How to treat onychomycosis: main rules and mistakes not to make

Onychomycosis is an unpleasant condition that becomes apparent when it is quite advanced and requires aggressive treatment. For whom is fungus most dangerous? What mistakes should you avoid when killing fungus? Let's talk about it.Toenail lesions are caused by different types of fungi (mold, yeast, trichophyton). The nail plates of the feet are most commonly affected. The danger of this disease is that it does not appear immediately; noticeable changes have already occurred when it becomes more difficult for the pathogen to affect the disease. In this case, the infection can easily spread from the feet to the hands and penetrate the organs, which can have a negative impact on overall health.This is a very common disease and the chance of infection increases with age.Although there are a large number of medications available in pharmacies, self-medication is not acceptable; it may not have the desired effect at all, or it may worsen the condition. We tell you why and how to protect yourself from this unpleasant pathology, as well as which treatments are available and which may not help.

Types of toenail fungus

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

Types of fungi

• yeast.Yeast doesn’t just live outside, it’s part of our microbiome. Typically, it consists of an optimal mix of "good" and "bad" bacteria. Under normal immunity and health conditions, yeasts do not exhibit their negative properties, and if they are disturbed, they can become dangerous.
• Dermatophytes.This is the most common causative agent of the disease (more than 80% of cases). You can find them underground, in dust, and on cats and dogs. This species is also the causative agent of ringworm.
• mold.Mold thrives in moist and warm environments (which is why it's important to ventilate the room regularly). This mushroom is so common that it can be found almost everywhere, and some species can even be found in food. In addition to fungal diseases, they can also cause lung disease.

Depending on the type of mushroom, some treatments may vary. To determine the species, a fungal culture is taken from the nail to determine the type of fungus and its susceptibility to antifungal drugs. Based on these results, the drug is selected.

Without an accurate diagnosis, self-administration may not work at all.

Classification according to lesion morphology

• surface- Damage to the nail plate itself.
• remote- The forefoot is affected.
• side- Side part.
• proximal- rear end.
• all- The entire foot is affected.

development stage

• Early.This is the most difficult stage because the external manifestations may be slightly noticeable at this time. At the same time, it is recommended to start treatment.
• progress.There has been a visible change in the appearance of the nails.
• roll out.The nail plate is damaged. Secondary infections may occur, which will only make symptoms worse.

The earlier treatment is started, the more successful it will be. It is important to remember that the disease progresses more quickly in people with weakened immune systems.

Onychomycosis - Symptoms

The first signs of a fungal infection may begin with damaged skin on the feet, manifesting as redness, peeling, and itching. In addition, this disease can only begin with changes in the appearance of the nails. During the onset of the disease, the edges of the nail plate are most commonly affected and appear as yellow or white spots. Subsequently, the color of the entire sheet changes, as does the thickness. The infection may affect one nail or all of the nails.

On the surface, this disease is unattractive—and photos of toenail fungus prove it.

reason

The cause of toenail fungus is usually related to direct contact with an infected person or items he or she has used (shoes, clothing, bathroom mats, towels, manicure tools). Infections often occur during visits to swimming pools, saunas, bathrooms and gyms. Factors leading to infection include rupture of the interdigital folds, increased foot sweating, dry skin, and plate damage.The risk of this disease is first of all for people with low immunity, as well as people with diseases such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, flat feet, immune diseases, and people taking steroids and cytostatics (antineoplastic drugs)) drugs. Drugs.

Prevention and treatment

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

1. Wear only stone slabs in swimming pools, saunas, and bathrooms;
2. Dry shoes regularly;
3. Change socks regularly;
4. After the pool, shower and let your feet dry;
5. Don’t try on other people’s shoes, especially bare feet;
6. Increase immunity.

Also, if you know you are around a person who is infected, be sure not to use his hygiene products or shoes.

How to get rid of foot fungus

As soon as you notice the first signs of infection (we've told and shown what toenail fungus looks like), you must start treatment immediately without starting treatment. First, the infection can reach neighboring plates. Additionally, it can travel with the bloodstream into organs, causing poisoning, allergic reactions, or immune system-related illnesses.

Treatments for toenail fungus include topical methods (antifungal solutions, creams, ointments), as well as oral antifungal tablets. In the early stage of infection, if the duration of the disease does not exceed one month and the damage to the steel plate does not exceed 1/3, only topical antifungal treatment can be performed. If the process is long, pills may be needed to fully recover.

There are also surgical and laser treatments, but they may not be effective enough on their own; the plate may still grow back the defective portion.Self-medication is also not allowed. This is very dangerous. Your doctor should choose whatever method you choose and then help monitor the healing process. The disease does not progress quickly (3 months or more). You should not stop taking the drug at the first noticeable improvement, since a recurrence may occur - the infection remains inside the nail, and you need to wait until the nail plate has completely grown back without damage. It is necessary to complete the entire course, always under supervision.

The most common mistakes in therapy

• Just leave your shoes and socks to dry, no handling required.If fungus develops on your feet, it's important to not only wash or dry your shoes or socks. Shoes should be treated with antifungals and socks should be ironed to kill harmful spores.
• Only use your own sanitary utensils, but do not dispose of them in any way.No matter who is infected - you or a relative, you need not only to start using only personal hygiene products and tools, but also to treat it with special methods. It is best to use disposable instruments if possible.
• Use folk remedies.You can find many such recipes on the Internet. Some may be helpful, but trying them on your own can be very dangerous. Everything needs to be approved by your doctor.