Infection of the skin or nail plate with fungus (or scientifically, mycosis) leads not only 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 disease recurrence and long-term therapy.
There is only one path of fungal infection - from a mycosis carrier to a healthy person.Fans of saunas, baths and swimming pools are at risk.A warm and moist environment is a favorite place for fungi to exist.Dirt and violation of hygiene standards by manicurist-pedicurist can also lead to infection.Most often, mycosis enters the body through trauma to the nail folds.
Symptoms of mycosis
Mycosis is dangerous because it is quite difficult to see its first symptoms.The course of onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail plate) 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 mycosis on the nails:
- Normotrophic - early stage of disease development.The shape of the nail does not change;a small area of white or yellowish color appears on it;
- Hypertrophic - smooth and solid nail plate begins to delaminate.The color changes from a 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 very thin and brittle.The process of destruction of diseased nails begins.
Important!
The appearance of at least one symptom is a reason for mandatory consultation with a doctor!
For many people, the appearance of fungus on the nails or toenails seems to be a minor problem, which can be dealt with independently using folk remedies or pharmaceutical drugs.However, therapy for mycoses requires an integrated approach and determination of pathogenic strains.This can only be done in a hospital.And, therefore, visiting a doctor cannot be avoided.
What to do to cure mycosis
Let's consider a step-by-step algorithm of actions in case of fungus:
- It is necessary to contact a specialist immediately after detecting the first signs of fungal disease.We will consider the issue of mycoses jurisdiction below.But, looking ahead, let's make it clear that you need to make an appointment with a mycologist or a dermatologist;
- After the initial examination, the specialist makes a presumptive diagnosis of mycosis and prescribes additional clinical studies;
- Based on the test results, the doctor explains the diagnosis, determines the strain of the fungus and writes a prescription;
- Be prepared for a long and tiring fight against fungus.The duration of therapy for mycosis is usually six months or more.It is not advisable to stop the course of treatment at your own discretion, so as not to have to deal with the recurrence of mycosis, which has adapted to the drugs taken and requires additional therapy.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus?
Often patients with fungus are at a loss: which doctor should he contact?Which doctor deals with foot and nail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's see in detail.
Who is a mycologist?
A mycologist is a doctor who treats fungal pathologies of the nail plate and skin.All types of fungi are his specialty.He knows everything about fungi.
In its efficiency:
- Therapy of mycoses and other diseases of the nail plate, hair and skin;
- Clinical study and explanation of diagnosis;
- Prevention of fungal pathology.
However, the problem is that such specialists usually work 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 you overcome the problem.It doesn't matter what the name of the doctor who will treat you is.Experience and qualifications are far more important.The dermatologist will conduct a preliminary examination and, if necessary, write a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, dermatologists become doctors who treat fungus in municipal institutions in villages and provincial towns.
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 on the nails is dangerous and self-medication can do more harm than good.
Preliminary examination
Timely contact with a specialist will prevent the risk of spreading mycosis.The initial examination begins with a review of the patient's complaints, explaining the time of occurrence of the nail plate defect and the external factors that accompany it.
After examining the affected area, the attending physician will indicate the initial name of the disease and offer to undergo a list of necessary tests.
Usually, patients need to undergo the following studies:
- Methods of microscopic analysis of damaged nail plate particles.It's called the CONE test.To conduct the study, the nail plate particles were soaked in a thirty percent potassium solution.The processed scrapings are then examined under a microscope.This method allows the doctor involved in the treatment to determine if there is a fungus, but does not make it possible to determine its strain;
- PCR - diagnostics.Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive techniques that allow you to determine the strain of the pathogen.
Which doctor will deal with further therapy depends on the strain of the fungal disease and the severity of its course.A decision on mandatory treatment by a mycologist is made in the case of severe forms of mycoses that are resistant to the main group 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.
Nail fungus treatment
The peculiarity 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 that have been proven over the years lose their therapeutic effect on fungi.
And any fungal disease treatment becomes a purely individual event with a treatment regimen developed for each patient individually.A combination of two or three different drugs helps achieve good results.
Pharmacies come to the aid of mycologists, 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 a course of treatment for mycosis yourself.All antimycotics are highly toxic and have many contraindications.
Fungi can change their location in the human body: disappear in one area and appear in another.Only control by a mycologist will help to overcome this disease, and not allow it to change and move deeper into the body.
Mycosis therapy
Usually, the recipe for treating a fungal nail infection consists of:
- Medicated varnish, antifungal cream or ointment;
- Tablet medicine.The choice between drugs is determined by their side effects, age, medical history of the patient and his immune defenses;
- Ways to remove the infected nail plate are prescribed for severe or advanced forms of mycoses.This conservative treatment method replaces surgery and allows the healthy, undamaged nail plate to grow back.
During therapy, repeated clinical studies are prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and adjust the medication.The third time test is set after getting rid of visible fungal symptoms.And for the fourth time - two to three months after the end of the course of therapy.
The peculiarity of mycosis lies in its high contagiousness, the speed of its spread and the duration of therapy.To prevent recurrence of 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
Failure to adhere to simple hygiene standards can lead to rapid infection of loved ones living with the patient.
To avoid this, you need to:
- Provide each family member with personal hygiene items - wipes, slippers, towels;
- When visiting the sauna, steam bath, swimming pool, do not forget about rubber shoes.It will protect your feet from onychomycosis;
- Always take nylon or cotton socks with you to try on a new pair at the shoe store;
- The use of medical varnishes and aerosols can provide additional protection for your feet and nails;
- Give preference to shoes made of genuine leather over synthetic shoes.This will give the feet a chance to breathe, prevent excessive sweating and the development of mycosis;
- If you experience an unpleasant odor or a lot of sweat on your feet, you should see a doctor.This will help to see the pathology at the first stage, and the treatment will be easier and faster.
A balanced diet will help increase the body's resistance to infection.Include foods high in vitamins A and B, calcium and iodine.