Fungal nail disease is called onychomycosis and is caused by pathogenic fungi (dermatophytes).
Most often, the fungus affects the nails, less often - the skin. Infected with onychomycosis are mainly people who lead a healthy lifestyle - in swimming pools, saunas, on the beach.
The symptoms of onychomycosis cannot be confused with anything, because the nail from being shiny and smooth becomes cloudy, rough and thick. Yellow, gray, brown spots appear on it, as well as streaks or scratches. The skin around the nail becomes inflamed and swollen. Nails can peel and crumble, and sometimes remain behind the nail bed.
Treatment of nail fungus
Detecting a fungal disease is easy, but it is much more difficult to get rid of it. The treatment process is arduous and requires a lot of time and patience. The first results of therapy appear no earlier than 2 weeks after the start of treatment, and the entire period lasts from 6 to 12 months.
The risk of fungal nail infection is that during the disease immunity decreases, allergic reactions appear and chronic diseases worsen.
The therapy of fungal diseases is different and depends on the area affected by the mold and its type. Combination therapy is most often used when drugs for internal use and local antifungal agents are combined.
Preparations for local therapy are different, but one of the most effective is antifungal varnish, which covers the diseased nail. Other topical agents can be applied to the skin.
Measures to prevent fungal nail infections
According to statistics, 20% of the world's population suffers from fungal diseases, so it is important to follow disease prevention measures and personal protection.
Effective preventive measures include the following:
- Before visiting public places of recreation, treat your feet with an antifungal ointment or some local medicine.
- After visiting the pool or sauna, treat your feet and hands with a saline solution or take a bath with 72% laundry soap.
- Wear comfortable shoes and monitor sweaty feet so that conditions are not created for the growth and development of a fungal infection.
- Strictly follow the rules and norms of personal hygiene (individual use of shoes, slippers, underwear).
- Do not walk barefoot on the beach, but wear light shoes.