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.
Symptoms of onychomycosis cannot be confused with anything, because the shiny and smooth nail becomes cloudy, rough and thickened. Yellow, gray, brown spots appear on it, as well as streaks or dents. The skin roller around the nail becomes inflamed and swollen. Nails can peel off and crumble and, at times, 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 lasts from 6 to 12 months.
The danger 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 fungus and its type. Combination therapy is 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 nail infections
According to statistics, 20% of the world population suffers 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 for recreation, treat your feet with antifungal ointment or any local remedy.
- After visiting the pool or sauna, treat your feet and hands with a saline solution or bathe with 72% laundry soap.
- Wear comfortable shoes and check for sweaty feet so that conditions are not created for the growth and development of a fungal infection.
- Strictly observe the rules and regulations of personal hygiene (individual use of shoes, slippers, underwear).
- Do not walk on the beach barefoot, but wear light shoes.