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Everything you need to know about the disturbing phenomenon of summer

Onychomycosis is an unpleasant aesthetic phenomenon, but it can also create real medical problems.

Why does she come and how do you get rid of her?

We asked an expert

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• Onychomycosis

Prof. Avner Shemer

Saturday, 03 July 2021, 09:00 Updated: 09:38

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It's certainly not the sexiest subject there is, but summer here and we must pay attention to it - nail fungus.

It is actually a manifestation of an infection caused by fungi of various types.

This infection causes them to thicken, change their color and shape, and also their texture on the nail surface.

The incidence of nail fungus is high today and the numbers speak of 10 percent of the total population experiencing it in their lifetime, with the incidence increasing with age (about 50 percent of the adult population over the age of 70) and most infections are in the toenails.

It should be noted that in the vast majority of cases (about 75 percent of them) the infection will be easy and will not be a problem beyond the aesthetic hazard.

It is therefore not surprising to find that most of the complaints from patients relate to aesthetic problems (appearance of the infected nail, mostly) and not to health problems resulting from infection with the fungus.

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In general, there are three groups of fungi that can damage the nail: a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which are also dangerous to hair and skin, yeast and various types of mold.

Dermatophytes are considered the main causes of fungus, but the symptoms each causes are similar.

The fungus generally starts from the feet.

Man's feet (Photo: ShutterStock)

The most common form of infection is from the free end of the nail, this is due to the fact that the fungus starts from the feet and from there it also reaches the toenails.

As the fungus spreads slowly under the nail towards the base of the nail.

If the fungus is not treated, it is likely to spread to the entire nail area.

How do you get nail fungus?

There are three different ways of infection: infection following direct human-to-human contact, infection in which the fungus is transmitted from an animal to a person, and infection caused by exposure to an infected surface.

The latter is very common, probably in Israel, and is caused, for example, by a floor of showers in sports institutes or in the army.

Factors that increase the risk of infection

• Genetics: Some people are more likely to get toenail fungus

• Age: As you get older, the chances of getting toenail fungus increase

• Injury or trauma to the nail

• diabetes mellitus

• Poor blood supply to the limbs

• Prolonged treatment with systemic steroids

• Locking shoes closed for many hours

• Optimal care and hygiene of the nails

• Climate: In humid and hot weather the fungus thrives, while in cold and dry climates it thrives less

Not just an aesthetic problem

As already mentioned, nail fungus will usually amount to an aesthetic problem and nothing more - but if left untreated it can develop into a real health problem in a small number of sufferers, and it can uncommonly cause a secondary bacterial infection and then may develop rosacea - an acute bacterial infection.

How is nail fungus treated?

The treatments for nail fungus are divided into two groups: topical treatment, which focuses directly on the infected nail, and drug treatment with pills (systemic treatment).

There are now several forms of topical anti-fungal treatments such as solution, cream or ointment with anti-fungal ingredients;

Special ointments that dissolve the infected part of the fungus;

Special anti-fungal nail polish.

Maintain foot hygiene.

Feet (Photo: GettyImages)

The treatment for nail fungus is quite lengthy, and can take up to a year, and sometimes even longer.

There are now preparations that offer a treatment that leads to a relatively rapid improvement, such as Emtrix - a solution for local treatment of the nail without the need for a sanding that leads to a visible improvement within a few weeks.

There are also other products for the treatment of fungus that are very convenient to use and help to treat nail fungus, there are some that come as a nail polish such as Miconail sold without a prescription, nail polish called Lucril or nail polish in Terpen, and there are other preparations such as Agispor, Agistan and Missile.

In any treatment, it is very important to maintain regular treatment at the recommended frequency until the end of the treatment.

When is it recommended to perform systemic treatment (with pills) and not local?

Most often when the fungus is spread, and more than three nails are infected with it;

When local treatment is not helpful;

And when the fungus is defined as severe.

There is no prevention and it is even advisable to treat with systemic treatment (pills) in combination with other preparations - but the doctor should be consulted.

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How will you prevent infection or recurrence of fungus?

To reduce the chance of infection or recurrence, a few simple rules should be followed.

Pat your foot, make sure the skin is not cracks or cuts, and pat your nails and feet frequently.

Be sure to cut the nails with the right equipment and clean the nails frequently, especially if they are long, and carefully protect the damaged nails - trauma to the fingernails leads to cracks or fractures in the nails and these increase the risk of nail fungus penetrating.

Also, wear ventilated shoes, wear cotton socks that will help evaporate moisture in the foot, and if you can not wear ventilated shoes it is recommended to sprinkle some antifungal talc inside the shoes or socks.

Of course it is very important not to walk barefoot in public spaces such as public showers and saunas, and to dry your feet and nails well especially after any contact with water.

Please note, do not share other hygiene products for nail care, such as scrubbers or scissors.

It is important to note and emphasize that those who have already been cured of nail fungus should use this or that antifungal cream at least once a week to prevent the recurrence of the fungus.

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