Nail fungus or onychomycosis is an unpleasant disease that may not be noticed immediately.The fungus destroys your nail plate and causes discomfort and pain;If treatment for onychomycosis is initiated, it may result in soft tissue disease.The fungus can easily spread to healthy fingernails or toenails and poses a major threat to your health and the health of others.
If you have any doubts about the health of your nails, it's best to make an appointment with a dermatologist.Only with complex treatment, consisting of taking medication, regular foot hygiene and special treatment of the nail plates, does the treatment lead to a positive result.
Main symptoms of a fungal infection:
- Brittle, rough nails
- Deformation of the nail plate
- Presence of inflamed tissue around the nail
- Delamination, thickening or thinning of the nail plate
- Presence of brown, black or yellow areas on the nails.
How do you get nail fungus?
Routes of infection in onychomycosis.If you follow the rules of hygiene, have good immunity and healthy and well-groomed skin, the risk of a fungal infection is low.The fungus often enters the body through abrasions, cuts, cracks and altered injured areas of the nails and skin.Excessive sweating, dry skin or wearing tight shoes can promote the growth of the fungus.
You are more susceptible to nail fungus if:
- Do you have varicose veins?
- Reduced immunity
- You're wearing rubber shoes that don't breathe
- There are endocrine and vascular diseases
- Have had contact with a person infected with the fungus
- There are flat feet.
What danger does toenail fungus pose to humans?
In the advanced stage of onychomycosis, nail fungus triggers an allergic reaction, has an intoxicating effect on the body and can affect internal organs.
How to cure nail fungus?
When treating nail fungus, local medications can be used - creams, ointments, plasters, which can also be used at home.Various sprays are available that have strong antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
In the early stages of the disease, the use of sprays or creams is recommended. Do not forget that treating nail fungus is not just about eliminating external manifestations. During treatment, the dermatologist prescribes systemic medications.The medication can be prescribed in the form of tablets to be taken over a period of three to six months.
The most common mistakes when treating toenail fungus
The moisture of your feet. Mushrooms in the form of spores are everywhere around us.When skin moisture is more than 80%, fungal spores begin to multiply and infect the nail plate and surrounding skin.
The presence of fungal spores on things.When you iron socks with steam, you kill the active fungal spores that remain there.If this does not happen, the fungus from the spores begins to actively multiply when the skin of the feet is moist (a favorable environment) and the humidity of the shoes is high.
Shoe hygiene.When you begin treating nail fungus, be sure to treat any shoes you wear.Use a personal towel designed for feet only.
Remnants of fungal spores on instruments. All nail cutting tools must be treated with disinfectant solutions;It is recommended to use disposable files to care for affected nails.If fungal spores remain on the tools, you can remove them manually for years and cut out traces of the fungus along with your nail, but this will not bring any results.
What should you consider when treating toenail fungus?
If you do not follow the recommendations when treating nail fungus, a relapse may occur.Try to always keep your feet clean and change your socks daily.To prevent your feet from sweating, it is important that you wear the right shoes.After each water treatment, wipe your feet dry, paying particular attention to the area between the toes.
Use an individual footcloth that needs to be dried after use.If your shoes get wet, dry them immediately.It is recommended to change indoor shoes at least twice a year during treatment.Foot baths with soda and salt are also useful.Feet should be washed daily with laundry or tar soap.
Always follow hygiene rules when visiting public places: saunas, baths, hammams, swimming pools.Do not self-medicate;It is best to contact a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment so that you can quickly get rid of toenail fungus and save time and stress.