Infection of the skin or nail plate with a fungus (or, scientifically, a mycosis) not only brings aesthetic and moral discomfort, but can also cause serious health problems in general.In addition to complications, the fungal disease is characterized by a high rate of disease recurrence and long-term therapy.
There is only one route of infection with the fungus: from a carrier of mycosis to a healthy person.Sauna, bath and swimming pool enthusiasts are at risk.A warm, humid environment is the preferred place for the fungus to exist.Dirt and violation of sanitary standards by the manicurist-pedicurist can also lead to infections.Especially often, mycosis enters the body through trauma to the nail fold.
Symptoms of mycosis
Mycosis is insidious as it can be quite difficult to notice its early symptoms.The course of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) 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 the 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, solid 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 destruction of 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 of the hands or toes seems to be a minor problem, which can be solved independently using folk remedies or medications.However, therapy of mycoses requires an integrated approach and determination of the pathogenic strain.This can only be done in a hospital.And, therefore, a visit to the doctor cannot be avoided.
What needs to be done to cure mycosis
Let's consider an algorithm of step-by-step actions in case of fungus:
- It is necessary to contact a specialist immediately after detecting the first signs of a fungal disease.We will consider the question of jurisdiction of mycosis below.But, looking ahead, we clarify that it is necessary to make an appointment with a mycologist or dermatologist;
- After an initial visit, the specialist formulates a presumptive diagnosis of mycosis and prescribes further 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 own discretion, so as not to have to face a recurrence of mycosis, which has adapted to the drugs taken and requires additional therapy.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus
Often a patient with a fungus is perplexed: which doctor should he 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 conditions of the nails and skin.All varieties of mushrooms are his specialization.He knows everything about mushrooms.
Within his competence:
- Treatment of mycosis and other diseases of the nails, hair and skin;
- Clinical studies and clarification of diagnosis;
- Prevention of fungal diseases.
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 the mycologist is not present in the clinic?
In this case, a regular 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.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 of provincial villages and cities.
The main thing is not to self-medicate, not to listen to the advice of neighbors and friends and not to delay a visit to the doctor.Nail fungus is insidious and self-medicating can do more harm than good.
Initial exam
Timely contact with a specialist will avoid the risk of spreading mycosis.The initial examination begins with an investigation of the patient's complaints, clarifying the time when the nail plate defect occurred 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 of 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 potassium solution.The processed scraping is then examined under a microscope.This method allows the doctor involved in the treatment to determine whether a fungus is present, but does not allow the strain to be determined;
- PCR – diagnostic.Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive techniques that allows you to determine the strain of the pathogen.
Which doctor will carry out 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 case of severe forms of mycosis 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.
Nail fungus treatment
The insidiousness of mycotic lesions lies in their ability to adapt and become immune to the action of drugs.This leads to the fact that proven drugs over the years lose their therapeutic effect on the fungus.
And any treatment of fungal diseases becomes a purely individual event with a therapeutic regimen developed individually for each patient.A combination of two or three different drugs helps to achieve a good result.
To the aid of mycologists comes the pharmacy, which produces tablets, syringes and droppers for systemic treatments, as well as ointments, creams, gels and medicinal varnishes for topical use.
Important!
Do not try to prescribe a course of treatment for mycosis yourself.All antifungals 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 move deeper into the body.
Mycosis therapy
Typically, the prescription for treating fungal nail infections consists of:
- Medicinal paint, antifungal cream or ointment;
- Medicines in tablets.The choice between drugs is determined by side effects, age, the patient's clinical history and his immune defenses;
- Means for removing infected nails are prescribed for severe or advanced forms of mycosis.This conservative treatment method replaces surgery and allows the regrowth of a healthy, undamaged nail plate.
Repeated clinical trials are prescribed during therapy to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and adapt medications.The third time tests are prescribed after eliminating the visible symptoms of the fungus.And for the fourth time – two or three months after the end of the course of therapy.
The insidiousness of mycosis lies in its high contagiousness, rapidity of spread and duration of therapy.To avoid relapse 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
Failure to comply with simple hygiene rules can lead to rapid infection of loved ones living with the patient.
To avoid this you need:
- Provide each family member with personal hygiene items: a washcloth, slippers, a towel;
- When visiting saunas, steam rooms, 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;
- The use of medicinal varnishes and aerosols can provide additional protection for feet and nails;
- Give preference to genuine leather shoes rather than their synthetic counterparts.This will give your feet a chance to breathe, preventing excessive sweating and the development of mycosis;
- If you experience an unpleasant odor or profuse sweating of your 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.