In the scientific literature, fungi are referred to as "mycosis". A close 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 a regular therapist will prescribe treatment. The mycologist is consulted only in the most advanced cases. There are two types of mycoses:
- superficial (on the skin, on the nails, on the mucous membrane);
- deep, or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Medicines for this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic. The first are applied directly to the affected area, the second are taken orally in the form of tablets, syrups and capsules. If you have been painting your nails with ointment for a whole month, but there is no benefit, then you cannot do without taking medicine internally.
"Often we hope it will go away on its own, " says the famous doctor and host of his programs on this disease. - But medical science does not know of such a case when a fungus appeared on the nail and then disappeared by itself. This does not happen. Either you will live with it for the rest of your life, or, under the guidance of a doctor, you will undergo an appropriate course of treatment. Some antifungal drugs cause liver complications. Of course, if you choose between a healthy nail and a healthy liver, most will choose the liver. But if we use the medications carefully and under the supervision of the doctor, we do not risk anything. "
Preventing
If a fungal infection is a recurring story for you, you should pay attention to preventive measures. Doctors advise to follow the following rules.
Pay attention to your clothes and shoes . Socks should be cotton and fit loosely on your feet. They should be changed regularly. Make sure to wash in hot water. Disinfect the shoes using a special spray. Boots should be allowed to dry between uses. It is better if you have three pairs of shoes for each season. And, of course, shoes and underwear must be strictly individual. You cannot walk around the apartment in shared slippers, or wear expensive shoes for a friend.Hygiene products should also be individual . Everyone knows about a special towel for the feet. But think about it, does each member of your family have a special manicure set? It is better to buy several scissors and files, never change or borrow from each other.Excess moisture should not be allowed . After all, this is an ideal environment for the proliferation of fungi. Always towel dry after showering. Don't wear the same socks and sneakers after running. Dry the 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 appear in any way. Frequent mycoses may indicate that your immune defenses are down. The immune system can be negatively affected by taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory hormones.Do not confuse cleanliness with sterility . Hygiene is hygiene, but you should not 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 the bacteria, we allow the fungus to multiply unchecked.
How to treat?
Advertising offers us many home remedies. Apart from the fact that they have different compositions, they are also available in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are corresponding tablets for them.
Advice.Creams and ointments are unsuitable for use in the treatment of nails. You will need to apply them to cotton wool, apply them to the nail and then close them with a bandage. Most drugs require twice a day, which means the whole procedure will have to be repeated. While the varnish can be applied simply with a brush, and the solution can be dripped and cut a little to dry.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the drug. Ask him to advise not only the trade name of the drug, but also the international name of the active substance. In this way, you can choose in the pharmacy not only a specific expensive product, but also its cheap analogue.
Current medications are available under dozens of brand names. All of them are not free. The price is mainly due to the fact that one bottle or tube is enough for the entire course of treatment of one nail.
Careful!Most medications should 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 drugs are not enough, the doctor will choose the right tablets for you that will increase the effect of ointments and varnishes. These are very toxic products. But that doesn't mean 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 interrupted so that the body has time to rest.
Despite the possibility of severe side effects, you should not leave the course in the middle when you see the first signs of improvement. The doctor should stop the medicine. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the fungus will return. At the same time, it is possible that he develops resistance to the medicine prescribed for you. And then the doctor will have to prescribe you large doses or an even more toxic drug.
So, despite the 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 appropriate local medications for you. If they do not help, the doctor will advise the use of systemic medications. 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 causing any harm to the body.