Treatment of fungal diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist.Improperly chosen antifungal agents can only lead to temporary improvement without curing the disease itself.
Treatment of fungal diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist.In the case of self-medication, incorrectly selected antifungal agents can only lead to a 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 spread of the fungus, the presence of concomitant diseases and the age of the patient.
Antifungal drugs are divided into two types: for external and internal use.The external drugs themselves are effective only in the early stages of the disease, then the treatment must be comprehensive: the fungus must be affected both externally and internally.
Internal preparations
For successful and safe treatment of fungal diseases with internal antifungal drugs, it is recommended to adhere to certain rules:
- The diagnosis must be confirmed by a doctor.
- During treatment with internal antifungal drugs, it is recommended to limit the intake of other drugs, except for vital ones.
- Medicines should be used under the supervision of a doctor for a long time until the fungus disappears completely.
- Control examinations should be carried out initially once every 2 weeks, then once a month.Control scraping - 6 months after the end of treatment.If a fungus is found, a second course of treatment is required.
At the moment, dermatologists consider pulse therapy to be the most effective and safe method of treatment - taking drugs at long intervals.In some cases, a 1-week course of treatment is prescribed, followed by a 3-week break and then a new seven-day course of treatment.During the reception, the drug accumulates in the body and in the following weeks it continues to actively fight the infection.
The full course of treatment usually lasts three months.However, after its completion, the drug continues to work for a year, preventing the recurrence of the fungus.This technique, on the one hand, allows the body to "rest" from taking drugs, on the other hand, it does not exclude the possibility of taking other drugs, including antibiotics.In addition, the risk of relapse is significantly reduced.
External preparations
If the nails are affected, not only drugs for internal use are used, but also drugs for local use - nail varnishes and peeling (keratolytic) patches and ointments.
Loceril and 5% batrafen are used as antifungal varnishes that can penetrate the deep layers of the nail and the nail bed.Varnishes are applied to a cut nail (the affected nail surfaces can be removed with a nail file included in the varnish), cleaned and degreased (e.g. with alcohol) nail.
In addition, keratolytic ointments and patches can be used to remove the affected area of the nail.These products soften the nail, as a result of which it is easily and painlessly removed from the surface of the nail bed.Currently used patches contain urea or salicylic acid as a keratolytic component.Sometimes an antiseptic (quinosol, iodine) or a topical antifungal agent, such as ketoconazole, is added to the patch.
A keratolytic patch is applied to the surface of the nail and covered with a plaster and bandage.After 2-3 days, the affected areas are cleaned and the patch is reapplied.The procedures are carried out daily until the affected nails are completely removed.The average duration of treatment is 6 months for fingernails and 9-12 months for toenails.
In addition, a special nail treatment kit is produced, which includes an ointment that has both antifungal and keratolytic effects, a nail scraper and a patch.
For fungal skin infections, topical creams are used, for example loceril.The cream is applied daily to the affected areas.The average duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks;in the treatment of legs - up to 6 weeks.
Treatment of contaminated objects (disinfection)
During and after treating a yeast infection, it is very important to disinfect everything the fungus has come in contact with.Floors, walls, equipment in bathtubs, showers, bathrooms, as well as the patient's personal belongings: underwear, shoes, skin care items and nails must be disinfected.
The walls and bottom of the tub should be treated with a mixture of equal parts 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 thoroughly wipe the insoles and sides of the shoes with a damp pad.Then place the swab in the top of the shoe and place the shoe itself in an airtight plastic bag for 24 hours.After using acetic acid or a 25% formaldehyde solution, the shoes are aired or wiped with ammonia to remove the smell.
Underwear, socks, stockings, tights can be disinfected by boiling for 15-20 minutes in a 2% solution of soapy soda.Then they should be ironed with a hot iron.
Nail clippers are disinfected by immersing them in rubbing alcohol and then burning them with a torch flame.
Prevention
To prevent foot fungus infection, it is recommended to observe the following rules:
- Use only your own shoes.
- Do not wear tight shoes that retain a moist environment and expose the skin and nails to friction and microtrauma.
- Take care of your shoes;shoes should be thoroughly 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 various microorganisms, including fungi.