Onychomycosis (fungus on the nails and feet) is a dermatological pathology that does not pose a threat to life, but causes many inconveniences.Even a completely healthy person can become infected with a fungus, but it is people with weak immunity who do not pay due attention to hygiene who represent a risk group.
In the absence of treatment, the fungus, getting on the skin of a healthy person, can completely destroy the nail plate, spreading more and more.That is why it is so important to start taking medications prescribed by a dermatologist in a timely manner.
What is the cause of ringworm
You can become infected with a fungus after the pathogen reaches the surface of the skin or the deep layers of the dermis due to microcracks.Moreover, most often this happens during daily contact with a sick person.
Infection can occur in swimming pools, saunas and other places with high humidity.Low temperatures are not capable of destroying agent colonies, but temperatures above 60 degrees are destructive for them.
Onychomycosis infection occurs when visiting pedicure salons, where the rules for sterilizing instruments are not followed.It is also possible to become infected using a hotel shower or bathtub.Wearing/trying on shoes that come into contact with the feet of a person with fungus can also cause pathology.
The causes of the fungus vary, but there are indisputable factors that provoke infection:
- increased foot sweating;
- decreased functioning of the immune system;
- insufficient foot hygiene;
- carrying out antibacterial therapy;
- foot injuries (cuts, cracks, minor abrasions or calluses).
What symptoms should you watch out for?
As it is very difficult to eliminate nail fungus (especially in the later stages), it is better to know the symptoms of this condition in advance.The main signs of onychomycosis infection:
- redness of the skin around the nail, accompanied by itching;
- peeling or appearance of small cracks in the skin;
- clouding of the nail plate;
- bad smell when feet sweat;
- subtle spots on the nails that are gray, dull green, yellow or even black (sometimes white if the agent is a fungus that causes candidiasis);
- gradual separation of the nail plate;
- nails crumbling.
If nail fungus is not treated, the symptoms become more pronounced and the condition of the nail plate worsens.Therefore, at the first manifestations of the pathology, see a dermatologist.
Features of therapy
To get rid of the problem as quickly as possible, you need to understand what stage the disease is at.Only after a complete examination will the dermatologist be able to prescribe an effective treatment.The Isis private clinic is prepared to offer a qualified dermatologist, so seek help when you notice the first symptoms - do not self-medicate.
In advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove the nail plate;the procedure must be carried out respecting sanitary conditions.
In the initial stages, the dermatologist prescribes external treatment with antibacterial creams and ointments.In the later stages (if the pathology appeared more than a year ago), systemic therapy is prescribed, including the application of special creams, the use of antifungal drugs, immunostimulants and vitamin supplements.
Disease prevention
Since it is impossible to quickly cure nail fungus, prepare for a long course of therapy, and you may need to take a second course after some time.
To avoid this, always remember about disease prevention, especially if you have a weak immune system:
- wear shoes on the beach;
- wear closed rubber slippers in swimming pools and saunas;
- Always buy cotton socks (wash daily);
- do not try on someone else's shoes;
- always keep your feet dry;
- Disinfect your shoes periodically.