Monday, October 18, 2021

Vaginal Candidosis Treatment

 Vaginal Candidosis Treatment

Diagnosis
To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor can:

  • Asking you questions about your medical history. This could include gathering information about past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections.
  • Get a pelvic exam. The doctor examines your external genitalia for signs of infection. The doctor then places an instrument (speculum) in your vagina to hold the walls of the vagina open and examine the vagina and cervix in the lower, narrower part of the uterus.
  • Analysis of vaginal secretions. The doctor may also send a sample of vaginal fluid for tests to determine the type of fungus causing the infection. Identifying the fungus can help your doctor prescribe a more effective treatment for recurrent yeast infections.


Treatment
Treatment of yeast infections depends on the severity and frequency of the infections.

For mild to moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes, your doctor may recommend the following:

  • Brief vaginal therapy. Taking an antifungal medicine for three to seven days usually relieves a vaginal yeast infection. Antifungal medications, which are available in creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories, include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole. Some of these drugs are available without a prescription and some are available only by prescription.
  • Single dose oral medications. Your doctor may prescribe a single oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan). Oral medications are not recommended if you are pregnant. To control more severe symptoms, you can take two single doses three days apart.
  • See your doctor again if treatment doesn't resolve your symptoms or if symptoms return within two months.


If your symptoms are severe, or if you have frequent yeast infections, your doctor may recommend the following:

  • Long-term vaginal therapy. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication that is taken daily for up to two weeks, followed by once a week for six months.
  • Oral medications in multiple doses. Your doctor may prescribe two or three doses of an antifungal medication to take by mouth instead of vaginal therapy. However, this therapy is not recommended for pregnant women.
  • Azole resistant therapy. Your doctor may recommend boric acid, a capsule that is inserted into the vagina. This medication can be fatal if taken by mouth and used only to treat candida fungus that is resistant to common antifungal agents.


Alternative medicine
No complementary treatment has been shown to treat vaginal yeast infections. Some complementary and alternative therapies can alleviate symptoms when combined with doctor's care.

Talk to your doctor about alternative vaginal yeast infection treatments that may be safe for you.

Preparation for the consultation
If you've been treated for a yeast infection in the past, your doctor may not need to examine you and prescribe treatment over the phone. Otherwise, you may need to see a general practitioner or gynecologist.

What you can do

  • Make a list of any symptoms you've had and for how long.
  • Take note of essential information , including other illnesses you have and the medications and supplements you take.
  • Avoid using tampons or douches before your appointment.
  • Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.
  • Questions to ask your doctor
  • Do I need to take medication?
  • Are there special instructions for taking the medications?
  • Is there an OTC product that treats my condition?
  • What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
  • How can I prevent candida infections?
  • What are the signs and symptoms to watch for?


During your consultation, do not hesitate to ask all the questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions, including the following:

  • What other vaginal symptoms have you had? How long have you had symptoms?
  • Do you notice a strong vaginal odor?
  • Have you ever been treated for a vaginal infection?
  • Have you tried over-the-counter products to treat the disease?
  • Have you taken antibiotics recently?
  • Do you have an active sex life?
  • You are pregnant?
  • Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?
  • Do you douche or use feminine hygiene spray?


Sunday, October 17, 2021

Laser treatment of skin and nail mycosis

 Laser treatment of skin and nail mycosis
Treatment of mycosis of the skin and nails with the Nd: Yag laser is an innovative and increasingly popular method of fighting this troublesome disease . Contrary to traditional methods (ointments, varnishes), pharmacological oral treatment or invasive surgical procedures - it allows you to get rid of the problem quickly and, above all, effectively and non-invasively.

Treatment of onychomycosis with a laser is painless, does not damage the nail plate and has no side effects . Most often, four treatments are enough to initiate the regeneration process of a new, healthy nail.


Ringworm cannot be taken lightly, treatment is necessary . This is not just an aesthetic defect. If left untreated, ringworm can spread to subsequent nails, spread to larger and larger areas of the skin, and even cause secondary bacterial infections. A sick person is a source of infection for others.

The causes of mycosis

  • - mechanical injuries of the nail, e.g. too tight footwear
  • - excessive sweating of the feet, improper hygiene
  • - practicing certain sports
  • - diabetes and other endocrine disorders
  • - psoriasis
  • - allergic diseases
  • - immunity disorders
  • - genetic predisposition
  • - chronic venous and ischemic limb disease
  • - improperly performed procedures in beauty salons (manicure, pedicure)
  • - you can get infected in many places, such as swimming pools, saunas, spas, in the shower (the infection is favored by a humid environment)
  • - sharing gloves or shoes with an infected person.


Symptoms of onychomycosis

  • - change in the color of the nail (yellowish, slightly brown, greenish)
  • - thickening and elevation of the plate
  • - jagged edges, brittleness and weakening of the nail plate
  • - pain in the nails causing discomfort when walking or working with your hands.


Mechanism of action
The treatment of laser removal of onychomycosis is based on irradiating the plate with a laser beam. The laser waves are bactericidal and fungicidal, and stimulate the immune processes of the nail.

The light beam illuminates the entire affected nails, also acting on the nail shaft and matrix. The device does not touch the surface of the nail, but it is moved about 1-2 cm above the plate. The laser light penetrates the nail plate, eliminating the fungi underneath it. It does not damage the nail itself or the skin surrounding it.

Number and frequency of treatments
The therapy is performed in a series: usually 2-3 treatments at intervals of approx. 14 days, another 3-5 treatments every approx. 30 days.

Advantages of the method

  • - a few short treatments allow you to get rid of the problem, after the therapy, the process of full reconstruction of the nail plate and new nail regrowth begins
  • - the therapy is painless and contactless, without additional regeneration or healing time,
  • - allows new nails to grow without side effects.


Effects
Treatment effects are not immediate. Laser therapy enables the gradual reconstruction and regrowth of healthy nails. The final effect is related to the cycle of complete regrowth of the nail, which is 5-6 months for fingernails and 12-18 months for toenails. After this period, we can enjoy healthy, bright, simple and aesthetically pleasing nails.

Laser treatment of mycosis

 Laser treatment of mycosis

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT ABOUT?
Onychomycosis is one of the most common dermatological problems, affecting a large proportion of the population. Treatment of onychomycosis consists in irradiating both the nail and the surrounding space with the FOTONA laser beam. The treatment can be used both in the area of ​​the entire foot or hand, as well as in places where single fungal lesions occur.

The treatment is fully effective and ensures getting rid of the infection causing the symptoms of mycosis. Before starting a series of treatments, it is worth diagnosing the type of nail disease. For this purpose, a mycological examination is performed, thanks to which it is possible to confirm the assumption about the factor causing the nail change. In the course of laser therapy, pharmacological treatment in the form of antibiotics is additionally implemented. Its task is to fully eliminate the pathogen from the body. Treatments are performed in a series of 4 laser irradiation sessions at intervals of 3-4 days, and then treatments are performed to consolidate the achieved effects of therapy - 1 per month for a period of 3-4 consecutive months.

FOR WHOM?
The treatment is intended for people who have problems with mycosis of the nail surface. Early treatment gives much better results.

BENEFITS
The treatment is an action on a nail that is still alive. In the case of surgical removal of the nail, the patient is exposed to pain, moreover, it is not certain that the nail will grow back, because its matrix may be irreversibly damaged during the procedure. Thus, when using laser treatment, there is no risk of nail loss, only its regrowth is expected within the standard period of several months of treatment.

WITH WHAT TO COMBINE THE TREATMENT?

It is recommended to prepare the nail plates in the form of filing them on the surface, which facilitates the penetration of laser rays into the plate, where fungal spores have already reached. The nail preparation procedure can be performed by a specialist - a podiatrist.

Laser treatment of onychomycosis

 Laser treatment of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis (nail thrush) is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases of the feet. It used to be a rarity, but now the number of cases of this disease is increasing dramatically. According to the podiatrytoday.com website, approximately 2-3% of the population experiences this problem, and this percentage increases with age, reaching the level of 15% in people aged 40 to 60 years.

According to the website mushroom, about 20% of Poles suffer from mycosis - diagnosed or not. This problem is often underestimated because it does not cause pain for a long time (until the plaque is chipped and the skin is more sensitive). The fungus attacks the skin and nails, and if left untreated, it spreads to the next fingers, causing the plate to deform, itching and burning. In order to be able to implement the appropriate method of treatment , it is first necessary to know the type of fungi that have attacked the patient. To do this, go to a dermatologist who will perform a culture. In the case of yeast infection, the test results can be known after 7 days, and in the case of an infection caused by dermatophytes, it is necessary to wait 3 weeks.

Who is at risk of onychomycosis?
In the past, many doctors considered onychomycosis as a cosmetic defect that should be monitored but not treated. Modern research has shown that this is a wrong approach, especially since 75% of people affected by onychomycosis also have psychosocial disorders. Such people avoid using public showers, visits to the swimming pool, and they do not buy open-toed shoes.

Inhibitions caused by shame can affect the intimate life and contact with loved ones, as well as prevent a visit to a specialist. The myth that mycosis is caused by a lack of proper hygiene may also be a barrier to visiting a doctor. Meanwhile, this is only one of several factors that can trigger a fungal infection.

According to the experts of the portal ogrzybicypatulci.pl, the risk group includes mainly:

  • young people
  • people leading a stressful lifestyle
  • people taking certain types of drugs
  • lovers of sweet, carbonated drinks, coffee and cigarettes


Laser therapy as a method of treating onychomycosis
Among the methods of treating mycosis, there are pharmacology and conservative methods involving the use of antifungal preparations. The laser therapy with the use of a neodymium-yag laser is also very popular among patients . The laser treatment is an alternative to therapy with antifungal varnishes or orally administered preparations. During a session with the use of a laser, the fungal infection is removed without the risk of side effects, and the therapy itself consists in irradiating the nail plate and surrounding tissues with the laser beam.

As can be found at sterishoe.com, in 2012 a group of researchers in Alberta thoroughly analyzed all available work on laser treatment of nail yeast disease. Among the documents examined there was an analysis of 42 cases in which 100% efficacy of therapy was demonstrated after 12 months, as well as a paper in which it was proved that 85% of patients felt improvement after 4 laser treatments, carried out within 6 months. The analyzed cases allowed scientists to conclude that onychomycosis laser therapy  is the most effective treatment method currently available on the market.

The course of laser treatment of onychomycosis
Treatment of onychomycosis with a laser requires several preparations. The patient should decontaminate the footwear, do not sunbathe for 4 weeks before the procedure, and a week before visiting the doctor, it is recommended to discontinue medications such as anticoagulants, steroids and photosensitizers. You can start using them 14 days after the laser treatment. On the day of the procedure , alcohol is not allowed, and all cosmetics should be washed off the surface on which the procedure will be carried out.

The laser treatment of onychomycosis involves irradiating the plate - the laser head does not touch the surface, but moves above it at a height of about 1-2 cm. Appropriately adjusted system parameters have a thermal effect on fungal hyphae, leading to their destruction. The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes and does not require anesthesia. The therapy is usually divided into stages, repeated approximately every 6 weeks. If the regrowth of the nail plate shows no signs of fungal activity, another treatment is not necessary. Usually, the results of treating toenails are visible after 3 months due to the slow growth of the plaque.

Post-treatment recommendations
After the therapy, it is not recommended to use hot baths and saunas for about 2 weeks. Special antifungal creams should be used twice a day for 3 months . If the toenails are infected with mycosis, the product should be applied to the surface of the plates and to the skin up to the ankles to eliminate the risk of reinfection. All previously used socks should be discarded as they contain fungi. It is recommended to wear shoes with bare toes whenever possible. The same towels as other family members should not be used.

How to cure nail fungus and how much does it cost

 How to cure nail fungus and how much does it cost

I have been treating toenail fungus for five years - the disease goes away and then comes back again.

During this time, I have already tried, probably, all types of folk remedies, several times I went to the doctor. In the article I will tell you what nail fungus is, why it occurs, why it is dangerous and how to get rid of it.

There will be photos in the article - they are not the most pleasant. But forewarned means armed, because most often the fungus can be suspected by the appearance of the nails.

See a doctor
Our articles are written with a passion for evidence-based medicine. We refer to reputable sources and go for comments from reputable doctors. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We do not write prescriptions, we make recommendations. It is up to you to rely on our point of view or not.

What is nail fungus
Officially, this disease is called onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail. In 60-70% of cases, it is caused by special dermatophyte fungi; infection from molds and yeasts is less common. To live, reproduce and grow, dermatophytes need a protein called keratin. That is why these fungi live in the nail plates, hair and the stratum corneum - where keratin is produced.

Onychomycosis: Epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis  - article on Uptodate

Usually, the fungus begins to develop from the side of the cut of the nail. The tip of the nail gradually changes color: it becomes yellowish, light brown or milky. If left untreated, the infection spreads towards the cuticle. The fungus can also start from the lateral surface of the nail.

There is also white superficial onychomycosis. Outwardly, it looks like white or dull spots on the surface of the nail. It spreads from the center to the edges, if the disease is not treated, it can cover the entire nail plate.

Occasionally, proximal onychomycosis occurs - it affects the nail in the cuticle and root area. This usually happens in people with weakened immunity.

When the nail is completely destroyed due to the fungus, this condition is called general dystrophic onychomycosis. Outwardly, the nail looks terrible: it is thick, ribbed and an unpleasant dark color.

Nail fungus is not skin fungus
Fungus of nails should not be confused with fungus of the skin or "fungus of the feet", even if they are looking for it on the Internet under these requests.

Doctors call nail fungus onychomycosis, this word is derived from the Greek όνυχο - "nail" and μύκης - "mushroom". In the vast majority of cases, it affects the toenails. Fungi on the skin are called dermatomycosis - they settle not only on the feet, but also on other parts of the body.

These diseases are caused by similar pathogens, but they have different symptoms and different treatments. In this article, we will talk specifically about nail fungus.

Causes of occurrence
Nail fungus is a very common disease. Onychomycosis accounts for 50-60% of all nail problems. I do not know where I picked up the fungus myself, but here are the ways doctors give it.

Contact with contaminated surfaces. The causative agents of the fungus are very fond of dampness, and therefore live well in humid rooms - baths or swimming pools. Sometimes, as a bonus, the fungus is brought from beauty salons after a manicure or pedicure: just one micro-cut and poorly processed tools are enough - and that's it, the disease is right there. You can also get fungus if you put shoes on your bare feet after a sick person.

What to do?
Should beauty salon employees have medical records?

Intrafamilial infection. The fungus is highly contagious. If one of the household members is sick , the rest of the family can also become infected with onychomycosis. The risks are increased if you use the same slippers, a common washcloth or bath mat. However, the fungus can even be transmitted through carpets, which is why it is so important for a person with diseased nails to follow the rules of hygiene.

Poor hygiene. If a person does not wash his feet well, does not cut his nails on time, rarely changes socks, it will be easier for him to pick up the fungus.

Tight shoes. This is another factor that increases the risk of the disease. When we wear tight shoes, the blood supply in the foot and nail roots is disrupted. Onychodystrophy may develop - a condition that looks like nail fungus and is often associated with it.

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Certain professions. Fungus of nails is much more common in people of some professions - housekeepers, cooks, cleaners, car wash workers. They often come into contact with damp surfaces, wear rubber shoes and rubber gloves, and use chemicals that soften the nail plate. And the fungus is very fond of all this and actively grows in such conditions.

Comorbidities increase the risk of infection because they weaken the immune system. Fungus is more common in people who suffer from varicose veins, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or malignant neoplasms. Smokers and obese people are also at risk. Excessive sweating - hyperhidrosis - also promotes the growth of fungi.

Typically, the fungus occurs in people 30 and older, especially the elderly. Children get sick less often and respond better to local treatment: they have a thinner nail plate, and the nail itself grows faster. It turns out that with a shorter exposure to the drug, the effect in children comes faster.

Onychomycosis: Managemen  - Article on Uptodate. Section Dermatophyte Onychomycosis

Is it possible to get a fungus in the pool

Toenail fungus is really easy to get in humid rooms and places where there are a lot of people. This is due to the fact that the nail plates quickly soften, plus in such an environment the fungi themselves actively multiply.

To protect yourself, you must definitely wear shoes, thoroughly wash your feet and disinfect them - there are often baths or taps with special solutions before entering the pool hall. It is important to use only your own towels and never wear someone else's shoes.

Why the fungus is dangerous
Fungus of nails does not just spoil the appearance of the feet, it is a real disease that is dangerous to the body. If left untreated, the fungus on one nail will spread to the rest of the nails that are still healthy. In some people, a fungal infection can cause allergies  - the fungus itself becomes the allergen.

Dermatophyte fungi feed on keratin, so there is not enough of it for nail growth. Because of this, they become brittle, crumble and exfoliate. Over time, "keratin debris" will begin to accumulate between the nail and the nail bed - it is formed when keratin is destroyed due to the influence of fungi on it. From this, the nail becomes thicker and grows crookedly. Despite the fact that the nail is thick, it is still very fragile - it will catch on clothes and easily break.

Sometimes, with nail fungus, the feet begin to sweat more than usual - this leads to an unpleasant odor, so you have to change socks several times a day.

If the infected nail is left untreated for a long time, it will begin to separate from the nail bed. First , it just hurts. Secondly , a semblance of a wound will appear at the site of the removed nail, a moist warm environment will appear - just the kind that dermatophytes love. In it, they will grow even faster.

And neglected nail fungus is expensive to treat. Most likely, the person will have to buy medications and change all shoes after treatment is complete. If at the initial stages of onychomycosis it can be disinfected with the help of special disinfecting solutions, then after recovering from a neglected disease, all old shoes will have to be thrown away so as not to become infected again.

The fungus significantly reduces the quality of life. I was physically uncomfortable: my legs were sweating, my nails were thick, crumbled and broke. Even in the summer I had to walk in closed shoes so as not to frighten others. In addition, the fungus severely limited activity: I could not really play sports and go to the pool. I read that some people have such a feeling of shame, which sometimes even rolls into severe depression. Fortunately, I didn't get to that.

Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus

 Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus

In the summer we travel a lot, visit public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers. Sometimes we are even carried on long voyages to the seas, where, willy-nilly, we have to use public beaches or toilets. All these are places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often catch nail fungus. Its treatment is far from an easy process, but do not despair - you can still get rid of the fungus on the nails!

Nail fungus is a common condition that usually starts with a small spot under the tip of the nail. It comes in both white and yellow. Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs both on the legs and on the hands. If it is not noticed in time, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper. Over time, the fungus can lead to discoloration, thickening and crumbling of the nail plate. This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.

When the condition is mild and does not bother you, you may not need serious treatment. If you have severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help you. Be attentive to your feet, because even with successful treatment, nail fungus often returns. Another popular name for the fungus is onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). And the condition when the fungus affects the area between the toes and the skin of the feet is called mycosis of the foot (tinea pedis).

Even if you have never encountered nail fungus and have no idea what it looks like, then you will never miss this unbearable itch. It will not be superfluous to apply some kind of recipe for infection for prevention, so that the process does not take the stage of running. So, many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to get. The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus are:

  • Itching in the area of ​​infection;
  • Changed color of the nail plate;
  • Splitting and fragility of the nail;
  • Painful sensations on the foot.


Effective treatment should be started at the very first symptoms of nail fungus; special creams and ointments with antifungal action will help you. The essence of professional remedies for getting rid of fungal infections on the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the very source of infection.

A fungal infection can develop in people of any age, but is more common in older people. With age, the nail can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks on the nails allow fungi to penetrate inside. Other factors, such as decreased blood circulation in the legs, a weakened immune system, can also play a significant role in increasing the likelihood of infection.

A fungal infection on the feet can start from the athlete's foot (foot fungus) and then spread from one toe to the other. At the same time, it is unlikely to become infected with a fungus from someone, you are more likely to pick it up in a public place, in contact with the environment.

Saturday, October 16, 2021

How to Treat Nail Fungus?

 How to Treat Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is one of the diseases that many people face at some point in their lives. It is highly likely to occur during periods when personal hygiene and hygiene are disrupted. Nail fungus, which is also cosmetically annoying, negatively affects the health of hand and foot nails. In daily life, it causes people to be uncomfortable with its appearance and also causes bad odors. Therefore, it is important to treat it as soon as possible.

What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus, which can occur in individuals of all ages, can be seen on the hands or feet. Since it is contagious, it is necessary to be more careful in order to prevent the transmission of the disease. Nail fungus has the ability to spread quickly and can be transmitted to all family members at once. In order to be protected from nail fungus, it is necessary to know why this disease occurs and how to prevent it.

The main reason why nails are exposed to fungal infection in healthy and normal individuals is fungi in wet and humid environments. Places such as gyms, showers, baths, swimming pools, changing rooms are the source points where fungi can infect. Fungi are likely to be transmitted from any crack or cut in the nail.

  • As the nail fungus progresses, it changes the color of the nail and causes the nail to thicken.
  • Over time, this situation may also begin to cause pain to patients.
  • Fungi can occur in any nail, regardless of fingernails or toenails, but it commonly occurs on the feet as the feet are in a more humid and warm environment.
  • · Unless these conditions change, the fungus continues to develop. Different types of fungi can affect different nails at the same time. Although this is not very common, it is possible.
  • If left untreated, nail fungus can spread to the skin or other parts of the body. Therefore, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.
  • Delaying the treatment of nail fungus causes darkening of the nail color, hardening and thickening of the nail, and fragmentation of the nail from the edges to the inner part. In an individual who has nail fungus once, the disease may reappear after recovery. This is common. For this reason, patients who have been treated for nail fungus before and who have overcome this disease should pay attention to nail hygiene and care.
  • Nail fungus in babies progresses in the same way as adults. Nail fungus is common in babies as well as adults.


What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus symptoms are similar in many patients.
Infected nails are usually thicker than normal and grow unevenly.
Fractures and folds can be observed on the edges.
In addition, when trying to cut the nail, irregular breakage can be seen.

  • The color of nails with fungus often begins to change. A yellowish, brownish and greenish appearance is formed that is far from the healthy nail appearance.
  • Many fungi can infect the nails, but the most common is Trichophyton Rubrum, which tends to infect the skin as well. For this reason, the presence of this fungus on the nails causes the skin to become infected and change its color.
  • Inflammation occurs on the skin affected by the fungus. In some cases, white dot formations are observed on the nail and these spots grow over time. If the treatment of the disease is delayed and continues to progress, inflammation may occur between the nail and the skin.
  • These inflammations form discharges over time and these discharges emit a foul odor. Further growth of the inflammation can cause the nail to separate from the flesh and fall off.
  • What Causes Nail Fungus?
  • Many types of fungi can cause nail fungus. Considering that fungi are very common in our world, this disease is quite common in individuals. Although rare, some yeasts and molds can also cause nail infections. Their symptoms are almost the same as infections caused by fungi.


Nail fungus is likely to occur in individuals of all ages, but most commonly occurs in older people. As people age, nails age too, becoming more brittle and dry. Therefore, cracks and bruises cause fungi to penetrate the nails more easily. Decreased blood circulation in the hands and feet with age and weakening of the immune system cause nails to become more vulnerable to fungi.

It is very unlikely that nail fungus can be transmitted directly from an individual to a healthy individual, but the abundance of common areas increases this probability. Too much sweating increases the risk of fungal growth. Therefore, the risk of fungal infections in athletes is very high. Walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, baths, gyms and showers increases the risk of fungal infection.

People with diabetes are more likely to have a fungal infection because their immune systems are weak. Again, nail fungus is more common in smokers. However, nail fungus is more common in men. In addition, those who are under a lot of water face more nail fungus problems than others.

How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

  • Diagnosing nail fungus is not difficult for doctors. Physical examination is often sufficient for diagnosis. However, a piece of the nail or under the nail can be examined to determine the type of fungus that causes nail fungus.
  • As a result of the laboratory examination, the type of fungus that causes nail fungus can be determined and treatment can be applied accordingly.
  •  Individuals with psoriasis can sometimes experience nail fungus-like conditions. As a result of this examination, nail fungus can be distinguished from psoriasis.
  • Microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria are also likely to infect the nails. Identifying the cause of the infection is very important for the most effective treatment.
  • There are no different procedures for hand nail fungus or toenail fungus. Diagnosis and treatment methods are the same for both nail fungus. As a result of examinations and tests, the doctor can determine the most appropriate treatment according to the type of fungus and apply it quickly.


What are Nail Fungus Treatment Methods?

  • The question of how to get rid of nail fungus is quite common among those who often encounter this problem. Doctors start the treatment of the patient with nail fungus drugs according to the type of fungus found in the patient.
  • It is possible to start treatment with oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they are more successful than other drugs at eliminating the infection. These drugs help the newly growing nail grow healthily and help rid the nail of the fungus over time. Usually this treatment continues for 12 weeks, but the doctor will determine the appropriate time.
  • Since they have serious side effects such as skin rashes and liver damage, patients using these drugs are kept under constant control and tests are done regularly. If there is no negative result, drug treatment is continued. These drugs may not be recommended for patients with liver or heart disease. In such cases, different treatment methods are applied.
  • One of these methods is known as nail fungus cream. After the nails are wetted, these creams are applied to the nails and the cream is expected to prevent the fungus. The thick upper part of the nail may be scraped a little before the creams are applied. Thus, it is easier for the cream to reach the underlying fungal tissue and the treatment becomes more effective.
  • In addition, a medicated nail polish called ciclopirox is also used in the treatment of nail fungus. This nail polish is applied to the infected nail and area once a day. After a week, the upper layers are cleaned and the same treatment is continued. Thus, the cork tissue is gradually removed from the body.
  • Treatment lasts approximately one year. If the disease progresses too much, nail removal surgeries are also among the options so that the drugs can be more effective.