Nail fungus or onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that may not be noticed immediately.The fungus destroys the nail plate, causing discomfort and pain;if treatment for onychomycosis is started, this can lead to soft tissue pathologies.The fungus can easily spread to healthy fingernails or toenails and this poses a great danger to your health and that of others.
If you have any concerns about the health of your nails, the best thing to do is make an appointment with a dermatologist.Only with complex treatment, consisting of a course of medications, regular hygiene of the feet and special treatment of the nails, will the treatment bring a positive result.
Main symptoms of fungal infections:
- Brittle and rough nails
- Deformation of the nail plate
- Presence of inflamed tissue around the nail
- Delamination, thickening or thinning of the nail plate
- Presence of brown, black or yellow areas on the nails.
How do you get nail fungus?
Ways of infection with onychomycosis.If you follow hygiene rules, have good immunity and healthy, well-groomed skin, the risk of contracting a fungal infection is low.The fungus often enters the body through abrasions, cuts, cracks and altered wound areas of the nails and skin.Excessive sweating, dry skin, or wearing tight shoes can contribute to the growth of the fungus.
You are more vulnerable to nail fungus if:
- Do you have varicose veins?
- Reduced immunity
- You wear rubber shoes that don't breathe
- There are endocrine and vascular diseases
- I have been in contact with a person infected with the fungus
- There are flat feet.
What danger does toenail fungus pose to humans?
In an advanced stage of onychomycosis, nail fungus causes an allergic reaction, has an intoxicating effect on the body and can affect internal organs.
How to cure nail fungus?
When treating nail fungus, local drugs can be used: creams, ointments, plasters, which can also be used at home.Various spray options are available that have strong antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
In the initial phase of the disease, the use of sprays or creams is recommended. Don't forget that nail fungus treatment doesn't just mean eliminating external manifestations. During treatment, the dermatologist prescribes systemic drugs.The drug can be prescribed in the form of tablets, which will be taken for a course of three to six months.
The most common mistakes in the treatment of toenail fungus
The humidity of your feet. Fungi in the form of spores are everywhere around us.When skin humidity is above 80%, fungal spores begin to multiply and infect the nail plate and surrounding skin.
The presence of fungal spores on things.When you iron your socks with steam, you kill the active fungal spores left there.If this is not done, from the spores, in the presence of moist skin of the feet (favorable environment), high humidity of the shoes, the fungus actively begins to multiply.
Shoe hygiene.When you begin treatment for nail fungus, be sure to treat all the shoes you wear.Use a personal towel intended for feet only.
Remains of fungal spores on tools. All nail cutting tools should be treated with disinfectant solutions;it is recommended to use disposable files to care for the affected nails.If fungal spores remain on the tools, you can remove them manually for years, cut out traces of the fungus along with the nail, but this will not bring any results.
What should you follow when treating toenail fungus?
If you do not follow the recommendations when treating nail fungus, a relapse may occur.Try to always keep your feet clean and change your socks every day.It is important that your feet wear the right shoes to prevent them from sweating.After performing any water procedures, dry your feet, paying special attention to the area between the toes.
Use an individual foot towel, which should be dried after use.If your shoes get wet, dry them immediately.It is recommended to change indoor shoes at least twice a year during treatment.Foot baths with soda and salt will also be useful.Feet should be washed daily using laundry or tar soap.
Always follow hygiene rules when visiting public places: saunas, baths, hammams, swimming pools.Don't self-medicate;it would be better to contact a dermatologist who will prescribe a course of treatment so that you can quickly get rid of toenail fungus and save time and nerves.