Infection of the skin or nail plate with a fungus (or scientifically mycosis) leads not only to aesthetic and moral discomfort, but can also lead to serious health problems in general.In addition to complications, fungal diseases are characterized by a high rate of disease relapses and long-term therapy.
There is only one route of infection with the fungus - from the person with mycosis to a healthy person.Fans of saunas, baths and swimming pools are at risk.A warm and moist environment is a preferred habitat for the fungus.Uncleanliness and violations of hygiene standards by the manicurist/pedicurist can also lead to infections.Mycosis particularly often enters the body through trauma to the nail fold.
Symptoms of mycosis
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 strength of the body's defenses.The higher the immunity, the milder the disease is.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 white or yellowish areas appear on it;
- Hypertrophic – a smooth and 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 brittle.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 fingernails or toenails seems to be an insignificant problem that can be treated independently using folk remedies or medicines.However, the treatment of mycoses requires a holistic approach and the determination of the pathogen strain.This is only possible in a hospital.And that's why a visit to the doctor cannot be avoided.
What needs to be done to cure mycosis?
Let's consider a step-by-step algorithm of actions in the case of a fungus:
- It is necessary to contact a specialist immediately after detecting the first signs of a fungal disease.Below we will address the issue of responsibility for mycoses.However, looking forward, let's clarify that you need to make an appointment with a mycologist or dermatologist.
- After an initial examination, the specialist makes a suspected 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 issues prescriptions;
- Get ready for a long, arduous battle against fungi.The duration of therapy for mycosis is often six months or more.It is not advisable to stop treatment at your own discretion in order not to struggle with a relapse of mycosis that has adapted to the medications taken and requires additional therapy.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus?
Often a patient with a fungus is at a loss: which doctor should he contact?Which doctor treats 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 diseases of the nail plates and skin.All types of mushrooms are his specialty.He knows everything about mushrooms.
In his area of responsibility:
- Therapy of mycoses and other diseases of the nail plates, hair and skin;
- Clinical studies and clarification of the diagnosis;
- Prevention of fungal diseases.
But the problem is that such a specialist usually works in private, paid clinics and in large 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 deal with the problem.It doesn't matter what the name of the doctor who treats you is.His experience and qualifications are much more important.A dermatologist will carry out an initial examination and, if necessary, issue a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, a dermatologist becomes a doctor who treats fungi in community facilities 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.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 a survey of the patient's complaints, whereby the time at which the nail plate defect occurred and the associated external factors are clarified.
After examining the affected areas, the attending physician gives the preliminary name of the disease and offers to undergo a list of the necessary tests.
Typically the patient must undergo the following examinations:
- Method for microscopic analysis of a particle of a damaged nail plate.It's called the CON test.To conduct the study, a particle of the nail plate is dipped into a thirty percent potassium solution.The processed scraper is then examined under the microscope.This method allows the doctor involved in the treatment to determine whether a fungus is present, but not 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 takes on further therapy depends on the severity of the fungal disease and the severity of its course.The decision on mandatory treatment by a mycologist is made in severe forms of mycoses that are resistant to the main groups of drugs.
The treatment of mycoses is lengthy and requires an integrated approach.The 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 to and become immune to the effects of drugs.This means that medications that have been tried and tested for years lose their therapeutic effect on the fungus.
And each treatment of fungal diseases becomes a purely individual matter with a treatment plan developed individually for each patient.A combination of two or three different medications helps to achieve a good result.
The pharmacy comes to the aid of mycologists and produces tablets, injections and droppers for systemic treatment, as well as ointments, creams, gels and medicinal varnishes for topical use.
Important!
Do not try to prescribe treatment for mycosis yourself.All antifungal drugs are highly toxic and have many contraindications.
The fungus can change its location in the human body: disappear in one place and reappear in another.Only control by a mycologist will help manage the disease and prevent it from transforming and penetrating deeper into the body.
Mycosis therapy
Typically, the recipe for treating fungal nail infections consists of:
- Medical varnish, antifungal cream or ointment;
- Tablet medications.The choice of medication is determined by their side effects, the patient's age, medical history and immune system;
- In severe or advanced forms of mycoses, agents are prescribed to remove infected nail plates.This conservative treatment method replaces surgery and allows a healthy, undamaged nail plate to grow back.
During therapy, repeated clinical trials are prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and adjust medications.The third time, tests are prescribed after the visible symptoms of the fungus have been eliminated.And for the fourth time - two to three months after the end of therapy.
The insidiousness of mycosis lies in its high risk of infection, the rapid spread and the duration of therapy.In order to avoid a relapse of the disease, measures must be taken to prevent reinfection of the patient and his family members.
Preventive measures for the patient and his family members
Failure to comply with 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 rooms and swimming pools, don't forget your rubber shoes.It protects your feet from onychomycosis;
- Always take nylon or cotton socks with you when trying on a new pair at the shoe store.
- The use of medical varnishes and aerosols can provide your feet and nails with additional protection;
- Prefer genuine leather shoes over their synthetic counterparts.This gives the feet the opportunity to breathe, prevents excessive sweating and the development of mycoses;
- If you notice an unpleasant odor or excessive sweating on your feet, you should consult a doctor.This will help detect the pathology in the first stages and treatment will become easier and faster.
A balanced diet helps increase the body's resistance to infections.Consume foods high in vitamins A and B, calcium and iodine.