If you ask a doctor at the clinic who can help with toenail fungus, they will most likely refer you to a dermatologist. This seems odd. After all, dermatologists treat skin diseases and mycologists treat fungal infections.
But this is not contradictory. Dermatologists treat a wide variety of skin conditions. Mycologists treat only fungal infections, not just the skin. If the disease does not progress, the dermatologist at the regional clinic will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment and, if necessary, refer to a mycologist. Of course, nails aren't exactly skin. But the nails are treated by a dermatologist. Which doctor is better to contact?
In complex or severely advanced cases, complex treatment is required. In addition to topical medications, pills and sometimes physical therapy are prescribed. Of course, in this case, it is best to contact a mycologist.
So who and which doctor treats nail fungus? Both answers are correct: dermatologists and mycologists. By the way, appointments with mycologists are usually paid. As a rule, he doesn't line up, and if there are serious reasons for doubt, you can immediately go to a mycologist.
No matter which doctor treats the nails, a paid test may be required. But it is best to do an analysis to confirm the diagnosis or to make sure there is no fungal infection. In advanced cases, treatment will cost more.
What do dermatologists treat?
The word derma is translated as "skin". This specialist deals with skin problems. Allergies, acne, scabies and even psoriasis. Dandruff on the head is treated by the same doctor. There are many skin diseases, but dermatologists can differentiate between parasitic and allergic diseases and prescribe treatments even before test results.
Which doctor treats nail fungus on hands and feet
Usually, in mild cases, fungal infections are treated by traditional doctors. Fungal diseases of the reproductive organs - urologist or gynecologist. Thrush in Children - Pediatrician. Uncomplicated dermatology dermatologist.
In difficult (and more often - in advanced) cases, the help of a specialist in fungal infections is required. That is, mycologists understand them. A mycologist can be contacted. If you do not want to have fungus found on your clinic card. Or you can't see a dermatologist.
The first signs of a foot fungal infection
The running form appears due to the disease not being noticed immediately. What should we be wary of?
- If the skin between the fingers gets wet and cracks
- Itchy or red skin on the feet
- swelling of the skin near the nail
- skin is flaky
- Cracks in the heel
- After careful care, the skin of the feet looks rough and disheveled.
- Changes in nail color, spots or streaks
- An unpleasant smell came from the soles of my feet.
Just noticing one of the above violations is enough to take a closer look at your legs. Of course, the cause could be new or uncomfortable shoes. You should change your shoes and give up synthetic socks. In the evening, wash your feet with laundry detergent or baby soap, then take a bath with sea salt or chamomile soup. However, if the appearance of your feet is not normal after two sessions, you should consult your doctor.
What are the dangers of toenail fungus
Usually the fungus first infects the skin of the feet and then the nails. Treating the fungus, although only the skin is affected, is much easier. Various ointments, infusions, and solutions penetrate the skin more easily than the hard surface of the nail. They move faster. When the manifestations of the fungus become apparent on the nails, it is more difficult to cure the fungus.
The smallest skin or nail particles affected by the fungus become the culprit for reinfection. Finally, other family members may also be infected.
But are fungi really that dangerous? Besides itching and ugly appearance, what threat does it have?
The danger is that some fungi can damage more than just the skin of the legs or nails. For example, an infection can enter the ear. In young children and the elderly - in the groin fold. The skin there is softer and thinner. Some fungi affect not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes. It's better not to take the risk and wait for the infection to spread.
How is the treatment
In all cases, doctors will prescribe not only topical treatments, but also pills. It doesn't have to be an antifungal drug. Vitamin and mineral complex preparations help with infection. Blood tests are required, and other tests are done. Scratching from damaged skin or nails. Usually treatment is outpatient, but there is a day hospital where all procedures are done by nurses. If it turns out that an injection is needed, they can be hospitalized.
But modern science can cure this fungus with two or three laser treatments. Treatment is not cheap, but in the most desperate cases, full recovery can take two weeks. Of course, no new nails will grow during this time, and even the skin will not recover. But the disease will be overcome. The intervals between laser treatment sessions are one to two weeks. Unfortunately, even regional centers don't always have such equipment.
Home Remedies for Nail Fungus
It's important to understand that home remedies you can use on your own do not include medicines. Excellent initial fight against fungi
- foot bath
- Emulsions and Compresses of Herbs and Vegetables
- essential oils,
- soda water, salt, vinegar, vodka
- natural coffee powder
- Medicinal plant alcohol tincture
- ordinary yellow clay
- tar soap
Fungus from the legs - homemade recipe
2 tablespoons of calamus root, pour into a glass of boiling water, insist, cover, half an hour to 40 minutes. Drink a quarter cup 4 times a day. Receive 10 days concurrently with external therapy.
Golden Beard Tincture. The stem of the plant adheres to vodka, which has 10 internode leaves per 150 grams of vodka. Stick to a dark place for a week. Dilute with water before use. One infusion is three parts water. Lubricate affected skin and all toenails. attention! This plant is poisonous!
Bathe in sea salt twice a week. Afterwards, they dry their feet and lubricate the inflamed areas with celandine juice.
Infuse compresses with herbs. Take 20 grams of cloves, calendula, celandine and oak bark and make 2 cups of boiling water. They hold on for an hour. Keep compressing for half an hour.
Grate a bar of tar soap. Pour in a quarter of the potato chips with hot water. Taking a foot bath. Antifungal properties of birch tar and tar soap are scientifically proven. There are no contraindications. But the skin after them is too susceptible to sunlight. During the day after surgery, go out wearing only socks! Tar soaps can dry out the skin slightly. You should know.
coffee grounds. Perfectly disinfects and promotes skin renewal. Thicken the surface of all toenails and the skin on their bases. This is done after steaming, for example, bathing with salt, sea water or ordinary. Dry your feet. Wrap the leg with a bandage to secure the thick spots. Wash off after 20 minutes.
Potato Decoction. Unlike tar and coffee, fungi do not destroy. But it soothes the skin and relieves inflammation. Also, the skin renews faster after taking a bath with potato soup.
Mycologist's Advice
Protecting yourself from reinfection is a major part of treatment. The spores of the source of infection do not go away on their own. It is necessary to disinfect the bed linen, the carpet in the bathroom and by the bed. Disinfect shoes. Normal washing will not kill the fungal spores. Therefore, it is best to throw away the socks. Those who follow their doctor's advice will get rid of the annoying parasite faster.