How is toenail fungus, symptoms and treatment
Every third person on Earth has faced problems like delamination and nail breakage, plaque clouding - that's onychomycosis. The disease affects different age groups. Nail fungus (pictured below) spreads quickly and adapts to changing conditions.
Consider in more detail the main occurrence factors, types and methods of treating the fungus at home.
Classification
The causative agents of this disease are saprophytes, molds, candida and other pathogenic microorganisms.
The main types of pathogens:
Epiderrnophyton floccosum. Anthropophilic fungus that affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis. After infection, pink, scaly patches with characteristic diffuse edges begin to appear on the skin. Transmits by tactile contact or by household items.
Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These are two yeast-like fungi of the Trichopyton genus. They have a toxic effect, are able to remain in a dormant state for a long time and, after exposure to negative factors, become more active. The first signs of the disease are itching between the fingers and an unpleasant odor, then rashes and scaling appear. Integument color may remain unchanged.
Mycologists distinguish four types of ringworm, which can be caused by various foot fungi:
The erased form is the lightest. It is characterized by mild itching between the fingers and slight peeling of the skin. The reason is Candida saprophyte. Its incubation period is 2 weeks. Most of the time, patients simply don't notice the signs of infection and are spreading the fungus. Even in the absence of treatment, the disease disappears on its own.
Squamous-hyperkeratotic. The neglected form of this foot fungus can cause deep fissures and tissue damage from the leg to the ankle. It is noteworthy that in the initial phase of the disease there are no external manifestations. The sole does not itch and does not hurt, small cracks occasionally appear;
Intertriginous or interdigital is the most common. Most of the time, the primary lesion starts with the folds of the thumb and index finger and spreads along the foot. Possible causes of occurrence - contact with an infected person (surface), injuries and non-compliance with personal hygiene standards;
Dyshidrotic or vesicular form - ringworm, which causes the appearance of skin rashes and local erosions in the epidermis. It is transmitted exclusively from the patient and is rarely diagnosed on the skin of the legs. This fungus is believed to like the hands and palms best. In the absence of proper treatment, mycotic eczema occurs due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms.
Over time, fungal infections progress, although this happens extremely slowly. Sometimes people live with fungi for decades and only start to worry when the nail completely comes out, painful sensations appear. There are several steps in total.
Initial state. The fungal infection is just starting to destroy the nail, its color changes, the transparency disappears.
The appearance of hyperkeratosis. This phenomenon, when with ringworm the nail begins to thicken, it becomes very dense, sometimes growing strongly. At the end of this phase, the nail plate is loose, sometimes its upper layers can be simply scraped off with a finger.
In the next stage, the fungal infection passes under the nail. The cuticle is detached from the nail plate and the nail fold may become red, swollen, and inflamed.
Running stage. The nail is atrophied, completely changes color. At this stage, the nail plate is usually completely detached or destroyed.
It is advisable to suspect nail fungus in the early stages, in its advanced form it is difficult and time-consuming to treat, sometimes it is necessary to completely remove the nail plate. Don't get ringworm.
Symptoms
Onychomycosis affects the toenails more frequently and the hands less frequently. The disease starts with the thumb and little finger (the outer edge is affected), gently affecting all plaques.
The main symptoms of onychomycosis will help determine a fungal infection:
- the appearance of whitish or greenish streaks and spots under the nails;
- dish cloudiness, color change (from yellow to dark brown);
- redness and peeling of the skin around the nail;
- the appearance of roughness in the feet and between the toes;
- the formation of mold on the nails.
To learn how to recognize the disease at an early stage, you can see the main manifestations of nail fungus in the photo. This will allow you to understand at least approximately how the infection starts to develop, and if you see similar signs, see a doctor.
What does the fungus look like in the photo
In any case, the initial leg examination is done independently.<2_img_blockxx>In order not to confuse the fungus with possible calluses or common mechanical damage to the foot, we recommend that you study the photo of the fungus on nails in the early and advanced stages.
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Diagnosis
There are more than 50 subspecies of fungi that cause onychomycosis, so it is possible to accurately determine the type only under laboratory conditions. Preliminary home diagnosis is possible from the second stage onwards, when symptoms appear.
It is necessary to examine the nail plates to determine the location of the fungal infection.
The next criterion is the shape of the change in nail thickness, the presence of scales and disintegration.
The determining factor may be the color of the infection foci.
It is necessary to assess the condition of the skin and hair when detecting onychomycosis: many fungi attack them first and then pass to the nail plate.
In some cases, the causative agent is several types of fungal infection. Combinations of dermatophytes with yeast-like fungi or molds with candida are possible.
Treatment of nail fungus at an early stage
If such a disease occurs, 3 treatment options are possible, it all depends on the stage at which the fungus is located. Then that's it:
- the use of local drugs;
- the use of oral medications;
- combined therapy.
Local medicines are represented by various ointments, gels, suspensions, emulsions and other types of external preparations. They only act on the focus of the injury and do not enter the bloodstream. They are mainly used in the early stages of development of dermatomycosis or with a small focus of infection. Treatment, as a rule, varies from one week to several months, depending on the degree of negligence of the injury.
Oral medications are taken orally and act on the causative agent from within the body. They have side effects and affect not only the affected area but also the body as a whole. In some cases, a single application is sufficient, sometimes a course of treatment is needed. They are used for serious injuries and advanced stages of fungal diseases.
Combination therapy is used most often. The action of external medications reduces the intensity of symptoms, accelerates the healing of damaged areas and the pills act from the inside out on the causative agent of the disease.
With any treatment option, the course of therapy must not be interrupted. The medication regimen and duration are determined by the physician. As a rule, treatment continues after the symptoms and external manifestations of mycoses have disappeared for a few more days (up to a week).
Varnishes and ointments against fungus
If the nail fungus hasn't started but is in an early stage, it's worth trying to apply nail polish and ointments that help smooth the affected area. In this case, the fungus spores die under the influence of the drug.
The most common antifungal varnishes are "Terbinafin", "Amorolfin", "Cyclopirox". Following the instructions, the nail polish is applied twice a week for several months, until the healthy nail grows back completely.
Also widely known are: creams - "Sertaconazole", "Bifonazole", "Ketoconazole", "Terbinafine"; sprays - "Terbinafin", etc. Apply to a clean, dry surface of the fungus-affected fingernail and finger area. Antifungal fluid containing boric acid and resorcinol helps to dry and disinfect affected skin and nails.
An antiseptic created with iodine, accelerates the renewal and healing process of the nail itself and the area around it. After application of the spray, an allergic reaction in the form of burning and itching is possible.
For the treatment of nails, you must choose a type of medicine. It is not recommended to alternate, exchange funds, such manipulations will lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the therapeutic effect. Before starting use, be sure to read the contraindications. Pregnant women, children and people with individual intolerance are prohibited from using antifungal varnishes for treatment.
Before applying the nail polish or ointment, the nail area affected by the fungus should be removed as much as possible with a special file that comes with the medicine. After degreasing the nail with a solution of alcohol and water, a layer of varnish is applied, which must be changed every few days. Before the procedure, you can bathe your feet with soap and soda. Varnish is removed in the same way as decorative, using organic solvents.
ethnoscience
Nail ringworm in the early stage can be treated with at-home methods. Folk remedies are good aids in the complex therapy of the disease.
Sea salt. This remedy is best combined with conservative treatments. Sea salt baths are a recommended preparatory procedure before applying topical products. For a small amount of hot water, you need to take a teaspoon of salt, hold your legs for about 15-20 minutes.
The trays of a decoction of willow branches are used 3 times a week. To cook, collect the sprouts, chop finely, take 500 gr. raw material and pour 2 liters of water. Boil, reduce heat and let stand 10 minutes. After the broth has cooled, strain and store the legs for 20 minutes.
Tea tree oil. Injured nails should be lubricated before going to bed, bandaged and left overnight. In the morning, remove the bandages, clean the stratum corneum of the nail and re-drip the tea tree oil, but do not wrap. It is important to continue treatment until a healthy nail starts to grow.
Vinegar baths. In 2 liters of hot water (37 degrees), dilute 5 tbsp. me. 9% vinegar. The feet must be immersed in this solution for at least half an hour. Then clean the softened keratinized nail layer with a nail file and treat the affected areas on the feet and between the toes with a pumice stone. After such manipulation, the application of an antifungal cream or solution is recommended. Do the procedures regularly (1-2 times a day) for a month.
Celandine. This plant has been used for a long time against nail and skin diseases. It must be handled with caution because of the active "cauterizing" effect. Celandine juice, decoctions and oils based on this plant are used against the fungus.
laser therapy
Laser therapy is one of the newest treatments for nail fungus, especially in its advanced stages. This method is an alternative to surgical removal, followed by a longer recovery period. During laser treatment, healthy tissues are untouched; during the procedure, the patient does not experience pain or other unpleasant sensations.
Disadvantages of laser treatment: high price, you need to take breaks between procedures, they can only be performed by a qualified dermatologist. Regardless of the therapy method chosen, it is imperative to follow all personal hygiene rules. Nail fungus may reappear and treatment will not be effective if not done.
When treating nail fungus, you need to perform hygiene procedures regularly, change socks frequently, ventilate your shoes after use. The same rules must be followed so that ringworm of the nails does not appear again after treatment.
Prevention
Of course, it is better to prevent the fungus than to deal with its consequences for a long time.
How to protect yourself from fungi:
At the first signs of fungus (itching, redness, peeling), it is necessary to generously lubricate the feet with salicylic ointment. It has a strong antibacterial effect and moisturizes the skin. Instead, suede or streptocide are also suitable;
Before each visit to the pool, sauna, gym or any other place where you need to remove your shoes, it is important to treat your feet with a protective cream.
Treat your shoes regularly, wash them if possible and air dry them. It is not necessary to use special formulations for this. Most products can be cleaned from the inside with alcohol or other antibacterial solutions.
To strengthen the skin and ensure local immunity, an onion-based prophylactic mixture recipe is suitable. An onion is ground with two tablespoons of honey. The resulting paste is applied to the skin of the feet and palms. It is advisable to keep the mask for 30 minutes. Repeat every day;
