According to statistics, a quarter of the world’s population suffers from mycoses (fungus). Given that the disease is sometimes latent or mild, one in three can be infected. How to cope with it, said Maria Koroleva, a dermatologist at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Administrative Department of the President of the Russian Federation.
March 1 2019
One of the main symptoms of the manifestation of infection is peeling, redness, itching between the fingers, which after a while is replaced by a change in the nail plate. It becomes dull, cloudy, porous, and deformed. Sometimes these changes are subtle.
Infection occurs through contact with a sick person and through common items (bedding, slippers). In baths, saunas and swimming pools, you should definitely wear shoes brought with you. It is important to wash and dry thoroughly after use. If you work in an office, it’s best to keep a replacement pair of shoes in your office. Too warm or uncomfortable shoes create a greenhouse effect, high humidity and temperature, which stimulate the development of the fungus.
The risk of infection increases with age: by the age of 60, the probability of having mycosis is about 60%. This is due to a slowdown in metabolism: in older people, nails grow more slowly, which is a negative factor.
Many do not pay attention to the change in nails, becoming carriers of the infection. Weakened immunity and concomitant diseases: diabetes mellitus, arthritis, osteochondrosis have a negative effect. Cerebral circulation disorders and ischemia limit physical capacity, preventing daily hygiene procedures.
The only effective approach is to remove the pathogenic fungus from the affected nails. Creams, ointments, pastes, solutions, varnishes create high concentrations of medicinal substances on the surface of the nail. Their advantage is in the absence of side effects.
Tablets and capsules are prescribed for systemic therapy. They ensure the penetration of the drug through the blood, but they accumulate in the skin and nail plate and can persist even after a course of treatment. Due to the risk of side effects after long-term administration of drugs, systemic therapy is contraindicated in pregnant women, lactating, allergy sufferers, people with liver disease.
Hardware techniques, primarily a laser. A painless procedure in which the doctor removes the affected part of the nail. An effective technique, in 95% of cases the infection disappears. The choice of treatment tactics is determined only by the doctor and for each patient individually.
1. In the gym, when using public equipment (including yoga mats), antifungal agent must be applied. 2. If you put on rented skates or ski boots, you should immediately wash your feet at home, thoroughly treat your feet with any antiseptic. 3. Tools for manicure and pedicure should be individual. Disinfect them by rubbing with alcohol each time before use.
Many patients try to cope with folk methods, using propolis, alcohol solutions, iodine, vinegar, soda or herbs. None of these remedies will completely cure, but they can cause an allergic reaction or promote the spread of infection throughout the body. Fungal infection is not life threatening, but this is not a reason to ignore it. The earlier treatment is started, the less time and money it will take. Even at the earliest stage, it will take anywhere from two weeks to a month.
Redness and itching – companions of many skin diseases: dermatitis, eczema. Mycosis most often develops on the feet, hands, nail plates. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to see a specialist.