In the scientific literature, the fungus is called "mycosis". A narrow specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you encountered a fungus for the first time and got to the doctor in time, a regular therapist will give you onePrescribe treatment. A mycologist is consulted only in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycoses:
- superficial (on the skin, on the nail, on the mucous membrane);
- deep or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Drugs for this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic drugs. The former are applied directly to the affected area, the latter are taken orally in the form of tablets, syrups and capsules. If you have smeared your nails with ointment for a whole month, but it does not bring any benefit, you cannot do without taking medications internally.
"Often we hope that it will go away on its own, " says the famous doctor and host of his own shows about this disease. - However, medical science does not know of such a case in which a fungus appeared on the nail and then disappeared on its own. Thisdoesn't happen. Either you will live with it all your life or you will undergo appropriate treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Some antifungal drugs cause complications to the liver. If you are choosing between a healthy nail and a healthy liver, of course most people choosethe liver. But if we use medications carefully and under medical supervision, we don't risk anything. "
prevention
If you have a recurring fungal infection, you should take preventive measures. Doctors advise following the following rules.
- Pay special attention to your clothing and shoes. Socks should be cotton and fit loosely on your feet. They need to be changed regularly. Be sure to wash in hot water. Disinfect your shoes with special sprays. The 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 strictly individual. You cannot walk around the apartment in shared slippers or wear expensive shoes for a friend.
- Hygiene products should also be individual. Everyone knows a separate towel for the feet. But think about it: does each member of your family have their own manicure set? It is better to buy several scissors and files, never change them or borrow them from each other.
- Excessive humidity should not be allowed. After all, this is an ideal environment for fungi to spread. Always dry with a towel after showering. Don't wear the same socks and sneakers after a run. Dry your shoes thoroughly. Use dry powder foot deodorant if necessary.
- Take care of your immunity. Fungi can appear on any skin. But a healthy body will have enough strength to overcome it, and the infection will not manifest itself in any way. Frequent mycoses can be an indication that your immune system is weakened. The immune system can be impaired by taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.
- Do not confuse cleanliness and sterility. Hygiene is hygiene, but you should treat your feet with an antibiotic ointment three times a day for a reason. Such measures should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Bacteria and fungi on the skin of the feet live in balance. By destroying all bacteria, we enable the fungi to multiply uncontrollably.
How to treat?
Advertising offers us many local medicines. Aside from having different compositions, they also come in different shapes. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are also corresponding tablets for that.
Advice.Creams and ointments are impractical for nail treatment. You need to apply them on cotton wool, apply them to the nail and then seal them with a plaster. Most medications require taking twice a day, which means the entire procedure must be repeated. While the varnish can simply be applied with a brush, you can let the solution drip on and wait for it to dry.
Your doctor will tell you the exact name of the medicine. Ask him to provide not only the trade name of the drug, but also the international name of the active ingredient. This allows you to choose not only a specific expensive product in the pharmacy, but also its inexpensive counterpart.
Topical medications are available under dozens of trade names. All of them are not cheap. The price is mainly due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough for the entire treatment of one nail.
Attention!Most medications must be taken until healthy nails grow. The speed of nail growth is an individual characteristic of each organism. However, for most people this takes at least six months. Therefore, be prepared for a long treatment.
If these means are not enough, the doctor will select the right tablets for you that will enhance the effect of ointments and varnishes. These are pretty toxic products. However, this does not mean that they should be neglected. You just need to use them with extreme caution, while constantly monitoring the condition of the liver. These medications are usually taken intermittently to give the body time to rest.
Despite the possibility of serious side effects, you should not stop the course midway if you notice the first signs of improvement. The doctor must stop the medication. Otherwise, there is a high chance that the fungus will return. At the same time, it is possible that he will develop resistance to the medication prescribed to you. And then the doctor has to prescribe you large doses or an even more toxic drug.
Therefore, despite advertising claims, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can take a risk by trying to solve the problem through self-medication at home. However, it is better to see a doctor. He will prescribe you appropriate topical medications. If they do not help, the doctor will recommend the use of systemic medications. The pills have some side effects. However, if you use them under the constant supervision of a specialist, you can get rid of the problem without harming the body.