Fungal infections of the skin or nail plate (or mycoses as they are scientifically known) can cause not only aesthetic and moral discomfort but also serious health problems.In addition to complications, mycoses are characterized by high disease recurrence rates and long treatment times.
There is only one path for fungal infection - from a carrier of the fungal disease to a healthy person.People who enjoy saunas, baths and swimming pools are at risk.Warm and moist environments are fungi’s favorite places to live.Infection can also result from poor cleanliness and violation of hygiene standards by the manicurist/pedicurist.It is especially common for fungal diseases to enter the body through trauma to the nail fold.
Fungal Disease Symptoms
Fungal disease is insidious because its first symptoms are difficult to notice.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.The development of nail fungus occurs in three stages:
- Normal nutrition - the initial stage of disease development.The shape of the nail does not change; small white or yellowish areas appear on it;
- Hypertrophy - The smooth but strong nail plate begins to delaminate.The color changes from a healthy pink to yellow.Changes in the structure of the nails - they become thick and loose;
- Atrophic-fungal disease develops and destroys the nail plate, making it very thin and brittle.The destructive process of the diseased nail begins.
Important!
Having at least one symptom is reason to see a doctor!
For many people, fungus on their fingernails or toenails may seem like a minor problem that can be resolved independently using folk remedies or medications.However, treatment of mycoses requires a comprehensive approach and identification of the pathogenic strain.This can only be done in a hospital.Therefore, a visit to the doctor is inevitable.
What to do to cure fungal disease
Let's consider the step-by-step algorithm to take in the event of a fungus:
- After detecting the first signs of fungal disease, it is necessary to contact a specialist immediately.We consider jurisdictional issues regarding fungal diseases below.But, going forward, let us clarify that you need to make an appointment with a mycologist or dermatologist;
- After an initial examination, the specialist will make a presumptive diagnosis of mycosis and request additional clinical studies;
- The doctor confirms the diagnosis, determines the fungal strain and issues a prescription based on the examination results;
- Be prepared for a long and hard battle against fungus.The duration of treatment for fungal diseases is usually six months or more.It is not recommended to stop treatment on your own to avoid recurrence of the mycosis, which has adapted to the medications taken and requires additional treatment.
Which doctor treats onychomycosis
A patient suffering from a fungus is often at a loss: which doctor should he contact?Which doctor treats foot and nail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's take a look in detail.
Who is a mycologist?
Mycologists are doctors who treat fungal pathologies of the nail plate and skin.All varieties of fungi are his specialty.He knew all about fungi.
Within his capabilities:
- Treat fungal diseases and other diseases of the nail plate, hair, and skin;
- clinical research and diagnostic clarification;
- Prevention of fungal pathology.
The problem is, however, that such specialists usually work in private paid clinics and in large cities.Fungal diseases know no borders.What if the clinic doesn’t have a mycologist?
In this case, a regular dermatologist will help you resolve the issue.It doesn't matter what the name of the doctor who treats you is.His experience and qualifications are more important.A dermatologist will perform an initial examination and, if necessary, make a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, dermatologists become doctors who treat fungi in municipal institutions in rural and provincial towns.
The most important thing is not to self-medicate, not to listen to the advice of neighbors and friends, and not to delay medical treatment.Nail fungus is insidious and self-treatment can do more harm than good.
preliminary inspection
Prompt contact with a specialist will prevent the risk of the spread of fungal diseases.The initial examination begins with an investigation of the patient's chief complaint, identifying when the nail plate defect occurred and the external factors accompanying the defect.
After examining the affected area, the attending physician will indicate the preliminary name of the disease and propose to undergo a series of necessary tests.
Typically, patients must undergo the following studies:
- Methods for microscopic analysis of damaged nail plate particles.This is called a KON test.To conduct this study, particles of the nail plate were immersed in a thirty percent potassium solution.The treated scrapers were then examined under a microscope.This method allows the treating physician to determine whether the fungus is present, but not its strain;
- PCR – Diagnosis.Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive techniques that allows you to determine the strain of a pathogen.
Which doctor will perform further treatment depends on the strain of mycosis and the severity of its course.For severe fungal diseases that are resistant to the main drugs, mycologists make the decision to force treatment.
The treatment process of fungal diseases is long and requires comprehensive treatment.Therapeutic measures depend on the extent of the lesions and the duration of the disease.
Onychomycosis treatment
The insidious nature of fungal lesions lies in their ability to adapt to and become immune to the effects of drugs.This resulted in drugs that had been proven over the years to lose their effectiveness against the fungus.
The treatment of any fungal disease becomes a purely individual matter, with a treatment plan developed individually for each patient.A combination of two or three different medications helps achieve good results.
The pharmacy assists mycologists, producing tablets, injections and droppers for systemic treatment, as well as ointments, creams, gels and medicinal varnishes for topical use.
Important!
Do not try to create a treatment plan for fungal disease on your own.All antifungals are highly toxic and have many contraindications.
Fungi can change their location in the body: disappearing in one area and appearing in another.Only the control of mycologists can help deal with this disease without allowing it to transform and penetrate deeper into the body.
Fungal disease treatment
Typically, treatments for fungal nail infections include:
- Medicated varnish, antifungal cream or ointment;
- Tablet drugs.The choice of drug depends on the drug's side effects, age, patient's medical history and immune defenses;
- Methods used to remove infected nail plates are used to treat severe or advanced forms of mycosis.This conservative treatment replaces surgery and allows healthy, undamaged nail plates to regrow.
During the course of treatment, repeated clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the medication.A third test is done after obvious symptoms of the fungus have been eliminated.The fourth time is two to three months after the end of the treatment.
The harmfulness of fungal diseases lies in their strong contagiousness, rapid spread and long treatment time.To avoid recurrence of the disease, it is necessary to take measures to prevent reinfection of patients and their families.
Precautions for patients and their families
Failure to adhere to simple hygiene standards can lead to rapid infection of loved ones who live with the patient.
To avoid this, you need to:
- Provide personal hygiene products – towels, slippers, washcloths – for each family member;
- Don't forget to wear rubber shoes when going to the sauna, steam room, swimming pool.It will protect your feet from onychomycosis;
- Carry nylon or cotton socks with you to try on a new pair of shoes at a shoe store;
- Use medicated varnishes and aerosols to provide extra protection for your feet and nails;
- Prefer leather shoes over synthetic shoes.This will give the feet a chance to breathe, preventing excessive sweating and the development of fungal diseases;
- If your feet smell bad or you sweat a lot, you should talk to your doctor.This will help to notice the pathology at the first stage, and treatment will be easier and faster.
A balanced diet helps strengthen the body's resistance to infection.Include foods rich in vitamins A and B, calcium and iodine.