Infection of the skin or nail plate with fungi (or scientifically, mycosis) leads not only to aesthetic and moral concerns, but can also cause serious health problems in general.In addition to complications, fungal disease is characterized by a high rate of disease recurrence and long-term therapy.
There is only one way of infection with fungi - from a mycosis carrier to a healthy person.Lovers of saunas, baths and swimming pools are at risk.A warm and humid environment is a favorite place for the existence of fungi.Dirt and violation of sanitary standards by the manicurist-pedicurist can also lead to infection.Especially often, mycosis enters the body through trauma in the fold of the nails.
Mycosis symptoms
Mycosis is insidious in that it can be quite difficult to notice its 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 easier the form of the disease.There are three stages of the development of mycosis in the nails:
- Normotrophic - the initial stage of disease development.The shape of the nail does not change;small areas with a white or yellow tint appear on it;
- Hypertrophic - a smooth and hard nail plate begins to delaminate.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 fragile.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 people, the appearance of fungus on the nails of the hands or feet seems to be a minor problem, which can be treated independently using folk remedies or pharmaceutical drugs.However, therapy for mycoses requires an integrated approach and the determination of the pathogenic type.This can only be done in a hospital.Therefore, a visit to the 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 discovering the first signs of a fungal disease.Below we will consider the issue of the jurisdiction of mycoses.But looking ahead, let's make it clear that you should make an appointment with a mycologist or 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;
- Get ready for a long and exhausting fight against fungi.The duration of therapy for mycosis is often six months or more.It is not advisable to interrupt the course of treatment at your discretion, so as not to face a return of mycosis, which has adapted to the medications taken and requires additional therapy.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus?
Often a patient with fungus is at a loss: which doctor should he contact?Which doctor deals with toenail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's see 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 his powers:
- Therapy of mycoses and other diseases of nail plates, hair and skin;
- Clinical studies and diagnosis clarification;
- Prevention of fungal pathologies.
However, the problem is that such a specialist usually works in paid private clinics and in big cities.And mycosis knows no boundaries.What should you do if there is no mycologist in the clinic?
In this case, a regular dermatologist will help you cope with the problem.It does not matter what the name of the doctor who will treat you is.His experience and qualifications are much more important.A dermatologist will conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, write a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, a dermatologist becomes a doctor who treats fungi in municipal institutions in villages and provincial cities.
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.Mycosis of the nails is insidious and self-medication can do more harm than good.
Initial examination
Timely contact with a specialist will prevent the risk of mycosis spreading.The initial examination begins with an observation of the patient's complaints, clarifying the time of 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 should undergo the following studies:
- Method of microscopic analysis of damaged nail plate particles.It is called the KON test.To carry out the study, a particle of the nail plate is immersed in a thirty percent potassium solution.The processed scratch is then examined under a microscope.This method allows the doctor involved in the treatment to determine if there is a fungus, but it does not make it possible to determine its strain;
- PCR - diagnostics.Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive techniques that allows 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.The decision on mandatory treatment by a mycologist is made in the 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 secret of fungal 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 tested over the years lose their therapeutic effect on fungi.
And each 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 helps to achieve a good result.
The pharmacy comes to the aid of mycologists, producing tablets, injections and droppers for systemic treatment, as well as ointments, creams, gels and medicated varnishes for topical use.
Important!
Do not try to prescribe a course of treatment for mycosis yourself.All antifungals are very toxic and have many contraindications.
Fungus can change its location in the human body: disappear in one area and appear in another.Only control by a mycologist will help cope with the disease and prevent it from transforming and moving deeper into the body.
Mycosis therapy
Typically, the prescription for treating fungal nail infections consists of:
- Antimycotic medicated spray, cream or ointment;
- Tablet drugs.The choice between drugs is determined by their side effects, age, medical history of the patient and his immune defense;
- Means for removing infected nail plates are prescribed for severe or advanced forms of mycoses.This conservative method of treatment replaces surgery and allows a healthy, undamaged nail plate to grow back.
During the therapy, repeated clinical studies are prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and to adjust the drugs.Tests for the third time are prescribed after the removal of visible symptoms of the fungus.And for the fourth time - two to three months after the end of the course of therapy.
The secret of mycosis lies in its high contagiousness, the speed of its spread and the duration of therapy.To avoid the recurrence 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
Non-observance of simple hygiene standards can lead to rapid infection of loved ones living with the patient.
To avoid this, you should:
- 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 with you to try on a new pair at a shoe store;
- Using medicated sprays and aerosols can provide additional protection for your feet and nails;
- Give preference to shoes made of genuine leather instead of synthetic ones.This will give the feet the opportunity to breathe, to prevent excessive sweating and the development of mycosis;
- If you have an unpleasant smell or profuse sweating of the feet, you should consult a doctor.This will help to notice the pathology in the early 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.