Nail and foot fungus: symptoms and treatment in Tashkent

Other names: Дерматофития, онихомикоз, микоз стоп, грибок ногтей

Fungal infections of the skin and nails are one of the most common dermatological problems and at the same time the one where the wrong treatment is most often made. A damaged nail is not always affected by fungus: trauma, psoriasis, eczema and circulatory disorders give a similar picture. Therefore, the rule is simple: before starting treatment, you need to confirm the diagnosis in a laboratory. Therapy for onychomycosis lasts for months, costs money and requires liver monitoring - spending all this on a non-fungal problem is pointless.

🧾 МКБ-10: B35 🏥 Where it is treated: 6 First analysis, then treatmentTreatment - monthsShoes are also treated

👨‍⚕️ Which doctor

Dermatologist

🔬 Diagnostics

Microscopy and culture of scrapings

💊 Treatment

External and systemic antimycotics

📈 Prognosis

We will cure with the full course

⚠️ At risk

Diabetes, sweating, swimming pools, tight shoes

⏱ When to see a doctor

Planned

🚨 See a doctor urgently

With these signs do not wait for a scheduled appointment — the condition requires emergency care.

Покраснение, отёк и боль стопы с температурой — присоединилась бактериальная инфекция
Грибок стоп у пациента с сахарным диабетом — риск диабетической стопы
Тёмная полоса на ногте, растущая от ногтевого валика — исключить меланому
Быстрое поражение всех ногтей у ребёнка
Распространённое поражение кожи у человека с иммунодефицитом
Незаживающие трещины между пальцами с мокнутием

Forms

Mycosis of the feet: peeling and cracks between the toes, itching, weeping; “moccasin” shape - dryness and flaking of the entire sole
Onychomycosis: the nail turns yellow, thickens, crumbles, peels off from the bed
Mycosis of smooth skin: round spots with a raised, flaky edge and clearing in the center
Mycosis of the scalp (in children): areas of baldness with broken hair
Dermatophytosis inguinalis: itchy patches in the groin folds, more common in men

Изменение ногтя не равно грибку. До половины случаев «грибка ногтей» на приёме оказываются травмой, псориазом ногтей, экземой или следствием нарушения кровотока. Анализ решает вопрос.

Why does it occur

Walking barefoot in swimming pools, baths, gyms, hotel rooms
Increased foot sweating, tight and synthetic shoes
Diabetes mellitus and poor circulation in the legs
Nail injuries, including from tight shoes and pedicures
Immunodeficiency, taking immunosuppressants
General shoes, towels, manicure tools
Age: nails grow more slowly and are affected more often

Diagnostics

Осмотр дерматолога с оценкой всех ногтей и кожи стоп.
Микроскопия соскоба — быстрый метод, подтверждает наличие грибковых элементов.
Посев с определением вида возбудителя — влияет на выбор препарата.
ПЦР-диагностика — более чувствительный современный метод.
Перед системной терапией — биохимия крови с печёночными показателями.

Important: 2 weeks before the test, you must stop using any antifungal agents, otherwise the result will be false negative.

Treatment

Mycosis of the skin without affecting the nails - external preparations for 2–4 weeks, continue for another week after the symptoms disappear
Onychomycosis with damage to less than half of the nail without involvement of the matrix - medicinal varnishes and solutions
Common onychomycosis - systemic drugs orally: on the hands usually 3 months, on the feet 3-6 months or longer
Hardware nail cleaning (medical pedicure) speeds up results
Monitoring liver enzymes during long-term use of systemic drugs
Treatment is considered successful not by appearance, but by the regrowth of a healthy nail and a negative control test

Ноготь на большом пальце стопы полностью отрастает 9–12 месяцев. Поэтому оценивать результат раньше бессмысленно, а прерывать курс, «когда стало лучше», — прямой путь к рецидиву.

Shoe treatment and prevention

Mandatory disinfection of shoes - without this, relapse is almost inevitable: special sprays, solutions or ultraviolet devices
Wash socks at 60 °C and above, daily change
Individual slippers in the bathhouse and pool, do not walk barefoot in public places
Thoroughly wipe the spaces between the fingers after washing.
Shoes made of breathable materials, true to size; alternate pairs, letting them dry
Individual manicure set; in the salon - control of sterilization of instruments
For diabetes, check your feet daily and contact them early if there are any changes.

Frequently asked questions: Skin and nail fungus

Is it necessary to take a test before treatment?+

Yes. Up to half of the changed nails are affected not by fungus, but by injury, psoriasis or eczema. Treatment of onychomycosis lasts for months and requires monitoring of the liver; starting it without confirmation is irrational.

How long does it take to treat nail fungus?+

On the hands it usually lasts about 3 months, on the feet 3–6 months or longer. The result is assessed by the growth of a healthy nail: on the big toe this takes 9–12 months.

Why does the fungus come back?+

Most often due to untreated shoes, an interrupted course and persistent factors - sweating, tight shoes, walking barefoot in public places. Disinfection of shoes is mandatory.

Can it be cured only with varnish?+

Varnishes and solutions are effective when affecting less than half of the nail without involving the growth zone. For widespread lesions, oral systemic medications are needed.

Is the fungus contagious to households?+

Yes, it is spread through shared shoes, towels, bath mats and floors. You need individual slippers and towels, regular cleaning of the bathroom and washing socks at high temperatures.

The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor consultation. Only a qualified specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment after an in-person examination.