Infection of the skin or nail by a fungus (or scientifically, mycosis) causes not only aesthetic and moral discomfort, but can also cause serious health problems in general.In addition to complications, fungal diseases are characterized by a high rate of disease relapse and long-term treatment.
There is only one route of infection with the fungus: from a carrier of mycosis to a healthy person.Fans of saunas, baths and swimming pools are at risk.A warm, humid environment is the favorite place for the fungus to exist.Dirt and violation of sanitary rules by the manicurist-pedicurist can also lead to infection.Especially often, mycosis enters the body through trauma to the nail fold.
Symptoms of mycosis
Mycosis is insidious because 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 milder the form of the disease.There are three stages of development of nail mycosis:
- Normotrophic – the initial stage of disease development.The shape of the nail does not change;small areas of white or yellowish tint appear;
- 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 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 a minor problem, which can be solved independently with folk remedies or medications.However, the treatment of mycoses requires an integrated approach and determination of the pathogen strain.This can only be done in a hospital.And, therefore, you cannot avoid visiting the doctor.
What should be done 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 detecting the first signs of a fungal disease.We will consider the question of the jurisdiction of mycoses below.But, looking ahead, let's clarify that it is necessary 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 studies;
- Based on the test results, the doctor clarifies the diagnosis, determines the strain of the fungus and prescribes prescriptions;
- Prepare for a long and exhausting fight against fungi.The duration of treatment for mycosis is usually six months or more.It is not advisable to stop treatment on your own, so as not to have to deal with a relapse of mycosis, which has adapted to the medications taken and requires additional therapy.
Which doctor treats toenail fungus?
Often a patient with a fungus does not know: which doctor should he go to?Which doctor deals with foot and nail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's see 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 their specialization.He knows everything about mushrooms.
Within its competence:
- Therapy of mycoses and other diseases of the nail plates, hair and skin;
- Clinical studies and clarification of the diagnosis;
- Prevention of fungal pathologies.
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 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 will see you is.Your experience and qualifications are much more important.A dermatologist will carry out an initial examination and, if necessary, write a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, a dermatologist becomes a fungal doctor in municipal institutions in provincial towns and cities.
The main thing is not to self-medicate, not to listen to the advice of neighbors and friends and not to delay visiting the doctor.Nail mycosis is insidious and self-medication can do more harm than good.
Initial examination
Timely contact with a specialist will avoid the risk of spreading mycosis.The initial examination begins with an examination 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.
Normally, 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 carry out 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 if a fungus is present, but does not allow to determine its strain;
- PCR – diagnosis.The polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive techniques that allows determining the strain of the pathogen.
Which doctor will be responsible for carrying out additional 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 of mycosis is long and requires an integrated approach.Therapeutic measures depend on the extent of the injury and the duration of the disease.
Nail fungus treatment.
The insidiousness of fungal lesions lies in their ability to adapt and become immune to the action of drugs.This leads to the fact that tested drugs over the years lose their therapeutic effect on the fungus.
And any 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 medications 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 medicinal ointments, creams, gels and varnishes for topical use.
Important!
Do not try to prescribe a treatment for mycosis yourself.All antifungals are very 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 go deeper into the body.
Mycosis therapy
Typically, the prescription to treat fungal nail infections consists of:
- Medicated varnish, antifungal cream or ointment;
- Medicines in tablets.The choice between drugs is determined by their side effects, age, medical history of the patient and their immunological defense;
- Means for removing infected nail plates are prescribed for severe or advanced forms of mycosis.This conservative treatment method replaces surgery and allows a healthy, undamaged nail plate to regrow.
During therapy, repeated clinical studies are prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and adjust medications.The third test is prescribed after eliminating the visible symptoms of the fungus.And for the fourth time, two or three months after the end of the therapy course.
The insidiousness of mycosis lies in its high contagiousness, rapidity of spread and duration of therapy.To avoid a 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 their families.
Failure to follow simple hygiene rules can lead to rapid infection of loved ones living with the patient.
To avoid this, it is necessary:
- Provide each family member with personal hygiene items: a washcloth, slippers, a towel;
- When visiting saunas, steam rooms and swimming pools, don't 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 in a shoe store;
- Using medicated varnishes and sprays can provide additional protection to your feet and nails;
- Give preference to shoes made of genuine leather instead of their synthetic counterparts.This will allow the feet to breathe, prevent excessive sweating and the development of mycosis;
- If you feel an unpleasant odor or profuse sweating on your feet, you should consult a doctor.This will help detect 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.