Infection of the skin or nail plate with a fungus (or scientifically, mycosis) can cause not only aesthetic and moral discomfort, but also serious health problems in general.In addition to complications, fungal disease is characterized by a high rate of disease relapse and long-term therapy.
There is only one way to get infected with a fungus - from a mycosis carrier to a healthy person.Sauna, bath and pool lovers are at risk.A warm and humid environment is a favorite place for fungi to exist.Impurity and violation of sanitary norms by the manicurist-pedicurist can also cause infection.Especially often, mycosis enters the body through trauma to the nail bed.
Mycosis symptoms
Mycosis is insidious because it can be quite difficult to see its first signs.The course of onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail plates) depends on the body's defense level.The higher the immunity, the milder the form of the disease.There are three stages of the development of mycosis on the nails:
- Normotrophic - the initial stage of disease development.The shape of the nail does not change;small areas of white or yellowish color appear on it;
- Hypertrophic - smooth and strong nail plate begins to delaminate.The color changes from healthy pink to yellow.The nail structure changes - it thickens and loosens;
- Atrophic - the development of mycosis destroys the nail plate, it becomes extremely thin and fragile.The process of destroying the diseased nail begins.
It is important!
The appearance of at least one symptom is a reason for mandatory consultation with a doctor!
For many, the appearance of fungus on nails or toenails seems like a small problem that can be solved independently using folk remedies or pharmaceutical drugs.However, therapy for mycoses requires an integrated approach and identification of the pathogenic strain.This can only be done in a hospital.Therefore, a visit to the doctor should not be avoided.
What to do to treat mycosis
Let's consider the step-by-step algorithm of actions in the case of a mushroom:
- After detecting the first signs of fungal disease, it is necessary to contact a specialist immediately.Below we will consider the issue of jurisdiction of mycoses.But looking ahead, let's be clear that you need to make an appointment with a mycologist or dermatologist;
- After the initial examination, the specialist makes a probable diagnosis of mycosis and prescribes additional clinical studies;
- Based on the test results, the doctor clarifies the diagnosis, determines the strain of the fungus and writes prescriptions;
- Get ready for a long, tiring fight with the fungus.The duration of therapy for mycosis is often six months or more.It is not recommended to stop the course of treatment at your own discretion, in order not to encounter the recurrence of mycosis, which adapts to the drugs taken and requires additional therapy.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus?
Often, a fungus patient is at a loss: which doctor should he consult?What kind of doctor deals with foot and nail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's look at it in detail.
Who is a mycologist?
A mycologist is a doctor who treats fungal pathologies of nail plates and skin.All kinds of mushrooms are his specialty.He knows all about mushrooms.
Within its powers:
- treatment of mycosis and other diseases of nail plates, hair and skin;
- Clinical studies and clarification of diagnosis;
- Prevention of fungal pathologies.
But the problem is that such a specialist usually works in private paid clinics and in big cities.And mycosis knows no boundaries.What to do if there is no mycologist in the clinic?
In this case, a regular dermatologist will help to overcome the problem.It does not matter what the name of the doctor who will treat you is.His experience and qualifications are more important.The dermatologist will conduct a preliminary examination and, if necessary, write a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, a dermatologist is a doctor who treats fungi in municipal institutions in villages and provincial cities.
The main thing is not to self-medicate, do not listen to the advice of neighbors and friends, and do not delay going to the doctor.Mycosis of the nails is insidious, and self-treatment can do more harm than good.
Initial examination
Timely contact with a specialist will prevent the risk of spreading mycosis.The initial examination begins with the examination of the patient's complaints, clarifying the time of occurrence of the nail plate defect and external factors accompanying it.
After examining the affected areas, the attending physician will indicate the initial name of the disease and provide a list of necessary tests.
Typically, the patient should undergo the following studies:
- Method of microscopic analysis of particles of damaged nail plate.This is called the KON test.To conduct research, a part of the nail plate is immersed in a thirty percent potassium solution.Then the processed scrap is examined under a microscope.This method allows the attending physician to determine whether a fungus is present, but does not allow to determine its strain;
- PCR - diagnostics.Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive methods that allow determining the strain of the pathogen.
Which doctor will deal with further therapy depends on the strain and severity of the fungal disease.The decision on compulsory treatment by a mycologist is made in case of severe forms of mycoses that are resistant to the main groups of drugs.
The course of treatment for mycosis is long and requires an integrated approach.Therapeutic measures depend on the extent of the lesion and the duration of the disease.
Treatment of nail fungus
The insidiousness of mycotic lesions lies in their ability to adapt and become immune to the effects of pharmaceutical drugs.This causes drugs that have been proven over the years to lose their therapeutic effect on the fungus.
And any treatment of fungal diseases becomes a purely individual case with a treatment regimen developed individually for each patient.A combination of two or three different drugs helps to achieve a good result.
Pharmacy comes to the aid of mycologists, producing tablets, injections and drops for systemic treatment, as well as ointments, creams, gels and medicinal varnishes for local use.
It is important!
Do not try to determine the course of treatment for mycosis yourself.All antimycotics are highly toxic and have many contraindications.
The fungus can change its location in the human body: it disappears in one area and appears in another.Only the control of a mycologist will help to cope with the disease and will not allow it to go deeper into the body.
Mycosis treatment
Typically, the prescription for treating fungal nail infections includes:
- Medicinal varnish, antimycotic cream or ointment;
- Tablet drugs.The choice between drugs is determined by their side effects, age, medical history of the patient and his immune defenses;
- Means for removing infected nail plates are prescribed for severe or advanced forms of mycosis.This conservative treatment replaces surgery and allows the regrowth of a healthy, undamaged nail plate.
During therapy, repeated clinical studies are prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and adjust drugs.For the third time, the tests are prescribed after getting rid of the visible symptoms of the fungus.And the fourth time - two to three months after the end of the course of therapy.
The insidiousness of mycosis lies in its high infectivity, speed of spread and duration of treatment.In order not to repeat the disease, it is necessary to take measures to prevent re-infection of the patient and his family members.
Preventive measures for the patient and his family members
Non-observance of simple hygiene standards can lead to rapid infection of relatives living with the patient.
To avoid this, you need to:
- Provide each family member with personal hygiene items - washcloth, slippers, towel;
- When visiting saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, do not forget rubber shoes.It will protect your feet from onychomycosis;
- Always have nylon or cotton socks with you to try on a new pair at the shoe store;
- The use of medicated varnishes and aerosols can provide additional protection for your feet and nails;
- Opt for genuine leather shoes over their synthetic counterparts.This will prevent breathing on the feet, excessive sweating and the development of mycosis;
- If you feel an unpleasant smell or strong sweating on your feet, you should consult a doctor.This will help to see the pathology in the first stages, and the treatment will be easier and faster.
A balanced diet will help increase the body's resistance to infections.Include foods rich in vitamins A and B, calcium and iodine.