Infection of the skin or nail plate with a fungus (or scientifically, mycosis) not only leads to aesthetic and moral discomfort, but can also cause serious health problems in general.In addition to complications, fungal diseases are characterized by a high rate of relapses and long-term treatment.
There is only one route of infection with the fungus: from the carrier of the mycosis to a healthy person.Sauna, bath and swimming pool enthusiasts are in danger.A warm, humid environment is a favorite place for the fungus.Uncleanliness and violation of sanitary standards by the manicure-pedicurist can also lead to infection.Especially often, mycosis enters the body through trauma to the nail fold.
Mycosis symptoms
Mycosis is insidious in that it can be quite difficult to notice the first symptoms.The course of onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail plates) depends on the level of the body's defenses.The higher the immunity, the milder the form of the disease.There are three stages of development of nail fungus:
- Normotrophic – the initial stage of development of the disease.The shape of the nail does not change;small areas of white or yellowish tint appear on it;
- Hypertrophic - a smooth and strong nail plate begins to peel off.The color changes from healthy pink to yellow.The structure of the nail changes - it becomes thick and loose;
- Atrophic - The development of mycosis destroys the nail plate, it becomes extremely thin and brittle.The process of destroying the diseased nail begins.
Important!
The appearance of at least one symptom is a reason for mandatory consultation with a doctor!
For many, the appearance of fungus on the nails or toenails seems to be a minor problem, which can be treated independently using folk remedies or pharmaceutical drugs.However, the treatment of mycoses requires an integrated approach and determination of the pathogenic strain.This can only be done in a hospital.And therefore, the visit to the doctor cannot be avoided.
What to do to cure mycosis
Let's consider a step-by-step algorithm of actions in the event of the appearance of fungus:
- It is necessary to contact a specialist immediately after detecting the first signs of a fungal disease.Below we will consider the question of the competence of mycoses.But for the future, let us point out that you must make an appointment with a mycologist or a dermatologist;
- After an initial examination, the specialist makes a presumptive 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;
- Prepare for a long and exhausting fight against mushrooms.The duration of treatment for mycosis is often six months or more.It is not recommended to stop treatment at your own discretion, so as not to have to face a relapse of mycosis, which has adapted to the medications taken and requires additional treatment.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus?
Often, a patient suffering from a fungus is at a loss: which doctor should he contact?Which doctor deals with foot and nail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's look at this in detail.
Who is a mycologist?
A mycologist is a doctor who treats fungal pathologies of the nail plates and skin.All varieties of mushrooms are his specialization.He knows everything about mushrooms.
In his competence:
- Therapy of mycoses and other diseases of the nail plates, hair and skin;
- Clinical studies and clarification of diagnosis;
- Prevention of fungal pathologies.
However, the problem is that such a specialist usually works in paid private clinics and in large cities.And mycosis knows no borders.What to do if there is no mycologist at the clinic?
In this case, a regular dermatologist will help you solve the problem.It doesn't matter the name of the doctor who will treat you.His experience and qualifications are much more important.A dermatologist will carry out an initial examination and, if necessary, write a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, a dermatologist becomes a mushroom doctor in municipal institutions in villages and provincial towns.
The main thing is not to self-medicate, not to listen to the advice of neighbors and friends and not to delay going to the doctor.Nail fungus is insidious and self-medication can do more harm than good.
Initial examination
Timely contact with a specialist will avoid the risk of spreading mycosis.The initial examination begins with a survey of the patient's complaints, clarifying the time of the appearance of the nail plate defect and the external factors that accompanied it.
After examining the affected areas, the attending physician will indicate the preliminary name of the disease and offer to undergo a list of necessary tests.
Typically, the patient must undergo the following studies:
- Method for microscopic analysis of a particle of a damaged nail plate.This is called the KON test.To conduct the study, a particle of the nail plate is immersed in a thirty percent solution of potassium.The processed scraping is then examined under a microscope.This method allows the doctor involved in the treatment to determine if a fungus exists, but does not allow determining its strain;
- PCR – diagnosis.Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive techniques for determining the strain of the pathogen.
The doctor who will carry out further treatment depends on the strain of the fungal disease and the severity of its course.The decision on compulsory treatment by a mycologist is made in cases of severe forms of mycoses resistant to the main groups of drugs.
Treatment of mycosis is long and requires an integrated approach.Therapeutic measures depend on the extent of the lesion and the duration of the disease.
Nail fungus treatment
The insidious nature of mycotic lesions lies in their ability to adapt and become immune to the action of pharmaceutical drugs.This leads to the fact that drugs proven over the years lose their therapeutic effect on the fungus.
And any treatment of fungal diseases becomes a purely individual event with a treatment regimen developed for each patient individually.A combination of two or three different drugs can achieve a good result.
The pharmacy supports mycologists by producing tablets, injections and droppers for systemic treatment, as well as medicinal ointments, creams, gels and varnishes for topical use.
Important!
Do not try to prescribe treatment for yeast infection yourself.All antimycotics are highly toxic and have many contraindications.
The fungus can change its location in the human body: disappear in one area and appear in another.Only control by a mycologist will help to cope with the disease and will not allow it to transform and penetrate deeper into the body.
Mycosis therapy
Typically, the recipe for treating fungal nail infections consists of:
- Medicinal varnish, antimycotic cream or ointment;
- Medicines in tablets.The choice among 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 method replaces surgery and allows a healthy, intact nail plate to regrow.
During treatment, repeated clinical studies are prescribed to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust medications.The third tests are prescribed after eliminating the visible symptoms of the fungus.And for the fourth time - two to three months after the end of treatment.
The insidious nature of mycosis lies in its high contagiousness, its speed of propagation and the duration of treatment.To avoid relapses of the disease, it is necessary to take measures to prevent reinfection of the patient and his family members.
Preventive measures for the patient and his family members
Failure to follow simple hygiene standards can lead to rapid infection of relatives living with the patient.
To avoid this, you must:
- Provide each family member with personal hygiene items - a washcloth, slippers, a towel;
- When visiting saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, do not forget about rubber shoes.It will protect your feet from onychomycosis;
- Always carry nylon or cotton socks to try on a new pair at a shoe store;
- Using varnishes and medicinal sprays can provide additional protection to your feet and nails;
- Choose genuine leather shoes over their synthetic counterparts.This will give the feet the opportunity to breathe, prevent excessive sweating and the development of fungus;
- If you experience an unpleasant odor or profuse sweating from your feet, you should consult a doctor.This will help detect pathology in the early stages and 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.