Which doctor treats onychomycosis

One of the fundamental factors in successfully treating fungal disease is contacting the right doctor. Patients are often confused about the doctor's specialty and don't know which doctor to see for onychomycosis. As a result, valuable time is wasted and additional money and energy are wasted.Fungal infections require immediate treatment. The earlier the disease is detected and diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be. In addition, the choice of doctor depends on the stage of the disease. In advanced forms of the disease, the help of several doctors is needed, including a surgeon.

About disease

Mycoses are infections caused by pathogenic bacteria. Adults are mostly susceptible to infection, but children are not immune. The disease first affects the area between the fingers and then gradually moves to the nail plate. Fungi destroy keratin, the main component of nails. The result is that the nail plate becomes brittle, preventing its growth, forming cracks and specific stains on the nail surface.

Cause of infection

There are many causes of fungal infections. The main content should be highlighted:

1. Weak immunity.A person is at risk for fungal diseases if the body is weakened by illness or does not get the required amount of vitamins. The body's protective barriers will not be able to prevent the spread of disease.
2. The nervous system is exhausted.Frequent stress, nervous breakdown, and the habit of taking everything personally can worsen the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
3. Ignore hygiene rules.Most often, this fungus is contracted in public places. Inattention and negligence in cleaning are the main reasons for the spread of fungal diseases. You should always wash your hands before eating in cafes, bars, restaurants and after using the toilet. You should always bring replacement socks or tights with you when using sneakers or sneakers at a rental center or recreation center. It is also recommended to carry hand sanitizer gel with you so that you can remove dirt and germs from your palms when there is no faucet nearby.
4. Improper communication with animals.Fungal spores are carried not only by humans but also by animals. All people who pet stray dogs and cats should stop this habit. No matter how cute these animals are, they can pose health hazards. If contact does occur, you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap, treat with disinfectant and wash your clothes.
5. Shoes and socks are not stored properly.Fungi thrive best in warm, moist environments. Taking this fact into account, after walking in the rain or on wet surfaces, you need to dry your shoes near a radiator or heater and put wet socks or tights into washing liquid. If you leave your shoes to dry on their own, there is no guarantee that they will dry completely. At the same time, the spores can activate very quickly, and the person can become infected with a fungal disease the next day.

In almost all cases of fungal infection, the culprit is the person themselves. It is worth paying more attention to details, not ignoring hygiene rules and wearing only your own clothes and shoes. You also need to monitor your health. Take vitamin and micronutrient capsules regularly. For a healthy, clean person, disease passes.

disease symptoms

There are more than ten types of fungal diseases known to medicine. There are tens of thousands of pathogens responsible for this disease. Of course, the characteristic symptoms of each type are different. But we can recognize the main symptoms of this disease. Every patient has some variation.The main symptoms:

• Thickening or thinning of the nail plate;
• Nails lose their luster and become dull;
• Nails begin to crack and peel;
• Changes in the color of the nail plate (white, yellow, brown, green, black);
• Spots, stripes, dots appear on nails;
• Appearance of blisters, ulcers;
• Drain mucus from under the nails.

Other characteristic symptoms are itching and burning sensation in the affected finger or toe area. The pain may become so severe that the patient must take painkillers.

The fungus often spreads beyond the nail. It affects the nail ridges, interdigital spaces, and feet. In rare and particularly severe cases, the disease can spread throughout the body. Sometimes the pathogenic bacteria even affect the internal organs.

Onychomycosis test

The difficulty in identifying the disease is its main problem. It is because of this loss of time that the infection develops and takes root in the patient's body. Later infections are difficult to eradicate completely. Infected people require six months of treatment for positive results. Sometimes, the mycelium is so embedded that it can take a lifetime to heal. It is possible that only temporary improvement will be achieved, and then the fungus will return.It is extremely difficult to detect fungal diseases in their early stages. When the bacteria produce mycelium - their mycelium - symptoms are not as noticeable as in subsequent stages. The patient did not notice the slight itching, confusing it with fatigue after walking. Some people don't respond at all to changes in plate color. People mistakenly believe that brittle nails are a temporary condition that should go away on its own.Detection of at least one symptom is grounds for immediate medical attention. However, not everyone knows which doctor can treat onychomycosis. Often people go to see a therapist, but that's not entirely true. You should make an appointment with a dermatologist or mycologist.The medical facility will conduct the necessary tests and tell you whether the person is actually infected with the virus. It is impossible to independently determine its existence, just as it is impossible to find out the type. That said, specific treatment and recovery recommendations depend on the type of fungal disease.

Contact a dermatologist

Since fungus is a skin disease, it is logical to seek help from a dermatologist. He will examine the suspected infected nail, ask about the patient's condition, and refer them for testing. After receiving the results of the medical examination, the dermatologist will make a judgment.If the disease is in its early stages, then this specialist will be able to solve the problem. If the fungal disease is advanced or has complex symptoms, the doctor will refer the patient to a mycologist.

It should be remembered that dermatologists are doctors with a broader scope. He treated all skin conditions but had no specific knowledge. They can be obtained from mycologists who specialize in treating fungi.

Appointment with a mycologist

Mycologists treat all forms of fungal infections – from early to advanced stages. The specialist performs an initial examination, determines which tests are appropriate, and develops a treatment algorithm. If the patient has the opportunity, it is best to see a mycologist immediately. This way, he will save time and get more effective and clear answers to his questions about the type of disease he has and how to treat it.Appointments with mycologists usually require a fee. Doctors see you in special centers and a referral is prescribed by a general practitioner or dermatologist. Very few clinics have private mycologists on staff. Mycologists will guide patients from their first appointment through recovery. It is not recommended to change doctors during treatment. New doctors need time to research the medical history, which is a waste of time.

After the patient recovers, the mycologist can give advice on staying healthy. Precautions must be strictly followed. In this case, the fungus will not return.

Diagnostic and treatment algorithms

Treatment of fungal diseases consists of sequentially related stages. It is important to perform every test on time and under the supervision of an experienced doctor.Antifungal treatment algorithm:

1. Contact a dermatologist or go directly to a mycologist.
2. Get an initial inspection and get a test recommendation.
3. Take the test and receive your results.
4. Make repeated appointments with your doctor and determine your follow-up treatment plan.
5. Purchase treatment medications.

The patient must then see a doctor regularly to monitor the progression of the disease. If the results are positive, treatment will continue and end with recovery. If there is a negative reaction to the medication or no improvement, additional studies will be conducted and new treatments may be prescribed.

Get tests to confirm the diagnosis

For effective treatment, the cause and type of disease need to be accurately diagnosed. The nature of treatment depends on the type of pathogen.Basic diagnostic tests:

1. Microbiological methods.First, doctors must determine whether the patient is actually infected. To do this, he needs to obtain material, namely a nail that may be infected. The doctor scrapes or cuts away part of the plate. The material is then placed into a solution and examined under a microscope by an expert. This is how he views the presence or absence of harmful bacteria that cause infections.
2. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).The doctor draws blood from the patient's veins. The analysis results came out quickly. Reaction indicates reaction to mycosis: positive, negative, or unspecified. In the latter case, additional tests or a repeat blood donation within a week will be required.
3. PCR studies.As with the first study, PCR requires scraping. Therefore, doctors can accurately determine whether a person is a carrier of the infection. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that PCR cannot identify the type of fungus. Doctors simply announce its presence or absence.

Incipient fungi are difficult to diagnose the first time around. This is called an unlabeled reaction. To get a final diagnosis, the doctor will send the patient for additional tests or ask him to come back in one to two weeks. Your doctor will then consult and tell you which doctor you should see next if you have onychomycosis. Most likely a mycologist.

Help from other experts

Often, the help of dermatologists and mycologists is not enough. Sometimes patients do not have the opportunity to make an immediate appointment with a specialist. Then it is recommended to consult a therapist.The therapist will conduct an initial examination and write test instructions based on the results. He'll also tell you who to see next—a dermatologist or mycologist. Appointments with a therapist are relevant for patients living in small towns or residential areas of large cities. Not every clinic has its own dermatologist or mycologist. In this case, the therapist becomes the expert and can guide the infected person to receive the necessary treatment. If the nail fungus has become quite advanced and has reached an advanced stage, the patient will need to make an appointment with a surgeon. Sometimes professional intervention is needed. Sometimes there is no way to save the affected nail. It must be surgically removed. The doctor will cut the plate from the nail bed and advise the patient on further action.

If the patient cannot immediately make an appointment with a specialist, he should see a therapist. This doctor has all the knowledge needed to perform an initial examination and advise on next steps in antifungal treatment.

initial treatment

Early-stage athlete's foot can be treated with antifungal gels, patches, and varnishes. The latter contains antiseptics - substances that prevent the spread of infection. They prevent bacterial growth and neutralize mycelium.It is not recommended to choose your own medicine. Only a doctor can give effective advice and prescribe necessary prescriptions after examination.As a complement to ointments and varnishes, you can use traditional treatment formulas. The following are particularly popular:

• vinegar;
• iodine;
• potassium permanganate;
• Table salt or sea salt.

They are used to make lotions and body washes. Iodine and potassium permanganate should not be used regularly as they can dry out the skin. To avoid damaging your skin, you need to rest.Recipes based on herbs and vegetables are also popular. For example, mint, onion, garlic dressings. Additionally, it is recommended to apply olive oil or tea tree oil to the affected fingers or toes.Alternative therapies should only be used as a supplement to primary treatment but not in any way a replacement for it.

Treatment during developmental and neglect stages

In the advanced stages of the disease, ointments and baths are essential. It is necessary to use so-called antifungal agents. They are prescribed by a doctor. The choice of tablet depends on the type of fungus, the patient's health, age and other characteristics. Antifungal drugs are characterized by a large number of contraindications and side effects. Purchase without prescription from a mycologist is prohibited.

Prevent the risk of infection

To maintain good health, it is necessary to take preventive measures. They prevent the risk of fungal nail infections.important hint:

1. Use only personal hygiene products: towels, exercise mats, wipes.
2. Monitor the cleanliness of socks and change them regularly.
3. Clean your shoes before and after going out.
4. If the weather is humid or an individual's feet sweat excessively, dry the shoes thoroughly.
5. Avoid tactile contact with strangers.
6. Wash your hands with soap after handling animals, especially homeless animals.
7. Always carry sanitizing gel with you when going to public places.
8. It is best to bring your personal belongings (if any) to the rental base.
9. Get regular manicures and pedicures to avoid the formation of corns, calluses and cracks on your feet.
10. Wear only comfortable shoes that won't pinch or rub your feet.

If a fungal infection has occurred, you must follow all your doctor's recommendations. By strictly adhering to treatment, the patient will be able to recover and forget about the unpleasant illness. But you have to be patient—infections are difficult to eradicate. This will take months, even years.