One of the most common infectious diseases is toenail fungus. This pathology has a second name - onychomycosis. Its pathogens are classified into three main categories: yeast-like, fungal and dermatomycete-like. Most of the time, damage to the nail plate in the legs is caused by the third group. There are many factors that affect the entry of foreign microorganisms under the nail. Fungal infection is classified according to the cause and form of manifestation. In order not to spoil your life for a long time, it is necessary to start treating it at the right time and in the right way. Therapy includes special antifungal medications (ointments, creams, pills, medicinal solutions, varnishes). It is important to know which remedies will be effective in your case, so that the treatment is not useless.
The reasons
Before starting to fight the fungus, it is necessary to establish the cause that triggered its development. Consider the main factors that affect the penetration of microorganisms deep into the nail:
- mechanical damage to the board;
- contact with personal hygiene items from an infected person;
- increased sweating;
- wear uncomfortable shoes;
- constant contact with chemical agents and degreasing agents that destroy the nail structure;
- ignore personal hygiene rules;
- professions associated with high pollution, air humidity;
- a strong deterioration of immunity.
Secondary reasons against which toenail fungus may start to develop are:
- skin aging;
- violation of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- allergic reaction;
- adrenal gland failure;
- hormonal disturbances (prolonged use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy);
- bad habits;
- regular consumption of alcoholic beverages.
People with HIV, diabetes, obesity and other illnesses that negatively affect the body's defenses are at risk. Furthermore, those who visit beauty salons that do not disinfect tools are susceptible to developing such an inconvenience. Saunas, baths, swimming pools and other places of concentration of people are a favorable habitat for fungal infections.
Note that drug treatment will not suffice if you do not initially eliminate the underlying cause that triggered the fungus to develop. So first of all, consult a mycologist. The doctor will refer you for the necessary tests and exams.
Symptoms
The manifestations of each type of fungus are different. First, let's look at the main symptoms:
- in the initial stage, the structure of the nail plate is destroyed and its color changes;
- a sore nail pops out of the skin and soon falls off;
- there is dryness, itching and an unpleasant odor in the foot and toes;
- some areas of the skin are flaky;
- develops dysbiosis (patient feels weak, sleepy, loses appetite).
The correct drug selection depends on the form of the fungus. Consider the symptomatology of each type of pathology.
In addition, the fungus is classified according to the degree of development, which also determines the selection of individual treatment:
It is recommended to consult a doctor, because amateur performance can bring not only useless results, but also negative ones.
Treatment
Suffering from a terrible problem like nail fungus? Tired of the itchy and unpleasant odor in your feet? Have you spent a lot of time and money and a nasty disease still quickly affects your nails? This can be fixed! The selection of effective drugs is based on the analysis of a vast amount of information and surveys of people who have already gone through an unpleasant phase in the fight against the fungus.
pills
As noted earlier, it is critical to determine the type of pathogen and the stage of development of the pathology. An additional measure is to eliminate the likelihood of an allergic body reaction to the pills.
Treatment should not only be local, the impact from within is necessary, as the result of incomplete treatment will be zero. To reduce the negative effect of the medicine, you need to drink more fluids. As these drugs are toxic, the first condition is a lean diet (excluding yeast-fermented dairy products and fatty foods). It is recommended to have a blood test every three months to keep your body under control.
local preparations
These backgrounds are used in combination with tablets. Before using them, it is necessary to carry out a cleaning procedure of the affected areas. For this:
- Wash your feet with an antibacterial product;
- Take a shower (dilute two antimicrobial agent tablets in five liters of boiled water). The procedure lasts fifteen minutes;
- Remove any peeling nail particles and dry your feet.
After performing this procedure, you can use the medicine (several times a day).
They quickly eliminate itchiness, discomfort and unpleasant odor. After the first application, it is possible to feel significant relief. Essential oils act as a complementary treatment. Prevention includes improving the immune system. To prevent the development of fungal nail infections, the use of personal hygiene products, slippers in saunas and swimming pools, comfortable shoes, and dry feet are recommended.
To cure nail fungus, first see a mycologist (preferably within the first two weeks). The use of medication is an obligatory method of eliminating this disease. Remember that timely treatment is the key to a quick and hassle-free recovery.