Prevention of fungal diseases: methods of treatment. The first signs and symptoms of nail fungus - when to sound the alarm

Mycoses are caused by pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic fungi and can affect the skin, nails, hair, mucous membranes of internal organs.

The source of infection is most often a sick person or animal, in rare cases - the soil. The disease can be transmitted through direct contact with a sick person or animal, but indirect infection is much more common through contact with household items contaminated with infectious material (pathogenic fungi are distinguished by long-term survival in the external environment).

These can be skin scales, hair fragments, nails, which contain elements of a viable fungus in abundance. The latter, falling off the lesions, infect things, household items - toys, carpets, upholstered furniture, cleaning equipment, etc.

emergence pathological process contributes to a number of factors: decreased immunity, somatic diseases, long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal drugs, cytostatics, immunodeficiency; deep lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, microtrauma (abrasion), insect bites. Predisposing factors are injuries to the skin of the feet (wearing narrow uncomfortable shoes, high humidity foot skin, flat feet).

Infection with mycosis can occur when visiting children's preschool institutions, schools, sports and recreation facilities, institutions for providing medical care to humans and animals, public utility facilities (baths, laundries, saunas, water parks, swimming pools, hairdressers, beauty salons).

The factors of transmission of infection have their own characteristics in different institutions and environments. In hairdressing and beauty salons, the transmission of a fungal infection is possible through hair clippers, combs, curlers, hairnets, staff underwear and overalls, manicure and pedicure tools, hair and other waste. In addition, the tools used in manicure and pedicure pose a certain danger in terms of transmitting such dangerous diseases like viral hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, etc. IN sports complexes, fitness clubs, swimming pools, saunas, baths, gyms, technological equipment, sports equipment, gymnastic mats, wrestling mats, showers, wooden gratings, pool paths, steps, handrails, floors can serve as objects of infection transmission; in baths, saunas - sanitary equipment, basins, rubber mats.

In preschool educational institutions mycoses can be transmitted through toys, books, notebooks, bed sheets, household items (carpets, furniture, sand in sandboxes), hygiene items (combs, washcloths, towels, etc.), cleaning equipment.

Preventive measures are the main factor in preventing the spread of fungal diseases. The main thing at the same time is the observance of sanitary norms and rules, guidelines and other state normative documents by types of activity and harmful factors at the facilities for the provision of services to the population.

Federal Law No. 52-FZ of March 30, 1999 “On the Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the Population” (Articles 11 and 32) obliges individual entrepreneurs and legal entities to comply with the requirements of sanitary legislation, ensure the safety of work performed and services provided for human health, and exercise production control (including through laboratory research and tests) for

compliance with sanitary rules and the implementation of sanitary and anti-epidemic (preventive) measures.

Persons exercising production control are responsible for the timeliness, completeness and reliability of its implementation. They must have special training. Otherwise, the safety of the population and service personnel will not be ensured.

The program (plan) of production control without limitation of the period of validity is drawn up by a legal entity, individual entrepreneur approved by the head of the organization.

The production control program (plan) contains questions common to all types of activities (a list of sanitary norms and rules and methods for monitoring environmental factors in accordance with the type of activity; those responsible for conducting production control; harmful factors; a list of positions of workers subject to medical examinations; a list of emergency situations, etc.).

Each type of activity has its own characteristics and production factors that can have harmful effect per person, including - to increase the spread of infectious diseases.

In organizations and institutions whose activities pose a potential danger in the spread of infectious, including fungal diseases, it is necessary to plan measures to prevent their transmission to the public and personnel, as well as to prevent pollution. environment. These include sanitary and anti-epidemic (preventive) measures. They are specific to each type of activity and are planned in accordance with sanitary norms and rules.

In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including fungal diseases, at public utility facilities providing hairdressing and cosmetic services, it is necessary:

carry out preventive disinfection (disinfection of the surfaces of the premises, furniture, equipment, tools, linen, overalls and other items used in the work);
all manipulations that present a potential risk of injury skin and mucous membranes, to carry out using sterile instruments and materials;
carry out wet cleaning of premises (wiping floors, furniture, equipment, window sills, doors) in the main and utility rooms.

Cleaning should be done at least twice a day using detergents(including after the end of work). To clean the premises, it is necessary to allocate cleaning equipment (buckets, basins, mops, etc.), assign it to each room; mark it by type and volume of premises; after use, rinse and disinfect, store in a dry state in a specially designated place.

Once a week, it is necessary to carry out general cleaning (in accordance with the schedule approved by the administration). During general cleaning, walls, floors, baseboards, doors, windows, furniture, ventilation grilles are washed with disinfectant solutions.

After each client, it is necessary to collect the cut hair in a special closable scoop (it is recommended to clean the hair from the floor and linen with a special vacuum cleaner with sealed bags). Cut hair is poured into sealed containers (bags or packages), tied up and handed over for disposal (under an agreement with the relevant organization).

Only clean linen should be used for customer service. The supply of linen (towels, napkins, sheets) must be kept in an amount that ensures individual use for each client. Storage of clean and used linen, perfumes and cosmetics, detergents and disinfectants should be separate. It is allowed to use disposable underwear - hats, capes, towels, sheets, which after use are to be disposed of.

Laundry and work clothes must be centralized (washing at home is not allowed).

Clips, curlers, caps and nets for perming hair, caps for highlighting hair are washed under running water with detergents after each client. Combs, brushes, hair clippers are washed under running water after each client, placed in sterilizers or in disinfectant solutions according to the regimen used for fungal diseases; removable blades of electric razors are wiped twice with a solution of disinfectants with an interval of 15 minutes.

Pillows placed under the feet during a pedicure should have an oilcloth cover. After each client, they should be wiped with a disinfectant solution at a concentration and exposure calculated for the fungal treatment regimen.

Tools used for manipulations in which damage to the skin is possible (manicure, pedicure, tattooing, piercing, peeling, cosmetic services), after each client, without prior rinsing with water, are placed in special marked containers with a solution of disinfectants, and after disinfection is completed, they are washed with running water. water and sterilized.

For the disinfection and sterilization of instruments, specially trained personnel, a separate room, a supply of disinfectants with instructions for their use, sterilizing equipment and a three-time supply of standard instruments (for the provision of hair care services; cosmetic; for manicure and pedicure) are allocated.

Disinfectants, tools, equipment must have a document on the safety of their use and instructions for use.

The administration of the organization is obliged to provide workers with work clothes and organize its centralized washing. It is necessary to allocate household premises for separate storage of home and work clothes; dining rooms; for washing.

Organizations must have a first aid kit: 70% alcohol, 5% alcohol solution iodine, adhesive plaster, dressing material, latex gloves, a container for diluting water, weighed portions of potassium permanganate.

In baths, saunas, sanitary checkpoints, swimming pools, sports complexes, special measures are taken to prevent mycoses. Bath and shower rooms should be equipped with hooks and shelves for clothes and bath accessories. Baths, saunas, sanitary facilities, swimming pools and sports complexes should be provided with a sufficient number of labeled cleaning equipment, separate for all categories of premises (use - strictly in accordance with the labeling, storage - in separate room or cabinets). Rubber hoses should be used for cleaning soap and steam rooms. During the working day, in between sessions, rooms and equipment are cleaned using detergents and disinfectants; daily after closing - a thorough cleaning of all rooms, also using detergents and disinfectants. Wherein Special attention give the floor, showers, benches, basins, handrails, etc.

In baths, there should be two basins per place in the soap room (for the body and legs), differing in color or shape, in showers on the floor - rubber mats.

A visit to the pool is not allowed without presenting a medical certificate from a medical organization and at the suggestion of Rospotrebnadzor in case of an unfavorable epidemiological situation.

Of great importance is the observance of individual measures for the prevention of mycoses of the feet. It is recommended to use rubber slippers, and after visiting the bath or pool, treat the feet with a skin antiseptic. When visiting the pool, it is necessary to use only individual bathing and swimming accessories and personal toilet items, leave clothes and shoes in closets, enter the pool bath room through the walk-through shower along the bypass path.

Particular attention is paid to the pool area. The pool bowl after draining the water, bypass paths, ladders, handrails, sports bollards, benches, foot baths are subject to washing and disinfection; in wardrobes, showers, bathrooms - floors, walls, doors, door handles, cabinets, rubber mats, taps, sanitary equipment.

In sports halls, after each group session and at the end of the working day, surface treatment is carried out

detergent solutions followed by ventilation. Trainers are cleaned daily with disinfectants.

General cleaning is carried out at least once a month using disinfectant solutions with a fungicidal (antifungal) effect. The general cleaning schedule is approved by the head of the organization.

Upon completion of cleaning, cleaning equipment is immersed in a disinfectant solution for the time specified in the instructions for using the disinfectant, after which it is rinsed and dried; stored dry.

In order to prevent fungal diseases in all laundries, hostels, hotels, daily wet cleaning of premises, equipment, furniture, racks using detergents is carried out. Cleaning in the premises of washing and drying shops is carried out with a rubber hose attached to a watering tap. Once a month in hotels and hostels is held spring-cleaning using disinfectant solutions according to the regime that ensures the death of all types of bacteria and fungi.

Processing of rooms and sanitary equipment with the use of disinfectants must be carried out after the departure of each resident, cleaning with detergents - daily. Chamber disinfection of bedding is carried out at least once a year. Sanitary facilities, common areas

of use are cleaned daily using detergents and disinfectants.

Anna Mironova

Reading time: 12 minutes

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Everyone who is familiar with a fungal infection knows how much trouble this disease brings. IN summer time there is no way to put on sandals, and at home you have to bashfully hide your legs in socks. Apart from aesthetic problems, onychomycosis brings physical problems, so it is important to “stop” the disease at the very beginning.

How to treat?

The first signs and symptoms of nail fungus - when to sound the alarm?

The disease is usually caused various types fungus, most of which are dermatophytes (note - microscopic fungi that develop in warmth and dampness). Less often - yeast and mold fungi. According to statistics, nail fungus spoils the lives of 2-18% of the inhabitants of the planet. Moreover, most often - adults (especially the elderly after 70 years).

By what symptoms can the disease be identified?

The first signs of fungus on the legs ...

Cracked and flaky skin.
Itching and burning between the fingers.
The appearance of bubbles, and after painful cracks, sores on the skin.
Further, the infection "flows" on the nails, manifesting ...
Yellow or .
The appearance of stripes along the center of the nails or along their sides.
Changes in the basic color of the nails (for example, to gray, white or yellow).
Disappearing transparency of nails.
Thickening of nails.
Ingrown, crumbling, deformation.

What is dangerous?

If untreated, the fungus affects the skin around the nails, spreads to the foot. Then there is a general decrease in immunity: because of the fungus, the body is hit by other infections. Possibly exacerbation chronic diseases- asthma, allergic dermatitis etc. What can we say about the loss of an infected nail.

Therefore, at the first sign - run to the doctor!

Who and where is at risk of catching nail fungus - risk group

In fact, you run the risk of “picking up” the fungus anywhere - even at home. But in in public places, of course, the chances are much greater (if you are not careful).

Who is at risk?

People with the following diseases are most at risk of catching the fungus:

Flat feet and deformity of the feet.
Impaired circulation.
Increased sweating of the legs. Often, the fungus is “attached” by athletes and the military, who, due to the specifics of their work, have to walk in tight or uncomfortable shoes, even in the heat.
The presence of corns on the feet, as well as people with rough and thick skin on the feet.
Low immunity.
The presence of chronic diseases.
Frequent injury to the skin around the nails or the nail plates themselves. This category includes lovers of pedicure in salons or people who neglect the rules of hygiene.
Diabetes.

Where is the fungus caught?

The list of such places is endless, so we list those where the risk of hooking a fungus is highest:

At home, when using manicure accessories "with the whole family" (one scissors or tweezers for all, for example).
In a beauty salon (and at home) during manicure / pedicure, session, etc. under the condition of insufficiently high-quality processing of tools.
In a swimming pool - when walking barefoot near the pool itself or in public showers.
In public baths , saunas, gyms.
When using shared towels.
When using a mat bathroom for the whole family.
When wearing tight or poor quality shoes.
Spas, fitness clubs.
When exchanging shoes (one girlfriend gives a vilification to the other, or the guests are allowed to put on the slippers of someone from the family).
With frequent use of socks / tights made of synthetic fibers.
With frequent contact (and subsequent injury to the nail plates) with household chemicals.
When you receive oral contraceptives or antibiotics.

What treatment can a doctor prescribe - the most effective drugs

As soon as you find signs of beginning mycosis, you should go to a dermatologist or a mycologist.

The specialist determines the type of fungus and, according to research, prescribes treatment. Usually, it is enough to examine, analyze, scraping tissues for research, assess the thickness / structure of the nail, determine the type of fungus.

What is the treatment?

On initial stage sometimes an antifungal varnish (for example, batrafen or loceryl) is enough and cutting off those parts of the nails that were affected by the fungus.
With local treatment use conventional antifungal drugs (from ointments and patches to solutions and varnishes), usually twice a day. For example, clotrimazole or bifonazole, lamisil or nizoral, etc.
The application of the drug to the nails occurs only after the treatment of the legs. First, soften the nails/skin in warm soda solution and with soap. After - applying the drug for the prescribed time. Next - again hygienic procedures.
How much to treat? It depends on the stage of the disease. To cope with the fungus, as with a runny nose, will not work. It will take a long time to heal - be patient. As a rule, this process takes from 2 months to 1 year.
If local treatment fails the specialist prescribes antimycotics of general action (inside). In particular, lamisil or nizoral, diflucan or orungal. But only after a special / examination and in the absence of contraindications. Also, they are not combined with other medicines / preparations. Contraindications: breastfeeding and, of course, pregnancy, as well as taking hormonal contraceptives, kidney/liver disease.
related activities. During the treatment, you will have to treat all shoes (as well as socks, etc.) with a special / solution that the doctor prescribes.
At the end of treatment (that is, when they grow healthy nails) control tests will be carried out. Their result will show whether the treatment was effective or dermatophytes are still present.

On a note:

Nail fungus is an extremely tenacious "infection". In addition, it is known for its high resistance antifungal drugs. That's why it is imperative to cure the disease to the end , otherwise when re-treatment the effect will be extremely low.

And, of course, you should not self-medicate. All preparations are exclusively prescribed by a specialist!

10 best folk remedies for nail fungus

If there is a suspicion of nail fungus, simultaneously with treatment by a specialist, you can apply one of folk methods. It is not recommended to carry it out instead of treatment with a doctor. - you run the risk of aggravating the problem, and then the recovery process will really be long and exhausting.

So, what means have come down to us from our grandmothers and great-grandmothers?

Ointment for fungus. Mix vinegar (1 tbsp, 70%) + raw egg + dimethyl phthalate (1 tsp) + vegetable oil(1 st / l). Apply the mixture on the affected areas of the nails, wrap it with polyethylene on top, put cotton socks on top. Such a compress should be worn for 4 days.
Regular nail treatment with one of the following products : propolis tincture, antiseptic oil tea tree, Apple vinegar.
Foot baths. For them, you can use sea salt(and preferably without additives), infusion of celandine, yarrow, St. John's wort, oak bark, chamomile, calendula, etc. After the bath, lubricate the nails lemon juice, iodine or apple cider vinegar.
Iodine. The essence of the treatment: apply twice a day to damaged nails(within 20 days) 1-2 drops of iodine. With successful treatment, we then proceed to treatment 1 time in 3 days.
Tea mushroom. Its infusion is used as compresses. It is enough to soak the gauze, apply a compress and leave overnight - under polyethylene and socks. You can also apply directly part kombucha to the nails, after which they should be bandaged and left for a couple of hours. After - steam out the legs and apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar(1 part), alcohol 96% (2 parts), glycerin (2 parts). Leave overnight. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
Garlic oil. Pour hot crushed garlic sunflower oil until garlic is completely covered. We mix everything, tightly close and insist 2 days. The essence of the treatment: we moisten the swab in oil, apply it to the diseased area, bandage it, protect it from above with polyethylene, put on socks and leave it overnight. The course is 2 weeks.
Vinegar. We moisten the swab in vinegar (9%), apply it to the affected area, wrap it with polyethylene, fix it with a band-aid and leave it overnight. We repeat everything in the morning.
Soda with celandine. We steam the legs in a solution (3 l of water + 1 tbsp of soda), wipe the feet, lubricate the diseased areas along with the fingers with celandine oil (look in the pharmacy). The course is 2 weeks.
Birch tar. We steam the feet using household / soap (about 20 minutes), clean the feet with a pumice stone, trim the nails, wipe the feet dry and grease the nails and fingers with birch tar. We put the legs on the newspaper for 1.5 hours and read a book. Next, wipe off the excess tar with a bandage, put on cotton socks and forget about your feet for a couple of days. After they expire, my feet are again washed with household / soap and in cool water. In the evening we repeat the procedure. The course is 2 weeks.
Kalanchoe. Treatment: on unpainted nails, glue Kalanchoe leaves with plasters so as to cover them together with nail holes. We change leaf patches daily. The course is 2-3 weeks.

The use of folk methods - only after consultation with a specialist!

Measures to prevent nail fungus - how to protect yourself from adversity?

You can protect yourself from the fungus by simply observing the rules of hygiene and timely preventive measures.

Remember:

It's not that hard. Sufficient personal hygiene - and you are reliably protected from the fungus.

Site site provides background information. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of the disease is possible only under the supervision of a conscientious physician. When anxiety symptoms nail fungus consult a specialist!

In view of the significant contagiousness of patients with a fungus and early detection, i.e. timely diagnosis of the disease, isolation of such people and radical treatment are the main preventive measures.

Prevention of fungal diseases in children

A decisive role in the prevention of fungal diseases is played by the medical examination of the diseased. If any of the children fall ill, it is necessary to carefully examine all family members, including adults, especially women. It is also necessary to examine the persons caring for a sick child.

The previously existing view of an extremely rare lesion of the scalp in adults has been refuted (L. N. Mashkilleison, A. M. Arievich, etc.). It was possible to establish that often in these cases, sick mothers transmit fungal diseases to their children, and not vice versa, as previously believed. It follows from this how great a preventive value is, in appropriate cases, a thorough examination of women.

It is necessary to carry out thorough examinations of all children entering children's institutions - orphanages, kindergartens, nurseries, schools, playgrounds, etc., to identify patients with fungal diseases, as well as periodic examinations of children at least once every 2-3 months.

Examinations of schoolchildren are especially important before leaving for camps in the summer and when returning to school in the fall.
Equally important is screening on admission and periodic follow-up by caregivers.
In this case, special attention should be paid to the possibility of damage to the nails and palms and to the condition of the scalp, bearing in mind that in adults, fungal diseases sometimes occur in the form of "innocent" peeling without a clinically noticeable change in the hair.
In orphanages, kindergartens and nurseries, special attention should be paid to the care of children.
You don't have to wash your hair common basins.
It is better to use faucets with warm water while using liquid soap, and not common to all bars of soap.
Children must have separate beds, towels, napkins, etc.

Prevention of fungal diseases in people caring for a sick child

If a fungal disease occurs in the service personnel of children's institutions, they must be immediately removed from work until the cure. The same applies to hairdressers. There are a number of people (knitwear, sellers of underwear and dresses, masseuses, nurses, etc.) who, by the nature of their profession, if they have a fungal process on their hands and nails, should be released from work until they are cured.

Personnel caring for patients with fungal infections, as well as mothers of sick children, after any manipulations with patients, especially after washing their hair, manual hair removal and other similar manipulations, wash their hands thoroughly, then rinse them with a sublimate solution (1: 1000) or lubricate the subungual areas of iodine tincture.

When manually epilating, it is advisable to use fingertips.

What to do if fungal diseases are found in a child?

At the slightest suspicion of the possibility of a fungal disease, a consultation with a dermatologist and an analysis for fungi is necessary. Recognition is easier with short hair.

If the sick child is a schoolboy, it is necessary to examine all the children of the class in which he studies. The same applies to other children's institutions.

If a fungal disease is suspected, the child is prohibited from attending school or kindergarten. In orphanages, until the diagnosis is clarified, such children must be placed in a special fungal isolation room. Immediately after the diagnosis is established, treatment should be started, in no case allowing the patient to communicate with healthy children.

All objects with which the patient has come into contact pose a danger in terms of transmission of infection to others and reinfection for the patient himself. All these things should be disinfected or destroyed.

When are fungal diseases in a child considered non-contagious?

In children's institutions, including school, children with mycoses can be admitted only 5–6 weeks after baldness (as a result of hair removal), provided negative result microscopic examination. Patients are removed from the register in a medical institution after the growth of new healthy hair. As for the cases where only smooth skin, then if the lesion is localized on open parts, it is necessary to isolate children until clinical and bacteriological cure (on average for 6-7 days), and in case of lesions of closed skin areas - until the disappearance of clinical phenomena (on average 3-4 days).

With a diagnosis of fungal diseases on the hands, the child can be admitted to children's institution only under the condition of regular treatment, as well as wearing fingertips (preferably cotton ones). With multiple lesions of the nails, the child should be isolated until complete recovery. At the same time, it must be remembered that for the most part, simultaneously with the defeat of the nails, other fungal lesions are also found in patients, including those on the palms.

What should be the prevention of fungal diseases in adults?

Much attention should be paid to the sanitary and hygienic condition of hairdressing salons, baths and showers.

To prevent fungal diseases, in hairdressing salons, metal objects (clippers, scissors) must be thoroughly disinfected with dry heat, other things - in formalin vapor.
It is necessary to use only sterilized brushes, to give each client clean linen.
It is advisable to prohibit the use of head brushes, as they cannot be disinfected.
Haircutting and shaving should be prohibited in hairdressing patients skin diseases scalp and face without a corresponding note from the doctor.
Patients with fungal diseases should be sheared at institutions that are in charge of their treatment (at skin and venereal dispensaries, hospitals, mycological points, etc.).

Hairdressers should undergo a monthly dermatological examination, and the doctor should pay special attention to the condition of their nails and skin of the palms. The sanitary minimum of hairdressers should include familiarization with fungal diseases. After visiting the hairdresser, children should thoroughly wash their hair.

Methods of disinfection in the diagnosis of fungal diseases

Disinfection in each case of a fungal disease should be carried out during the course of the disease and after recovery or isolation of the patient in a medical institution. Outerwear and bedding of patients are disinfected in a steam-formalin or steam-air chamber, hats are burned (except for valuable ones, which are disinfected in a steam-formalin chamber). Bed linen and underwear are disinfected by boiling for 15 minutes. If it is impossible to carry out chamber disinfection, these things are repeatedly ironed with a hot iron (through a damp cloth).

Fungal diseases are especially dangerous in relation to the spread of infection during the period of hair loss. All fallen and removed hair must be burned. The patient from the moment of the disease until the cure should wear a cap made of paper, cloth or a scarf on his head. Paper caps are changed daily, old ones are burned, while cloth caps are periodically boiled for a long time (for an hour) in water with soda.

Prevention of fungal diseases transmitted by animals

In view of the fact that people are very often infected with microsporia and trichophytosis from animals, in particular from cats, dogs, cattle, horses, pigs and others, the fight against ringworm in animals is of great preventive importance. We note here the need for hygienic collective farm stockyards, regular veterinary supervision, isolation and treatment of sick animals with disinfection of the premises, harness and other items that were in contact with them.

With regard to persons in whom sick animals were diagnosed with fungal diseases, they should be advised to follow the rules of hygiene, use overalls and at the same time systematically monitor their skin, since a groom or milkmaid who has become infected with trichophytosis, if appropriate measures are not taken in time, may cause further spread of the disease in animals and humans.

With the appearance of diseases of microsporia, which is caused by a fluffy microsporum, infection from cats and dogs must be assumed. These animals in such cases should be immediately transferred to veterinary institutions, and cats and dogs suspected of being the source of a fungal infection should never be simply kicked out of the house, since, naturally, they can easily spread the infection further. Homeless cats and dogs should be destroyed. Cases of infection from mice and rats are known.

It follows from all that has been said great importance dissemination of knowledge about fungal diseases of the skin in humans and animals among a wide range of both urban and rural populations, because prevention and early treatment for medical care play a decisive role in the fight against dermatomycosis.

Today they are quite common. They are especially common. They occur due to the fact that a fungus begins to develop on the skin of the legs. It is transmitted through various items general use, shoes, clothes, as well as through direct contact with a sick person. Especially often you can pick it up in public places (city baths, saunas, gyms). Any wound on the skin can contribute to the development of the disease.

It should be noted that the skin is most often affected in those people who have a weakened immune system. can have different manifestations. On the legs, for example, the skin begins to peel off, and sometimes red spots appear on it. More about the problem are spots on nail plates, their thickening or delamination. Also between the fingers you can find enough deep cracks. And sometimes bubbles can appear on the skin. Naturally, all these signs are accompanied by itching and pain.

It should be noted that fungal diseases are treated for a long time. It all depends on the degree of skin damage and the severity of the problem. First of all, you need to focus on the type of microorganisms that caused the lesion. After that, a drug (ointment, gel, spray) is selected that will have a detrimental effect on him. However, only one local treatment does not always help. Sometimes you have to take extra pills. IN this moment treatment of fungal diseases is carried out with the help of drugs that have a wide range actions.

Treatment of fungal diseases is carried out from several weeks to many months. You can’t start the disease, then it will be much more difficult to get rid of it. Often shown complex treatment with the use of immunostimulants, antifungal and antimicrobial agents. In the process of eliminating the problem, personal hygiene must be carefully observed. In this case, it is desirable to disinfect the apartment, clothes and shoes. Also, do not share slippers, towels and soap. Naturally, there are folk recipes, which are quite effective in eliminating the lesion. But here it is worth, nevertheless, to consult a doctor.

Fungal diseases of the feet bring a lot of discomfort, so it is better to provide everything preventive measures to help protect your own health. To do this, try to take changeable slippers to the bath or sauna, try not to use someone else's soap or towel. Also, you should not allow your feet to sweat in shoes or wear too tight shoes. Ideally, shoes should be made from natural materials.

If you get your feet wet, try to dry them as quickly as possible. The fact is that moisture contributes to the rapid development of fungal diseases. It should be noted that ultraviolet helps to fight the problem, so in the summer try to take off your shoes as often as possible and let your feet sunbathe. All shoes should be periodically disinfected with special

Mycosis is a common disease caused by fungal spores. Interestingly, the disease can be caused various groups microorganisms. Related to this is the need for effective treatment, get tested. Each of the groups of fungi reacts differently to medications, and therefore a drug that kills one fungus becomes absolutely meaningless for the second. is that they are very easy to get infected, but difficult to cure. For this reason, you need to take measures to protect yourself from the disease.

It is important to know the initial ones since it is better to detect it in the early stages. In this case, there will be a more favorable prognosis for treatment. You don't have to take toxic pills. You can get by with one. At the first stage, you can notice the following manifestations:

Nails begin to turn slightly yellow, while their natural shine can be preserved;
There are foci of inflammation in the form of white dots or stripes;
The person feels itching;
Thickenings may appear on the nail, at the same time it becomes thinner.

With all these symptoms, you need to go to the hospital in order to confirm the presence of mycosis and find out the type of microorganisms that caused it.

Where can you get infected?

The fungus reproduces most easily in moist and warm conditions. It can be found in public places. For this reason, the most likely are baths, saunas, swimming pools, showers of sports clubs. It is less likely to get infected on the beach, as the fungus does not spread well there due to the special acidic environment. Due to the ease of infection, it is recommended, before visiting public places, to treat the feet with special compounds. The most convenient means for processing are considered. Be sure to bring your own slippers. You should not walk on the surface of the floor barefoot, as the likelihood of penetration of pathogens inside increases significantly.

However, the fungus can lie in wait not only in public places, but also at a party. For infection, it is enough to wear other people's slippers.

For this reason, this should not be done. At the very least, you need to wear slippers on the toe.

How to protect yourself?

To prevent nail fungus, you need to know the features of infection with it. At the first stage, microorganisms begin to penetrate through microcracks in the skin. If the person's immune system does not stop this process, infection will occur. A number of important preventive factors follow from this:

The most best defense from mycosis - good immunity. In this case, the microorganisms will not have a chance to begin their reproduction. They will be destroyed before they start spreading. To improve immunity, you need to follow the standard recommendations: diet, vitamins, physical exercise, exclusion of stress;
The infection is much more likely to get inside if there are microdamages on the skin of the feet. To exclude them, it is recommended to regularly lubricate the feet with a moisturizer, fight calluses, and do a high-quality pedicure.

There are factors in which microorganisms multiply the fastest. This is a humid and warm environment, a certain acidity of the feet. Therefore, prevention includes:

It is necessary to exclude synthetic socks and tight shoes;
Fight against sweating feet;
Exclusion of antibiotics, as they can disrupt acidity;
After washing your feet, you need to wipe them dry, which will help with a soft towel.

To exclude mycosis, you can use additional recommendations:

In any place, even on a visit, you should wear personal slippers;
Once a month, preventive treatment of the feet is carried out. This can be done using baths in which various ingredients are added;
Periodically, shoes are treated for fungus with special preparations. Socks can simply be boiled, as pathogens cannot stand high temperatures;
You can measure shoes in the store only on the toe;
To wash your feet, you can buy antibacterial soap;
One of the sources of infection is pedicure and manicure tools. Before use, they must be well disinfected. If the procedures are performed in the salon, you need to contact only proven masters.

These measures will completely eliminate the fungus. A person just needs to carefully observe the hygiene of the feet, periodically carry out their preventive treatment.

You should not spare money for prophylactic drugs. They need to process both nails and skin.

Prevention of toenail fungus is a complex measure.

List of effective drugs for mycosis

Medicines for mycosis are extremely diverse. They can be issued in the following forms:

Used specifically for nail fungus. Easy to apply. They are odorless and colorless. They have directional action. They create a film through which other infections will not penetrate to the nail. The composition dries in a few minutes, after which you can put on socks and go about your daily activities;
And . Easy to use, but can quickly wear off the surface, which reduces efficiency;
Extremely easy to apply, have a tangible effect;
They are used in the later stages of the disease. Differ increased efficiency. Should be used in combination with topical preparations.

The action of medicines occurs due to a certain active component. The most complete destruction of microorganisms occurs when the composition has accumulated in the affected layers. This happens in 1-2 weeks. However, many drugs provide fast withdrawal symptoms. Already on 1-2 application the itch, inflammatory processes are eliminated.

Consider the most popular medicines that help with the fungus:

Represents medical varnish. The advantages include the absence of contraindications and side effects. Lacquer can be used at any age, during pregnancy. Virtually invisible on the nails. Creates a protective film through which additional microbes do not enter;
Mycozoral. It is an ointment, the advantage of which is the possibility of use with weakened immunity. The ointment is quickly erased, and therefore, when using it, it is recommended to perform compresses;
Helps kill fungus early stages illness. Effective as a preventive tool for mycosis. It is recommended, with its help, to process the feet before visiting swimming pools, saunas, as well as other public institutions;
It is an antiseptic agent presented in the idea of a solution. Differs in a wide range of application. It can be used not only for fungus, but also for the treatment of other infections. Has a preventive effect. Applied by spraying. With it, you can process shoes. A universal medicine that must be in the home first aid kit.

Each of these drugs has its own characteristics of use. Ointments are recommended to be used with compresses, varnishes and sprays are used several times a day. But, in any case, regularity is important. Most medicines must be used daily. If it will be applied from time to time, then you should not wait special effect. Treatment should continue after the symptoms have gone. The main sign of a cure can be considered the regrowth of a healthy nail plate.

Effective folk remedies

Folk remedies for mycosis are based on those remedies that mycosis is “afraid of”. They can be divided into the following categories:

Compresses. Usually left overnight to active ingredient had time to act;
They have a double effect: hot temperature, which the fungus does not tolerate, as well as active ingredients;
Rubbing. These are solutions with which it is necessary to wipe the damaged surface. They are easy to apply.

Alternative methods should not replace, but supplement medicines against mycosis. In this case, their use will speed up the healing process. In the early stages, therapy will take approximately 1-2 months. If this is a neglected disease, then it will take 6 months or even a year to cure. Consider the components that will help cope with the disease:

Creates a certain acidic environment in which mycosis cannot survive. The tool is extremely versatile. With it, you can perform baths, compresses. Also suitable for processing shoes;
The most pleasant treatment with an attractive scent. What aromatic oils to choose? Tea tree or geranium oil will do. Their oils can be made in baths, just add a few drops of the composition to hot water. They are suitable for performing compresses. For treatment, you need to drop oil on each nail;
Healing herbs are quite effective in the fight against mycosis. They do not have side effects pleasant smell. In addition, they have an additional effect - they eliminate sweating of the legs, which provokes the spread of pathogens. For treatment, you can brew healing herbs by adding a decoction to the baths. They are only suitable for local application;
It contains elements that have an antimycotic effect. Based laundry soap soap baths can be performed.

Foot baths are one of the most popular treatments. However, in order to achieve desired effect you need to do them correctly. Water should be as hot as possible. When it cools down, add more hot water. Maintaining the right temperature regime – additional factor to kill microorganisms.

Prevention of recurrence of mycosis

One of the main dangers of mycosis is that the risk of its recurrence is high. However, the recurrence of the disease can be easily prevented by applying methods for the prevention of nail fungus:

During the disease, the spores of the fungus remained on various surfaces. So that they do not get back into the tissues, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive processing. Floors can be washed with Domestos, Miramistin or special products are suitable for this;
Throw away the socks you wore when you were sick. If this is not possible, you can simply boil things. The effectiveness of the procedure is due to the fact that the fungus is destroyed at high temperature conditions;
It is necessary to find the cause of the diseases that arose earlier, and eliminate this factor. For example, you can throw away synthetic socks, do not use tight shoes dry your feet after washing. It is also recommended that measures be taken to improve the performance immune system. The disease can be caused by taking antibiotics that change the correct acidity of the surface of the feet. In this case, you need to exclude their reception.