In the scientific literature, the fungus is called "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 in time, then the regular therapist prescribes treatment. You should consult a mycologist only in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycoses:
- superficial (on the skin, nails, mucous membranes);
- deep or systemic (affects deeper tissues).
Drugs belonging to this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic drugs. The former are applied directly to the affected area, the latter orally in the form of tablets, syrups and capsules. If you have been applying ointment to your nails for a whole month, but there is no benefit from it, then you cannot do without taking internal medicines.
"Many times we hope that it will go away by itself, " says the famous doctor, the host of his own shows, about this disease. you will live with it for the rest of your life, or you will receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Some antifungal drugs cause complications in the liver. Of course, if you have to choose between healthy nails and a healthy liver, most people will choose the liver. But if used carefully and under medical supervision, medicines, we are not risking anything. "
Prevention
If a fungal infection is a recurring story for you, it is worth paying attention to preventive measures. Doctors recommend following the following rules.
Take extra care with your clothes and shoes . Socks should be cotton and fit loosely around your feet. They should be replaced regularly. Be sure to wash it in hot water. Disinfect your shoes with a special spray. The boots should have time to dry between uses. It is better to 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, and you can't wear expensive shoes for a friend.Hygiene products must also be unique . Everyone knows the separate doormat. But think about it, does each member of your family have a separate manicure kit? It is better to buy several scissors and files, never exchange or borrow from each other.Excessive humidity is not allowed . After all, this is an ideal environment for the fungus to spread. Always towel dry after showering. Do not wear the same socks and sneakers after running. Dry your shoes thoroughly. If necessary, use dry foot deodorant powder.Take care of your immunity . The 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. Taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones can adversely affect the immune system.Do not confuse cleanliness with sterility . Hygiene is hygiene, but you shouldn't treat your feet with antibiotic ointment three times a day for no reason. Such measures should only be taken after a doctor's prescription. Bacteria and fungi live in balance on the skin of the feet. By killing all the bacteria, we allow the fungi to grow out of control.
How should it be treated?
Advertisements offer us many local medicines. In addition to having different compositions, they are also available in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there is a corresponding tablet for them.
Advice.Creams and ointments are inconvenient for nail treatment. These should be applied to a cotton ball, applied to the nail, and then sealed with adhesive tape. Most medications require twice a day, meaning the entire procedure must be repeated. While the varnish can be simply applied with a brush, the solution is dripped and we wait a while until it dries.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the medicine. Ask them to provide not only the trade name of the drug, but also the international name of the active ingredient. Thus, you can choose not only a specific expensive product, but also its cheap analogue in the pharmacy.
Topical medicines are available under dozens of trade names. Not all of them are cheap. The price is largely due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough to fully treat one nail.
Attention!Most medications should be used until healthy nails grow. The rate of nail growth is a unique characteristic of every organism. But for most people, it takes at least six months. Therefore, be prepared for a long treatment.
If these remedies are not enough, the doctor will select the right tablets for you, which will enhance the effect of ointments and varnishes. These are quite toxic products. But that doesn't mean they should be ignored. They should only be used with extreme caution, and at the same time, the condition of the liver should be constantly monitored. The course of these drugs is usually intermittent to give the body time to rest.
Despite the possibility of serious side effects, you should not stop the course when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor must stop taking the medicine. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. However, it is possible for you to develop a resistance to the medicine prescribed for you. And then the doctor has to prescribe you large doses or even more toxic medicine.
So, despite the advertising claims, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can take a risk if you try to solve it with self-treatment at home. But it is better to seek help from a doctor. He will prescribe appropriate topical medications for you. If they do not help, the doctor recommends the use of systemic drugs. The pills have many side effects. But if you use them under the constant supervision of a specialist, you can get rid of the problem without harming the body.