Infection of the skin or nail plate by a fungus (or scientifically, ringworm) 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 relapse and long-term therapy.
There is only one route of infection with the fungus - from a ringworm carrier to a healthy person.Fans of saunas, baths and swimming pools are at risk.A warm, humid environment is a favorite place for the fungus to exist.Uncleanness and violation of sanitary standards by the manicurist-pedicurist can also lead to infection.Especially often, ringworm enters the body through trauma to the nail fold.
Ringworm symptoms
Ringworm is insidious because it can be very difficult to notice the first symptoms.The course of onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail plates) depends on the level of the body's defenses.The greater the immunity, the milder the form of the disease.There are three stages of nail fungus development:
- Normotrophic – the initial stage of disease development.The shape of the nail does not change;small areas of white or yellowish tone 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, making it 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 visit to the doctor!
For many, the appearance of fungus on fingernails or toenails seems to be a minor problem that can be resolved independently with folk remedies or pharmaceutical medications.However, therapy for mycoses requires an integrated approach and determination of the pathogen 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 ringworm
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 fungal disease.We will consider the question of jurisdiction over mycoses below.But, looking ahead, let us 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 ringworm and prescribes additional 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 tiring fight against fungi.The duration of therapy for ringworm is usually six months or more.It is not advisable to interrupt treatment at your own discretion, 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 is perplexed: which doctor should he contact?Which doctor deals with foot and nail fungus?Dermatologist or mycologist?Let's look at this in detail.
Who is a mycologist?
A mycologist is a doctor who treats fungal pathologies of the nail plates and skin.All varieties of fungi are his specialization.He knows everything about fungi.
Within its competence:
- Therapy of mycoses and other diseases of the nails, hair and skin;
- Clinical studies and diagnostic clarification;
- Prevention of fungal pathologies.
However, the problem is that this specialist usually works in paid private clinics and in large cities.And ringworm knows no borders.What to do if there is no mycologist at 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.Your experience and qualifications are much more important.A dermatologist will perform an initial examination and, if necessary, provide a referral to a mycologist.In most cases, a dermatologist becomes a doctor who treats fungi in municipal institutions in rural towns and cities.
The main thing is not to self-medicate, not to listen to the advice of neighbors and friends and not delay in going to the doctor.Nail fungus is insidious and self-medication can do more harm than good.
Initial examination
Timely contact with a specialist will avoid the risk of spreading ringworm.The initial examination begins with surveying the patient's complaints, clarifying the time of occurrence 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 take a list of necessary examinations.
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 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 whether a fungus exists, but does not allow it to determine its strain;
- PCR – diagnosis.The polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive techniques that allows you to determine the strain of the pathogen.
The doctor who will handle additional therapy depends on the strain of the fungal disease and the severity of its course.The decision on mandatory treatment with a mycologist is made in the case of severe forms of mycoses that are resistant to the main groups of medications.
The course of treatment for 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 mycotic lesions lies in their ability to adapt and become immune to the action of pharmaceutical medications.This leads to the fact that drugs proven 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 medicines 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 ointments, creams, gels and medicinal varnishes for topical use.
Important!
Do not try to prescribe a ringworm treatment yourself.All antimycotics are highly toxic and have many contraindications.
The fungus can change location on 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.
Ringworm therapy
Typically, the recipe for treating fungal nail infections consists of:
- Medicinal varnish, antimycotic cream or ointment;
- Medicines in tablets.The choice between medications is determined by the patient's side effects, age, medical history and immune defense;
- Means for removing infected nail plates are prescribed for severe or advanced forms of mycoses.This conservative treatment method replaces surgery and allows a healthy, intact nail plate to grow back.
During therapy, repeated clinical studies are prescribed to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust medications.Tests for the third time 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 the course of therapy.
The insidiousness of mycosis lies in its high contagiousness, speed of spread and duration of therapy.To prevent a relapse of the disease, it is necessary to take measures to prevent reinfection of the patient and their family members.
Preventive measures for the patient and their families
Failure to comply with simple hygiene standards 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 - cloth, slippers, towel;
- When visiting saunas, Turkish baths, swimming pools, do not forget about rubber shoes.It will protect your feet from onychomycosis;
- Always have nylon or cotton socks with you to try on a new pair at a shoe store;
- The use of medicated varnishes and aerosols can provide additional protection for feet and nails;
- Give preference to shoes made from genuine leather over synthetic ones.This will give your feet the opportunity to breathe, preventing excessive sweating and the development of mycoses;
- If you notice an unpleasant odor or profuse sweating on your feet, consult a doctor.This will help to notice the pathology in the early stages and 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.