The first signs of toenail fungus. The first symptoms of nail fungus

According to statistics, almost half of all visits to the dermatologist are, in one way or another, related to fungal diseases. You can get an infection by visiting a pool, sauna, going to the beach, or walking around in your host's flip-flops. Find out everything about how to recognize nail fungus without scraping or using other diagnostic methods - symptoms of onychomycosis in the initial and chronic stages of the disease.

What is nail fungus

Yeast Mushrooms

They are in second place in the frequency of occurrence of mycoses on the feet. The disease is caused by two types of pathogens of the Candida genus:

• White Candida (Candida albicans) - occurs most frequently on the fingers, as a complication of existing onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes.
• Parapsilosis (Candida parapsilosis) - affects the nail plate from the edge. The initial symptoms are characterized by the appearance of black spots on the tip of the finger, which gradually increase in size. Candida parapsilosis usually completely destroys the nail plate.

Mold

This type of fungal infection is not particularly common - only three patients who sought help from a dermatologist suffered from it. There are several types of fungal pathogens:

• Scopulariopsis - often infects big toes that have already been injured.
• Aspergillus or black mold - onychomycosis infection is only possible in people with reduced immunity. The main symptom of the disease is the deformation of the nail plates and the appearance of normotrophic blackheads.
• Fusarium - this onychomycosis is very rare, as the pathogens live on agricultural crops. Infection of a person is possible only if there are open wounds, abrasions or cracks on the legs.

Dermatophytes

The primacy among the causative agents of onychomycosis is occupied by dermatophytes, of which the feet most often affect:

• Red trichophyton (Trichophyton rubrum) - develops on the lateral and distal surface. The main symptoms in the early stages of development are yellow spots or white stripes. Without specific treatment, fungal spores can spread throughout the body and cause serious skin lesions.
• Mentagrophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes) – fissures appear in the interdigital spaces, severe pain when moving. Without adequate therapy, it spreads to the nails; the fungus can mainly affect the thumb and little finger.
• Epidermophyton floccosum - in the initial phase it affects the skin of the fingers. Nail fungus manifests itself in the form of peeling of the feet, accompanied by itching and increased sweating of the fingers. Without treatment, epidermophyton leads to atrophy.

What does nail fungus look like?

Today in medicine, two classifications of onychomycosis are used: the first - according to the type of pathological changes, and the second - depending on the location. Based on the type of fungal infection, all types are divided into four subtypes: marginal, normotrophic, hypertrophic and atrophic. According to the form of localization, there are several other types of diseases:

• distal – when only the edge suffers from the fungus;
• lateral - pathological processes begin near the skin ridges;
• proximal – the change affects the lower part;
• white superficial onychomycosis - white spots or stripes appear.

Regional onychomycosis

This is the initial stage of the fungus, which is very difficult to identify on your own. This type of mycosis is accompanied by changes on the edge of the nail plate, which are visualized by the appearance of narrow gray bands. Over time, the symptoms of nail fungus intensify: the color begins to fade, brittleness appears, while the thickness of the plate remains the same. Sometimes grayish-yellow spots may appear.

Normotrophic

This type of onychomycosis is manifested by a decrease in shine, but with preservation of the thickness of the hard part of the finger. The main symptoms of the normotrophic type are:

• increased fragility;
• loss of shine;
• the appearance of white or grayish-yellow spots over the entire surface of the nail;
• the bed is visually divided into sectors;
• Gray mucus gradually starts to come out from under the nail.

Hypertrophic

This one has a specific symptom - the formation of atrophy along the edge. Hypertrophy leads to thickening of the nail plate and the appearance of an atypical pattern. Patients often complain of pain, especially when walking, which only disappears after taking painkillers. Hypertrophic mycosis has three stages:

• Total - a massive lesion that affects the thickness of the nail plate.
• Lateral - appears on the lateral parts.
• Distal - the infection is located under the free part of the bed.

White surface shape

This type of fungal infection is characterized by the appearance of small foci of infection in the center or edges of the nails, white or almost white. This type of onychomycosis appears only on the legs. Due to the fact that the spores affect only the upper part of the finger, the plate itself is rarely deformed, but its upper layers and epidermis suffer from the fungus. If left untreated, the hard part becomes loose and rough. As a rule, superficial onychomycosis is caused by dermatophytes.

Onycholytic

Accompanied by detachment of part of the plate from the soft nail bed. The affected nail becomes dull with gray spots and gradually loses its shine. As a rule, this type of fungus manifests itself as a complication of hypertrophic or normotrophic mycosis. In the absence of adequate treatment, areas covered with hyperkeratosis may appear at the site of the lesion.

Candida onychomycosis

Often combined with damage to healthy periungual tissues. The pathology usually occurs in the third or fourth finger or toe. Candida mycosis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• lack of skin at the nail growth line;
• fragility and disintegration of the edges of the plate;
• the appearance of transverse stripes at the base of the bed;
• inflammation of the skin ridges;
• brownish-brown color of the nail plate;
• soft tissue pain.

Proximal deformation

One of the rarest forms of onychomycosis. The disease usually begins to develop from soft tissues, gradually moving to a healthy nail. Fungal growth begins in the middle of the nail. Without treatment, the plates change color, begin to crumble and peel. The causative agents of the proximal deforming form are: red trichophyton and mentagrophytes.

Atrophic

This form of the unpleasant disease is characterized by a change from normal color to brownish gray. In this case, the symptoms appear gradually: first the plate loses its shine and becomes opaque, then the nail is destroyed and loose accumulations of small flakes of skin are visible at the site of the bed. Pathological processes begin on the outside, eventually covering the growth zone and skin fold.

Types and stages of fungal infection

Signs of fungal infection depend on the form of the disease and its severity. The first signs of pathology may not be noticed, but already to an average degree the plaque is noticeably deformed, becomes thick and its structure is heterogeneous. Such signs cannot be ignored, since the next stage is dystrophic, the nail can completely collapse, inflammatory processes begin in the periungual ridges and a secondary infection occurs.

Main forms of the disease:

1. Lateral onychomycosis is the most common type of fungus. The first signs of the fungus appear on the free edge of the nail in the form of a small yellowish spot. As the disease progresses, the plaque thickens, deep fissures may form, and discomfort occurs when walking. This form of fungal pathology is difficult to treat.
2. White superficial onychomycosis - pathogenic microorganisms affect only the upper layers of the nail. The plaque does not thicken, but over time it becomes loose and has a chalk-like structure. Treatment is not difficult and improvement in well-being occurs quickly.
3. Subungual onychomycosis is a rare form of pathology. The symptoms of the fungus appear in the form of thickening of the skin in the nail fold region, the nail becomes completely white and opaque.

There are a number of diseases that have symptoms similar to a fungal infection - psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus. Changes in the structure of the nail occur after injuries or bruises. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after a complete diagnosis.

How to identify toenail fungus – common symptoms

Depending on the stage of the disease, complete atrophy and partial hypertrophy are distinguished, and both concepts are interrelated, but not synonymous. The atrophic type refers to impaired growth, thinning and complete destruction of the nail plate - this is the stage of total damage. Often, when an advanced stage is detected, patients complain to the dermatologist not only about changes in the structure, but also about severe pain.

Hypertrophic toenail fungus - symptoms:

• acquires a yellow tint along the edge of the plate or whitish inclusions appear near the growth zone;
• deformed - waves, tubercles and other irregularities appear;
• the pad turns red, peels and swells as the infection increases;
• begins to exfoliate, move away from the bed;
• Small cracks and sometimes blisters appear between the fingers.

Itching and burning

Often the disease manifests itself on the legs in the form of severe itching. This sensation begins to bother the patient from the first days after infection. If fungal spores attack the plaque, you will feel itchy around the affected area, while the skin becomes loose, dry and peeling, and irritation appears. If the infection started in soft tissues, the fingers themselves itch. When the skin is severely itchy, the itching is followed by a burning sensation. As a rule, these symptoms occur with lesions on the feet, less often with onychomycosis of the hands.

Loss of natural color

This is the next symptom of onychomycosis, which replaces or complements itching. In this case, the color will depend on the type of pathogen that has settled in the human body:

Once inside the fingers, the spores of the fungus begin to multiply actively and gradually cover the entire space, slowly leading to the complete deformation and destruction of their hard part. The plaque thickens or, on the contrary, becomes very thin, begins to crumble and an unnatural yellow and whitish layer becomes visible. In the initial stages of infection, the structure of the nail plate itself changes - it becomes lumpy or covered with stripes, and the shade of the plate becomes cloudy.

Doctors distinguish three main stages of fungal infection:

1. The color turns yellow and grooves appear. When you try to cut the edge, the tip starts to fall apart. Sometimes an unpleasant odor may appear.
2. The finger completely changed color, became opaque and cloudy, and strange inclusions appeared. The yellow begins to darken, black stripes appear and green areas may appear. Cutting the affected nails becomes very difficult.
3. The entire nail has changed - it has become significantly thicker, it is impossible to trim the edge without softening it.

Pain in the nail area

Discomfort with nail fungus is not a typical concept for all patients. Some patients may not experience these symptoms, especially if the disease is detected at an early stage. With an advanced form of fungal infection, it is easy to recognize the pathology: the fingers lose their original appearance, begin to peel and peel. At this stage, some patients may feel pain under their nails or fingers.

Painful sensations with toe mycosis can occur for several reasons:

1. Because the affected areas become thicker, lose their original appearance and become deformed. In this case, even the most worn-out shoes cause noticeable discomfort when walking. As a result, pain can bother not only while walking, but also after taking off your shoes.
2. As the spores spread, the fungus conquers more and more new territories. When it reaches the soft tissue of the nail, the infection usually affects the nerve endings, causing aching, paroxysmal or throbbing pain. If any symptoms arise for this reason, discomfort may occur even at rest.
3. One of the signs of foot fungus is the appearance of small cracks and blisters between the toes. The skin may become very red and inflamed and the fingers may become swollen. Due to the fact that the area between the toes in closed shoes sweats a lot, these wounds on the feet heal very slowly and are constantly painful.

How does nail fungus start?

Loss and change of color, appearance of irregularities, thinning or thickening of the plate, delamination - these are the first signs of nail fungus that fit the general description. However, with careful self-diagnosis of the disease, it can even be classified. For example:

• Dermatophyte infection begins at the free edge of the plaque. The appearance of the fungus is indicated by a small yellow spot and a crumbling surface.
• Yeast-like fungi are characterized by a proximal form - when the infection begins at the base. The main symptom of candidiasis-type onychomycosis is inflammation of the nailfold fold, separation of the cuticle, and pain when pressing.
• Molds turn fingers green, brown or black. Yeast infection appears as spots, small dots, or longitudinal plaques.

The first signs that you have nail fungus are symptoms that appear in the surrounding soft tissue. The skin on the feet loses its natural color, turns red or yellowish, becomes thin and is easily injured. As a rule, this is where the fungal process begins. Over time, the disease can cause serious inconvenience - provoke the appearance of deep cracks, itching and blisters filled with liquid.

Symptoms of fungal nail infections

In the initial phase of infection, nail fungus is almost invisible and does not cause any discomfort (see photo). Then characteristic symptoms of fungal infection appear:

• the surface of the nail plate of the toes acquires an unpleasant cloudy shade;
• the nail plate begins to peel off, separating from the nail bed;
• the diseased nail loses its original shape, thickens and takes on a sloppy appearance;
• cracks gradually form between the toes, the person begins to feel pain in the area of the damaged nail;
• the skin on the toes begins to peel;
• Itchy skin appears between the toes.

Nail fungus must be treated, preferably in the early stages. In this case, you can only do with external preparations: ointments, varnishes and folk remedies. More advanced, you will need to take antifungal tablets, in which case you will not be able to get rid of foot fungus quickly.

What is dangerous about untreated onychomycosis?

In addition to the unpleasant external manifestations of this disease, the fungus is a pathogenic microbe that causes harm to the entire human body:

• Nail fungus not treated in a timely manner opens the door to other infections.
• Furthermore, the fungus can act as an allergen and ultimately cause hypersensitivity to the nail fungus as an allergen.
• Onychomycosis complicates the course of many diseases, for example, diabetes.
• In especially severe cases, against the background of a long course of the disease or reduced immunity, a fungal infection can cause deep mycosis - penetration of the fungus into internal organs through the blood.

To avoid complications, it is necessary to start treatment quickly if you notice the first signs of a fungal nail infection.

How to get rid of toenail fungus?

Medicines used to treat nails affected by fungus are presented in two groups.

1. The first group is local means of influence. This group includes medicinal varnishes and peel-off patches, ointments and creams and gels. Most medications for external use are only effective in the initial phase of the disease.
2. The second group consists of systemic antimycotic medications administered orally. These are usually capsules or tablets that have an inhibitory effect on the fungus. They block the spread of mycosis and have a prolonged effect, which significantly reduces the possibility of a new outbreak of the disease.

But considering that the drugs used to treat onychomycosis are highly toxic and often cause side effects, and the clinical picture of fungal infections of the skin and nail plate of the feet is always strictly individual, it is best to give an answer to the question of how cure foot fungus from an experienced specialist.

laser therapy

If the advanced form of the fungus cannot be treated with medication, laser therapy can be used.

1. Laser fungus treatment is considered one of the most effective ways to get rid of this disease.
2. Under the influence of the beam, fungal cells die instantly.
3. The laser beam does not harm nearby tissues.
4. An advanced form of the fungus can be cured in just four laser therapy procedures.

Having decided to undergo laser treatment, it is also important to simultaneously take all the necessary pills and vitamins.

Drug therapy for onychomycosis

The specialist prescribes treatment in the initial stages of nail fungus, taking into account some factors:

• Degree of plaque alteration;
• Stages of hyperkeratosis;
• Damage area;
• Clinical form of pathology.

At the beginning of the development of the disease, the dermatologist prescribes local remedies. These include ointment, varnish, solution, cream with antimycotic (antifungal) properties. It is recommended to apply them after treating an infected nail. Preparatory actions improve access of medicines to the inside of the plaque, speeding up fungal therapy.

To soften the nail, you can use stickers containing urea or salicylic acid:

1. Using a nail file, carefully process the nail plate;
2. Apply an antifungal agent;
3. Cover the nail with a bandage;
4. Remove it after a day;
5. Apply a fungal medicine prescribed by a dermatologist.

The specialist usually only prescribes medications for external use.

Attention!

Systemic antifungal agents are not used for onychomycosis at the initial stage of development.

Treating nail fungus at home

At the initial stage of the disease, you can try using proven folk remedies at home.

1. Apple vinegar . Simply soak your feet 1 to 2 times a day in a 1: 1 mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, let your toenails dry completely (you can use a hairdryer). And within about two weeks you will notice that the fungus disappears and a beautiful new one grows in place of the old damaged nail.
2. Tea tree oil should be applied to fungus-affected skin and nails three times a day. A single dose is 4 to 10 drops of product. This treatment should be continued for at least two weeks, or even longer, to ensure that the infection does not come back to you. This oil should not be used by children or pregnant women.
3. Freshly harvested celandine is passed through a meat grinder and juice is squeezed from the resulting pulp (this is done through 3-4 layers of gauze). It should yield approximately 200 ml. juiceIt is combined with 200 ml. 70% alcohol and leave for 24 hours. The prepared juice is used to lubricate the affected nails, but the treatment is only carried out after steaming the feet for 10 minutes and drying them completely. The course of treatment is 10 to 12 days, 3 to 4 treatments per day.
4. Another way to eliminate nail fungus is to treat it at home with iodine. It's very simple. For three weeks, the nail plate is coated with iodine daily. In this case, the growing tip of the damaged nail is removed regularly.
5. Kombucha also helps fight fungi. For this treatment, compresses are made: wrap a plate of kombucha in cellophane and apply a bandage to the leg, then put on socks. In the morning, you need to wash your feet with warm water, carefully remove dead areas and lubricate them with iodine. Side effects include quite intense pain, but you can achieve the desired result much faster.

If folk remedies do not give the desired result, you should contact specialists to prescribe complex therapy.

Infection with pathogenic fungi occurs through contact, as well as due to poor hygiene. Onychomycosis (nail plate fungus) is most often contracted through the use of shared shoes on a daily basis, in gyms and other places with high humidity and temperature. The initial stage of nail fungus has certain signs. Knowing them, it is possible to avoid the transition of pathology to another stage of development.

All folk remedies can only be used after consultation with a dermatologist. Many of them can cause allergic reactions. It is easier to cure onychomycosis by combining alternative remedies with medications.

In the early stage, nail fungus appears as barely noticeable ridges or white spots. Often, a person only finds out they have a fungal infection when they visit a dermatologist. This is explained by the fact that it is almost impossible to recognize the disease on your own during this period. If therapy is started on time, the disease is cured quickly.

The fungus (onychomycosis) is not just a dermatological disease, in advanced forms many internal systems and organs are affected. To quickly stop the pathology, you need to know the symptoms and methods of treatment. How does the disease manifest itself in the different phases? Which medications are most effective?

You can get a yeast infection at home if someone in your household has it; everyone uses the same pedicure or manicure kit. But in public places the risk of infection is much higher - the fungus lives in changing rooms, swimming pools and showers in gyms.

What diseases can provoke fungal infection:

• flat feet, congenital or acquired foot deformity;
• poor blood circulation in the lower extremities;
• increased foot sweating;
• calluses, excessively rough skin on the feet;
• frequent injuries to the nail plate;
• weakened immunity, any chronic diseases, diabetes.

Foot fungus often develops in lovers of tight shoes and people who neglect personal hygiene rules. Infection often occurs in beauty salons where instruments are poorly processed. The disease can be caused by the use of oral contraceptives and antibacterials.

Preventive measures

To avoid the disease it is necessary:

• Avoid direct contact with fungus carriers.
• Observe personal hygiene rules, wash your hands after visiting public places.
• After washing, carefully clean the areas between your fingers, as the fungus loves a warm, moist environment.
• Do not use other people's shoes and household items.
• Wear socks made from natural fabrics.
• Wear shoes in public swimming pools, bathhouses or saunas.
• Use personal manicure accessories.

Forecast

The prognosis for timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of nail fungus is favorable. Against the background of concomitant chronic diseases, the prognosis worsens.

Treatment for advanced nail fungus is long-term. Relapses occur in 40–70% of cases.