Infection of the skin or nail plate with fungi (or mycosis scientifically) leads not only to aesthetic and moral discomfort, 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 the fungus - from a mycosis carrier to a healthy person.Lovers of saunas, baths and pools are at risk.A warm and moist environment is a favorite place for fungi to exist.Dirt and violation of sanitary norms by a manicurist-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 your 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 mycosis on the nails:
- Normotrophic - the initial stage of disease development.The shape of the nail does not change;small areas with a white or yellowish tint appear 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 extremely thin and brittle.The process of destroying the diseased nail begins.
important!
The appearance of at least one symptom is a reason for a mandatory consultation with a doctor!
For many, the appearance of fungus on the nails of the hands or feet seems to be a minor problem that can be solved independently with the help of folk remedies or pharmaceutical drugs.However, the treatment of mycoses requires an integrated approach and determination of the strain of the pathogen.This can only be done in a hospital.And therefore, a visit to the doctor cannot be avoided.
What should be done to cure mycosis
Let's look at a step-by-step algorithm of actions in the case of fungus:
- It is necessary to immediately contact a specialist after detecting the first signs of a fungal disease.Below we will consider the issue of the jurisdiction of mycoses.But looking ahead, let's be clear that you need to make an appointment with a mycologist or dermatologist;
- After an initial examination, the specialist makes a presumptive diagnosis of mycosis and prescribes additional clinical tests;
- Based on the results of the examination, the doctor clarifies the diagnosis, determines the strain of the fungus and writes prescriptions;
- Get ready for a long, grueling fight against fungus.The duration of treatment for mycosis is often six months or more.It is not recommended to stop the course of treatment at your own discretion, so as not to face a relapse of mycosis, which adapts to the drugs taken and requires additional therapy.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus?
Often the patient with fungus is at a loss: which doctor to contact?Which doctor deals with foot and nail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's look at it 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 specialty.He knows all about fungi.
Within its competence:
- Treatment of mycoses and other diseases of the nail plates, hair and skin;
- Clinical examinations and clarification of the diagnosis;
- Prevention of fungal pathologies.
However, the problem is that such a specialist usually works 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, an ordinary dermatologist will help you deal with the problem.It doesn't matter what the name of the doctor who will treat you is.His experience and qualifications are much more important.The dermatologist will conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, write a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, a dermatologist becomes a doctor treating fungi 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 postpone a visit to a doctor.Mycosis of the nails is insidious and self-medication can do more harm than good.
Initial review
Timely contact with a specialist will prevent the risk of mycosis spreading.The initial examination begins with a study of the patient's complaints, clarifying the time of occurrence of the nail plate defect and the external factors that accompany 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.
Usually, the patient must undergo the following tests:
- A method for microscopic analysis of a particle of a damaged nail plate.It's 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 there is a fungus, but does not give the opportunity 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 for 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 of 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 insidiousness 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 the fungus.
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, which produces tablets, injections and droppers for systemic treatment, as well as ointments, creams, gels and medicinal varnishes for local application.
important!
Do not try to prescribe a course of treatment for mycosis yourself.All antifungals 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 cope with the disease and not allow it to transform and move deeper into the body.
Treatment of mycosis
Usually, the prescription for treating fungal nail infections consists of:
- Medicinal varnish, antifungal cream or ointment;
- Tablet drugs.The choice between drugs is determined by their side effects, the patient's age, medical history and immune defenses;
- In severe or advanced forms of mycosis, agents are prescribed to remove infected nail plates.This conservative method of treatment replaces surgery and allows the healthy, undamaged nail plate to grow back.
During the therapy, repeated clinical studies are prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the drugs.The third time, tests are prescribed after the removal of the visible symptoms of the fungus.And for the fourth time - two to three months after the end of the course of therapy.
The insidiousness of mycosis lies in its high contagiousness, speed of spread and duration of therapy.In order to avoid relapse 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 observe simple hygiene standards can lead to rapid infection of relatives living with the patient.
To avoid this, you should:
- Provide each family member with personal hygiene items - towel, slippers, towel;
- When visiting saunas, steam baths, pools, don't forget rubber shoes.It will protect your feet from onychomycosis;
- Always bring nylon or cotton socks with you to try on a new pair at a shoe store;
- Using medicated polishes and sprays can provide extra protection for your feet and nails;
- Prefer shoes made of genuine leather, not synthetic.This will give the feet the opportunity to breathe, prevent excessive sweating and the development of mycosis;
- If you feel an unpleasant odor or profuse sweating of the feet, you should consult a doctor.This will help to notice the pathology in the first stages and the treatment will be easier and faster.
A balanced diet will help increase the body's resistance to infections.Include foods high in vitamins A and B, calcium and iodine.