Onychomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. Every second person is a carrier of this disease. The infection is caused by harmful bacteria, which in medicine are called epidermophytes. Onychomycosis affects all age groups equally. Pathogenic fungi can live on almost any surface, so one must adhere to safety standards. A seemingly harmless infection can be a symptom of a more serious pathology. To quickly find the right medicine for toenail fungus, you need to see a doctor right away.
Important!
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or worsening of other diseases, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you should contact a specialist.
Disease symptoms
Pathogenic fungi are considered one of the most powerful bacteria. In order for the microorganisms on the sole to die, the shoes must be kept for 20 minutes in a 1% formalin solution. That is why it is very difficult to cure onychomycosis on the nails. The patient must strictly follow all the instructions of the attending physician. The main signs of fungus include:
- changes in the nail plate;
- yellowing of nails;
- the occurrence of unpleasant odors;
- severe itching;
- destruction of nail shape.
Patients need to find the best remedy for toenail fungus as soon as possible. Because without proper treatment, this disease can cause complications. In this case, the patient experiences acute pain in the nail and severe redness. It is important to remember that symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease. Doctors divide it into four phases:
- early (discoloration, itching);
- period of hyperkeratosis (nails become loose and thick);
- penetration stage under the nail plate (severe cuticle inflammation);
- neglected form (nail atrophy and collapse).
Doctors are convinced that the best remedy for toenail fungus is caution and attention. At the first manifestation of mycosis, you should immediately go to a specialist. Advanced forms of the disease can lead the patient to the operating table.
The reasons
There are many sources of fungal infections. In fact, it can be any place where a person is barefoot. Onychomycosis is a dangerous disease. Infection can occur at any time after infection. Often, people with weak immunity are susceptible to this disease. But, nevertheless, the fungus only occurs in certain conditions:
- poor quality shoes;
- injury to nails or feet;
- non-compliance with personal hygiene;
- various skin diseases.
Most people believe that onychomycosis is contracted exclusively in swimming pools, saunas, beaches and baths, although this is not entirely true. Fungus does prefer a moist environment, but when one's skin is steamed, the infection is easily separated from the affected area. That is where the danger lies. Pathogenic microorganisms fall on any surface and wait for the next carrier, so you can get infected through:
- slippers;
- socks;
- floors (especially tiles in the bathroom);
- sand;
- sun lounger.
The weaker the patient's immunity, the more dangerous the fungal infection is for him. To protect yourself, you need to know the first and foremost remedy against toenail fungus - personal hygiene. This disease is easily treated only on the first day after infection.
Which doctor will prescribe medicine for foot fungus?
Onychomycosis can cause serious discomfort and many problems to a person. Even after successful treatment, there is still a chance of recurrence. Neglected forms of the fungus require long and complex therapy. The course of treatment will include many medications and procedures to restore the nail. Patients should make appointments with: podiatrists, cosmetologists, therapists. Only complex treatment will help get rid of the problem.
It is very important for the patient not to delay the trip to the specialist, because the disease multiplies quickly. People often ask: which doctor should I contact first and how to choose the best medicine for toenail fungus? Dermatologists specialize in skin diseases, while mycologists deal exclusively with fungal infections. In fact, patients need both doctors, so the choice between them is not important. The listed experts know how to cure yeast infections as quickly and effectively as possible. During the appointment, the doctor will do the following:
- listen to patient complaints;
- review the patient's medical records;
- conduct a visual inspection;
- inspect nails with Woods lamp.
Before choosing the right medicine for toenail fungus, each specialist listed will prescribe a test. First of all, the patient will take an onychomycosis scraping. Next, the patient will be diagnosed, and a course of treatment will be prepared.
Effective remedy for toenail fungus
Treatment of the disease directly depends on the type of mycosis and its scale. Only after a clear definition of the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe adequate treatment. Although there are many different remedies, fungus is very difficult to get rid of. It is important to remember that the drugs themselves can cause serious damage to health. Typically, patients are given topical medications:
- ointment;
- gel;
- varnish;
- spray;
- cream.
The listed external agents achieve the maximum concentration of active substances in the affected area. This medicine for toenail fungus does not enter the bloodstream, which facilitates treatment for people prone to allergic reactions. There are also systemic therapies. It is prescribed when the patient:
- mycosis affects the entire nail area;
- advanced stages of fungus;
- suffering seized several fingers;
- diabetes;
- mature age
Doctors warn that the systemic treatment of the fungus is strongly contraindicated for pregnant women and people with liver disease, as well as for breastfeeding. In this case, local therapy methods are required. Also, effective remedies for toenail fungus can be found in traditional medicine. Various recipes can speed up the healing process safely.
When should you not postpone a visit to the doctor?
If there is any disease, the patient should always consult a doctor. Especially if it is a contagious fungal infection. The disease is often underestimated, and onychomycosis can cause damage to the entire body. Postponing a visit to a specialist can cause complications such as:
- allergic sensitivity to fungi;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- penetration of infection into internal organs.
To find an effective remedy for toenail fungus as soon as possible, you need to consult a specialist. It is important not to self-diagnose, as there are several types of onychomycosis:
- dermatophyte (white-yellow stripes along the edge of the nail);
- yeast (nail plate turns yellow).
- fungal (chronic form of the disease).
When self-medicating, patients often skip the "contraindications" section, which can cause severe problems. Therefore, it is better to contact a dermatologist who can easily choose a cheap, high-quality medicine for toenail fungus. Complications of the disease can cause various painful rashes and allergic dermatitis, as well as bronchial asthma.
The best remedy for toenail fungus
In the treatment of mycosis, the patient must seek medical help in time. Dermatologists state that neglected feet and toenails double the chance of fungus. Dry, trampled skin on the feet is an ideal springboard for the development of infection. Unlike adults, children rarely experience mycosis, because it is difficult for pathogens to "cling" to delicate and smooth skin. For severe disease stages, use:
- surgical intervention;
- laser therapy;
- antimycotic.
An effective remedy for toenail fungus is laser treatment. This method works because of the high temperature of the beam, which covers the affected area. The laser safely kills mycelial and onychomycosis spores. Surgery involves the complete removal of the nail. This is done in the most difficult cases. The nail plate will grow back only if the matrix remains intact.