In the scientific literature, this type of fungus is called "mycosis". A narrow specialist who deals with this problem is called a mycologist. If you encounter fungus for the first time and go to the doctor on time, then the therapist will usually prescribe treatment. A 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 membranes);
- deep or systemic (involving deeper tissues).
Drugs to treat this group of infections are also divided into local and systemic drugs. The first is applied directly to the affected area, the second is taken orally in the form of tablets, syrup and capsules. If you have been applying ointment on your nails for a whole month but there is no effect, then you cannot do without taking the medicine internally.
The famous doctor and host of his own show said of the disease: "We usually hope that it will go away on its own. "- But medicine does not know cases where fungus appears on nails and then disappears on its own. This does not happen. Either you will live with it for life, or under the guidance of your doctor you will undergo an appropriate course of treatment. Some antifungal medications cause liver complications. Of course, if given a choice between healthy nails and a healthy liver, most would choose the liver. But if we use medicine carefully and under the supervision of a doctor, we will not face any risks. "
Prevent
If you have frequent fungal infections, 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 your foot properly. They need to be changed regularly. Be sure to wash in hot water. Disinfect your shoes with a special spray. Shoes must 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 cannot walk around the apartment in shared slippers or wear expensive shoes for a friend.
- Hygiene products should also be separate. Everyone knows about a separate towel for the feet. But think about it, does each member of your family have their own manicure set? It's better to buy multiple pairs of scissors and files, never change them or borrow from each other.
- Excessive humidity is not allowed. After all, this is the ideal environment for fungi to spread. Always towel dry after bathing. Don't wear the same socks and sneakers after running. Dry your shoes thoroughly. If necessary, use dry foot deodorant in powder form.
- Take care of your immunity. Fungi 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 form. Frequent fungal infections may indicate that your immune defenses have decreased. The immune system can 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 killing all bacteria, we allow fungi to multiply uncontrollably.
How to treat?
Advertisements provide us with a variety of local medicines. Apart from the fact that they have different ingredients, they are also available in different forms. Drops, varnishes, ointments, creams. . . And there are corresponding pills for them too.
Advice.Creams and ointments are not convenient to use for nail treatment. You will have to apply them to a cotton ball, apply them to your nails, and then cover them with tape. Most medications require twice a day, meaning the entire process will have to be repeated. While varnish can be simply applied with a brush, and the solution can be dripped and waited a bit for it to dry.
Your doctor will tell you the specific name of the medicine. Ask him to advise not only the trade name of the drug, but also the international name of the active substance. This way, you can choose in the pharmacy not only a particular expensive product, but also cheap analogues.
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 treating one nail.
Attention!Most medications need to be used until your nails grow back healthily. The speed of nail growth is a unique characteristic of each organism. But for most people, this will take at least six months. So be prepared for a long treatment process.
If these remedies are not enough, the doctor will choose for you suitable pills to enhance the effects of ointments and varnishes. These are quite toxic products. But this does not mean that they should be ignored. You just need to use them with extreme caution, while constantly monitoring the condition of the liver. The process of using these drugs is often intermittent to give the body time to rest.
Although there is a possibility of serious side effects, you should not stop taking the medication when you notice the first signs of improvement. The doctor must stop the medicine. Otherwise, there is a high chance that the fungus will return. At the same time, it is likely that your child will develop resistance to the medication prescribed to you. And then the doctor will have to prescribe you large doses or an even more toxic drug.
So, despite what the ads claim, treating nail fungus is a difficult task. You can take a risk by trying to solve it by self-medicating at home. But it is better to seek help from a doctor. He will prescribe the appropriate topical medication for you. If they do not help, the doctor will advise the use of systemic drugs. The drug has 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 harm to the body.