. But if we use the medicine carefully and under the supervision of a doctor, we do not risk anything. "
Prevention
If fungal infections are a recurring story for you, you should pay attention to preventive measures. Doctors advise following the following rules.
Pay close attention to your clothes and shoes . Socks should be made of cotton and fit loosely on your feet. They need to be changed regularly. Be sure to wash in hot water. Disinfect your shoes using a special spray. Boots should have time to dry between uses. It is better if you have three pairs of shoes for each season. And, of course, shoes and underwear must be individual. You can't walk around the apartment in shared slippers, or wear expensive shoes for a friend.Hygiene products should also be individual . Everyone knows about separate towels for feet. But think about it, does each member of your family have a separate manicure set? It is better to buy several scissors and files, never exchange them or borrow 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. Do not wear the same socks and shoes after running. Dry your shoes thoroughly. If necessary, use a dry foot deodorant in powder form.Take care of your immunity . Fungus can appear on anyone's skin. But a healthy body will have enough strength to cope with it, and the infection will not manifest itself in any way. Frequent mycoses may indicate that your immune defenses have decreased. The immune system may be affected by taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.Do not confuse cleanliness and sterility . Hygiene is hygiene, but you should not treat your feet three times a day with antibiotic ointment for no reason. Such measures should be taken only after a doctor's prescription. Bacteria and fungi on the skin of the feet live in a balanced state. By destroying all the bacteria, we allow the fungus to multiply uncontrollably.
How to treat?
Advertising offers us many local remedies. In addition to the fact that they have different compositions, they are also available in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are also corresponding tablets for them.
Advice.Creams and ointments are inconvenient to use to treat nails. You need to put it on cotton wool, apply it to the nail, and then cover it with a band-aid. Most medications require twice a day, meaning the entire procedure needs to be repeated. Whereas varnish can only be applied with a brush, and the solution can be dripped and wait a little until it dries.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the medicine. Ask him to advise not only the trade name of the drug, but also the international name of the active ingredient. In this way you can choose in the pharmacy not only certain expensive products, but also their cheap analogues.
Topical medications are available under dozens of trade names. Everything is not cheap. This price is largely due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough for the entire treatment of one nail.
Attention!Most medications should be used until you grow healthy nails. The rate of nail growth is an individual characteristic of each organism. But for most people this will take at least six months. Therefore, be prepared for a long treatment.
If these drugs are not enough, the doctor will choose the right tablets for you that will increase the effect of ointments and varnishes. This is a fairly toxic product. But this does not mean that they should be ignored. You just need to use it very carefully, and at the same time always monitor the state of the heart. The course of these drugs is usually alternated so that the body has time to rest.
Despite the possibility of severe side effects, you should not stop the course in the middle when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor must stop the medicine. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. At the same time, there is a possibility that he will develop resistance to the medicine prescribed to you. And then the doctor has to prescribe you a large dose or a more toxic drug.
So, despite the advertising claims, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can take a risk by trying to solve it with your own remedies at home. But it is better to get help from a doctor. He will prescribe the appropriate topical medication for you. If they do not help, the doctor will advise using systemic drugs. The pill has some side effects. But if you use it under the constant supervision of a specialist, you can get rid of the problem without causing damage to the body.