Treatment of fungal diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist.Incorrectly selected antifungal drugs can only provide temporary improvement without curing the disease itself.
Treatment of fungal diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist.When self-medicating, incorrectly selected antifungal drugs can only provide temporary improvement without curing the disease itself.
When choosing a treatment method, it is necessary to take into account the area and shape of the lesion, the degree of prevalence of the fungus, the presence of concomitant diseases and the patient's age.
Antifungal drugs are divided into two types: for external and internal use.External remedies themselves are effective only in the early stages of the disease, then treatment must be comprehensive: the fungus must be attacked both from the outside and from the inside.
Internal preparations
For successful and safe treatment of fungal diseases with internal antifungal agents, it is recommended to adhere to certain rules:
- The diagnosis must be confirmed by a doctor.
- During treatment with internal antifungal drugs, it is advisable to limit the intake of other medications, except for essential medications.
- Medicines should be taken under medical supervision for a long period of time until the fungus completely disappears.
- Check-ups must initially be carried out every 2 weeks, then once a month.Control scraping – 6 months after the end of treatment.If a fungus is detected, a second treatment is necessary.
Currently, dermatologists consider pulse therapy to be the most effective and safest treatment method - taking medications at long intervals.In some cases, one-week therapy is prescribed, followed by a three-week break, and then a new seven-day course of treatment.During administration, the drug accumulates in the body and continues to actively fight the infection in the following weeks.
The entire therapy usually lasts three months.However, after its termination, the medicine continues to work for a year, protecting against the recurrence of the fungus.This technique, on the one hand, allows the body to “rest” from taking medications, but on the other hand, it does not exclude the possibility of taking other medications, including antibiotics.In addition, the risk of relapse is significantly reduced.
External preparations
In the case of nail infestation, not only internally applied medications are used, but also topical medications - nail polishes as well as removable (keratolytic) plasters and ointments.
Loceryl and 5% Batrafen are used as antifungal varnishes, which are able to penetrate into the deep layers of the nail and nail bed.The varnishes are applied to the above-cut nail (the affected surfaces of the nail can be removed with a nail file included with the varnish), cleaned and degreased (e.g. with alcohol) nail.
In addition, keratolytic ointments and plasters can be used to remove the affected nail area.These products soften the nail, making it easy and painless to remove from the nail bed surface.Patches currently used contain urea or salicylic acid as a keratolytic component.Sometimes an antiseptic (quinozole, iodine) or a local antifungal such as ketoconazole is added to the patch.
A keratolytic patch is applied to the nail surface and covered with an adhesive plaster and a bandage.After 2-3 days, the affected areas are cleaned and the plaster is reapplied.The procedures are carried out daily until the affected nails are completely removed.The average treatment time for fingernails is 6 months and for toenails 9-12 months.
In addition, a special set for nail treatment is produced, which includes an ointment with antifungal and keratolytic effects, a nail scraper and a plaster.
For fungal skin infections, topical creams are used, such as Loceryl.The cream is applied daily to the affected areas.The average treatment duration is 2-3 weeks;for foot treatment - up to 6 weeks.
Treatment of contaminated objects (disinfection)
During and after treating a fungal infection, it is very important to disinfect anything the fungus has come into contact with.Floors, walls, equipment in baths, showers, bathrooms, as well as the patient's personal belongings: underwear, shoes, skin and nail care items should be disinfected.
The walls and bottom of the bathtub should be treated with a mixture of equal parts of washing powder and bleach or chloramine, diluted to a creamy consistency (the powder should be washed off after 30 minutes).You can also use a 5% solution of chloramine or bleach or a 3% solution of Lysol.
It is recommended to treat shoes with solutions of formaldehyde (25%) or acetic acid (40%).You should wipe the insoles and side areas of the shoes thoroughly with a damp swab.Then insert the tampon into the toe of the shoe and place the shoe itself in a hermetically sealed plastic bag for 24 hours.After using acetic acid or a 25% formaldehyde solution, the shoes are ventilated or wiped with ammonia to eliminate the smell.
Underwear, stockings, socks and tights can be disinfected by boiling in a 2% soap-soda solution for 15-20 minutes.They should then be ironed with a hot iron.
Nail scissors are disinfected by dipping them in alcohol and then burning them over a burner flame.
Prevention
To prevent infection with athlete's foot, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Only use your own shoes.
- Do not wear tight shoes that maintain a humid climate and expose the skin and nails to friction and microtrauma.
- Take care of your shoes;Shoes should be well dried after wearing.
- People who often visit saunas, swimming pools, baths, sports and gyms are recommended to use local antifungal agents (ointments, creams, varnishes).
- Avoid porous carpets in the bathroom - they are difficult to wash and therefore serve as an excellent refuge for a variety of microorganisms, including fungi.