Few people know that it is very difficult to get rid of this unpleasant disease and the whole process takes a lot of time. Almost 20% of the population is affected by this disease, which occurs in both toes and nails. At the same time, age does not matter here, since the fungus is observed in adults and even in adolescents and children.
Causes of the disease
The fungus, or, as it is also called, onychomycosis, occurs as a result of exposure to various types of fungi, that is, simply put, pathogens. Personal hygiene is also important: if you do not observe it, you yourself create the necessary conditions for the proliferation of bacteria. In addition, you can easily become the owner of such an unpleasant disease, since the fungus can be infected by another person.
This happens most often in the following cases:
- use of common household tools and items;
- non-sterilized manicure instruments;
- saunas and baths;
- shared showers in gyms or swimming pools.
The success of the treatment's effectiveness lies in the diagnosis of the agent causing the disease, which is done through laboratory tests.
At the same time, each type of fungus has a specific affected area. For example, some only affect the skin or nails on the toes and fingers, while others affect the lateral areas of the toes and the top of the sole.
Much less common are the effects of fungi such as epidermophytons, trichophytons, as well as yeast or mold, which appear more often in elderly people. Often this onychomycosis affects the first toes.
The diagnostic process and factors accompanying the disease
Before determining a comprehensive treatment for nail fungus, particularly on the toes, you should undergo an examination. But it is worth remembering the following factors that only improve the process of bacterial development:
- The occurrence of any damage to the plaque itself, as well as the surrounding skin.
- Various types of diseases, including varicose veins and other endocrine diseases.
- Decreased immune system function and hormonal imbalance (often in pregnant women).
Symptoms of a fungal disease largely depend on the type of pathogen. It often affects toenails and there are four degrees of damage:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- onycholysis.
Furthermore, the disease is quite dangerous, as in the case of fungi there is a negative effect on the body itself, as well as intoxication, as the bacteria release toxins. Let's take a look at how to get rid of this disease and which medications will really help you forget about this infection.
Disease treatment method
To select the correct and, most importantly, effective treatment, it is imperative to take into account the degree of damage to the nail plate and the rate of its growth. Furthermore, the effect is the same in both cases: in the case of damage to the toenails and in the case of fungus on the hands, the treatment can be complex or local.
Local exposure is most often necessary if the fungus has affected only a few nails or if the plate is only half affected.
As for the complex technique, doctors prescribe antifungal agents, both external and internal. You should also take vitamins to improve the immune system, or immunomodulators and agents that have a disinfecting effect. For example, a fairly good product is based on acids and essential oils, which is available in the form of a spray or lotion, and reviews about it are only positive. It is important that the product suits absolutely everyone from a financial point of view, as its price is quite reasonable.
Taking pills is only possible with a doctor's prescription, as they have a strong effect on the body as a whole, especially for those who have liver problems. Naturally, the use of these medications is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Tablets are prescribed only in cases where creams do not have a therapeutic effect and if the affected area of the nail plate is large enough.
Preventative methods
As already mentioned, the infectious process occurs through direct contact of the nails or skin with the source of infection. If your immunity is in perfect condition, you don't need to worry. Otherwise, the disease takes root very quickly and is very difficult to overcome. Just follow the following personal hygiene rules:
- do not walk barefoot on beaches or swimming pools;
- wear socks and change them daily;
- Do not try on a stranger's shoes under any circumstances;
- dry your feet after taking a shower.
These simple rules will allow you to increase your chances and not become infected by another person with this extremely unpleasant disease, which in the future will give you a lot of inconvenience and discomfort.