In the scientific literature, the fungus is called "mycosis". A narrow specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you encounter a fungus for the first time and come to the doctor on time, a regular therapist will prescribe treatment. A mycologist is consulted only in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycosis:
- surface (on the skin, nails, mucous membrane);
- deep or systemic (involves 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, syrups and capsules. If you have rubbed your nails with ointment for a month, but it does not help, then you can not do without taking medicine internally.
"Often we hope it will go away on its own, " says the famous doctor and host of his own shows about this disease. - But medical science does not know of such a case where a fungus forms on the nail and then disappears by itself. This is not happening. Either you will live with it for the rest of your life, or you will undergo a proper course of treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Some antifungal drugs cause liver complications. Of course, if you have to choose between healthy nails and a healthy liver, the majority will choose the liver. But if we use drugs carefully and under the supervision of a doctor, we are not risking anything. "
Prevention
If fungal infection is a recurring story for you, you should focus on preventive measures. Doctors advise to follow the following rules.
Pay close attention to your clothes and shoes . Socks should be cotton and fit your feet comfortably. They need to be changed regularly. Make sure to wash in hot water. Disinfect your shoes with special sprays. Boots should have time to dry between uses. It is better to have three pairs of shoes for each season. And, of course, shoes and underwear should be strictly individual. You can't walk around the apartment in common slippers or wear expensive shoes for your friend.Hygiene products should also be individual . Everyone knows about a separate towel for the feet. But think about it, does each member of your family have a separate manicure set? Better to buy a few scissors and files, never swap or borrow from each other.Excessive humidity should not be allowed . After all, this is an ideal environment for the proliferation of fungi. Always dry with a towel after showering. Do not wear the same socks and sneakers after a run. Dry your shoes thoroughly. If necessary, use a dry foot deodorant powder.Take care of your immunity . Fungus can appear on anyone's skin. But a healthy body will have enough strength to eliminate it, and the infection will not manifest itself in any way. Frequent mycoses may indicate a decrease in your immune defenses. The immune system may be adversely affected when taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.Do not confuse cleanliness and sterility . Hygiene is hygiene, but you should not treat your feet with antibiotic ointment three times a day for no reason. Such measures should be taken only after the appointment of a doctor. Bacteria and fungi on the skin of the feet live in a state of balance. By killing all the bacteria, we allow the fungus to grow unchecked.
How to treat?
Advertising offers us many local medicines. In addition to having different compositions, they also exist in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are tablets to match them.
Advice.Creams and ointments are not suitable for treating nails. You need to draw them on cotton wool, rub them on the nail, and then tie them with a bandage. Most drugs are required twice a day, which means the whole procedure will have to be repeated. The varnish can be applied simply with a brush and the solution can be dripped and wait for it to dry a little.
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. Thus, in the pharmacy, you can choose not only a certain expensive product, but also its cheap analogue.
Topical medications are available under dozens of trade names. Not all of them are cheap. The price is mainly related to whether one bottle or tube is enough for the entire treatment of one nail.
Attention!Most medications should be used until healthy nails grow. The speed of nail growth is an individual characteristic of each organism. But for most people, it will take at least six months. Therefore, be prepared for a long treatment.
If these means are not enough, the doctor will choose suitable tablets for you that will increase the effect of ointments and varnishes. These are highly toxic products. But this does not mean that they should be neglected. You should use them with extreme caution and at the same time constantly monitor the condition of the liver. The course of these drugs is usually intermittent so that the body has time to rest.
Despite the possibility of severe side effects, you should not abandon the course when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor should stop the medicine. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. At the same time, it is also possible that he will develop resistance to the medicine prescribed to you. And then the doctor will have to prescribe you large doses 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 self-treatment at home. But it is better to ask a doctor for help. He will prescribe the appropriate topical medication for you. If they do not help, the doctor recommends using systemic drugs. The pills have quite a few side effects. But if you use them under the constant supervision of a specialist, you can get rid of the problem without causing any damage to the body.