Fungal disease of the nails is called onychomycosis, and it is caused by pathogenic fungi (dermatophytes).
Most often, the fungus affects the nails, less often - the skin. Infected with onychomycosis is mainly people who lead a healthy lifestyle - in pools, saunas, on the beach.
The symptoms of onychomycosis cannot be confused with anything, because the nail from shiny and smooth becomes cloudy, rough and thickened. Yellow, gray, brown spots appear on it, as well as stripes or dents. The skin roller around the nail becomes inflamed and swollen. Nails can peel and crumble, and sometimes lag behind the nail bed.
Nail fungus treatment
Detecting a fungal disease is easy, but it is much more difficult to get rid of it. The treatment process is laborious 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 takes from 6 to 12 months.
The danger of fungal infection of the nails is that during the disease immunity decreases, allergic reactions appear, and chronic diseases become aggravated.
Therapy of fungal diseases is different, and depends on the area affected by the fungus 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 local remedies can be applied to the skin.
Measures to prevent fungal infections of the nails
According to statistics, 20% of the world's population suffer from fungal diseases, so it is important to follow disease prevention and personal protection measures.
Effective preventive measures include the following:
- Before visiting public places of recreation, treat the feet with an antifungal ointment or any local remedy.
- After visiting the pool or sauna, treat your feet and hands with a saline solution or take baths 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 on the beach barefoot, but wear light shoes.