In the scientific literature, the fungus is referred to as "mycosis". A narrow specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you encountered a fungus for the first time and came to the doctor on time, then a regular therapist will prescribe treatment. A mycologist is consulted only in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycoses:
- superficial (on the skin, on the nail, on the mucous membrane);
- deep, or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Medicines for this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic. The former are applied directly to the affected area, the latter are taken orally in the form of tablets, syrups, and capsules. If you have been smearing your nails with ointment for a whole month, but there is no benefit from it, then you cannot do without taking medications internally.
"Often we hope that it will go away on its own, " the famous doctor and host of his own programs says about this disease. - But medical science does not know of such a case when a fungus appeared on the nail and then disappeared on its own. This doesn't happen. Either you will live with it all your life, or, under the guidance of a doctor, you will undergo a course of proper treatment. Some antifungal drugs cause complications on the liver. Of course, if you choose between a healthy nail and a healthy liver, most will choose the liver. But if we use medications carefully and under the supervision of a doctor, we do not risk anything. "
Prevention
If a fungal infection is a recurring story for you, you should pay attention to preventive measures. Doctors advise following the following rules.
- Pay close attention to your clothes and shoes. Socks should be cotton and fit loosely on your feet. They need to be changed regularly. Be sure to wash in hot water. Disinfect your shoes using special sprays. The boots should have time to dry between uses. It's better if you have three pairs of shoes for each season. And, of course, shoes and underwear must be strictly individual. You can’t walk around the apartment in shared slippers, or wear expensive shoes for a friend.
- Hygiene products should also be individual. Everyone knows about a separate towel for feet. But think about it, does each member of your family have a separate manicure set? It is better to purchase several scissors and files, never change them or borrow from each other.
- Excess humidity should not be allowed. After all, this is an ideal environment for the spread of fungus. Always towel dry after showering. Don't wear the same socks and sneakers after a run. Dry your shoes thoroughly. If necessary, use dry foot deodorant in powder form.
- Take care of your immunity. Fungus can appear on anyone's skin. But a healthy body will have enough strength to overcome it, and the infection will not manifest itself in any way. Frequent mycoses may indicate that your immune defenses have decreased. The immune system may be adversely affected by taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.
- Don't confuse cleanliness and sterility. Hygiene is hygiene, but you shouldn’t treat your feet three times a day with antibiotic ointment for no reason. Such measures should be taken only after a doctor’s prescription. Bacteria and fungi on the skin of the feet live in a state of balance. By destroying all bacteria, we allow fungi to multiply uncontrollably.
How to treat?
Advertising offers us many local medicines. In addition to the fact that they have different compositions, they are also available in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are also corresponding tablets for them.
Advice.Creams and ointments are inconvenient to use to treat nails. You will have to apply them on cotton wool, apply them to the nail, and then seal them with a band-aid. Most drugs require twice a day, meaning the entire procedure will have to be repeated. While the varnish can simply be applied with a brush, and the solution can be dripped and wait a little for it to dry.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the drug. Ask him to advise not only the trade name of the medicine, but also the international name of the active substance. This way you can choose at the pharmacy not only a specific expensive product, but also its cheap analogue.
Topical medications are available under dozens of trade names. All of them are not cheap. The price is largely due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough for the entire course of treatment of one nail.
Attention!Most medications need to be used until you grow healthy nails. The rate of nail growth is an individual feature of each organism. But for most people this will take at least six months. Therefore, be prepared for a long treatment.
If these remedies are not enough, the doctor will select the appropriate tablets for you that will enhance the effect of ointments and varnishes. These are quite toxic products. But this does not mean that they should be neglected. You just need to 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 quit the course in the middle when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor must stop the drug. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. At the same time, it is possible that he will develop resistance to the drug prescribed to you. And then the doctor will have to prescribe you large doses or an even more toxic medicine.
So, despite advertising claims, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can take a risk by trying to solve it with self-medication at home. But it is better to seek help from a doctor. He will prescribe suitable topical medications for you. If they do not help, the doctor will advise using systemic medications. 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.