Nail fungus is a dermatological disease that affects more than 20% of humanity and causes not only cosmetic damage, but can also cause problems for human health and immunity.
It is characterized by a change in the color of the nail plate, its deformation and crumbling, in medicine this pathology is called onychomycosis. An infection occurs when a fungus from the dermatophyte class gets under a healthy nail. It multiplies rapidly, damaging the soft tissues and forming white and yellow spots on the nails, which further cause the nail to deform and die. When a nail is affected, with premature treatment, the fungus is transferred to healthy surfaces. All this brings considerable inconvenience to a person's life. In this article, we will understand the causes, symptoms, how to cure such a fungus, and most importantly, how to avoid this unpleasant disease.
Causes of toenail fungus
The main reason for the appearance of the fungus is a weak human immune system. When the protective functions of the body are not functioning well, the risk of infection with infections, viruses and bacteria increases significantly. A fungus on the toes appears more often than on the hands, due to high humidity and a lack of the necessary air circulation.
Also at high risk are:
- People with poor hygiene. Do not allow intense sweating of the feet, wet and dirty socks, walk barefoot without slippers;
- People with pathologies of the internal organs and blood vessels, carriers of HIV. Diabetes mellitus and blood clots in the veins cause poor blood circulation in the legs;
- People who ignore tight and uncomfortable shoes. Small corns, microcracks and calluses on the feet can also cause a fungal infection;
- People in the period of hormonal changes in the body, the elderly;
- People trying on shoes in stores without disposable socks. After all, there is a danger that a person infected with a fungus has tried these shoes on before you.
Fungal infections love humid, warm environments, as well as open wounds and abrasions where they can multiply instantly.
Public places such as hotels, gyms, swimming pools, changing rooms, showers and saunas are a favorite home for fungal infections. If a person likes to walk barefoot there, the risk of infection is one hundred percent. It should be remembered that fungal infections are contagious and are easily transmitted by household means or by contact with a person.
Stages and symptoms of the fungus
Unfortunately, fungus is a rapidly developing infection. Like the roots of a tree, it grows under a person's skin, destroying tissues and surfaces. Usually, the fungus begins its activity with the little finger or thumb, until it affects all the nails.
In general, there are early, moderate and advanced stages, but we will understand more about the course of the disease using medical terms:
- Stage of infection: The fungus clings to the dead skin flakes, until it reaches the nail plate. Not accompanied by any symptoms;
- Normotrophic phase: the natural color of the nail fades and turns yellow at the edges, thickening towards the corners. Small streaks or white dots may appear. There is a specific smell and a feeling of discomfort;
- Hypertrophic phase - the nail becomes completely yellow, deformed, the surface is untidy and ribbed. In most cases, the entire nail plate thickens, and the edge itself loosens and exfoliates;
- Atrophic stage: dull yellow or gray nails. Pieces of the nail fall off, the nail bed has an unhealthy appearance, a loose surface;
- Stage - onycholysis - the entire nail plate becomes very thin and subsequently disappears. The fungus can move to nearby, still healthy nails.
The skin around the nail itself is usually red and scaly. The patient notes itching between the fingers, cracks are observed, accompanied by pain. Often, in the last stage, the fungus, getting into the nail bed, dies under the influence of immunity. But if the protective functions of the body are weakened or treatment is not carried out, blood poisoning can occur.
Types of mushrooms
The most popular among the causative agents of onychomycosis are fungi - dermatophytes. They affect more than 85% of infections. And, as a result, Candida-class fungi (yeasts) and molds are much less common among pathogens. Also, sometimes there are cases of nail infection with several types at once.
Let's take a closer look at each type.
Dermatophytes of fungi
There are many types of this mushroom. They are popular because they can adapt to any microclimate. Living in the earth's soil cover, it can easily infect animals and humans through direct surface contact, as well as through the "carrier and infected" relationship. However, this type of infection rarely occurs and the disease is usually preceded by several factors.
The most famous types of dermatophytes:
- Trichophyton rubrum - Infects the tip of the nail first, then smoothly reaches the base. The nail breaks, becomes yellow, thick and lethargic. The skin around it is unusually dry, red and scaly;
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the main lover of a humid and warm microclimate. They usually become infected in public places, such as showers, swimming pools and saunas. It often causes damage to the big toes and the surrounding area. The skin becomes inflamed, itchy, and inflamed bumps form.
It is difficult to cure a fungus that has managed to reach the base of the nail plate. In this case, most likely there will be a complete loss of it.
Candida fungus
Yeast or Candida are present in normal quantities in the body of all people but, under a variety of triggers, they can multiply rapidly and cause disease.
Mostly familiar to women. Because a large part of them have had to face a disease like thrush in their lifetime, caused by this particular type of Candida fungus.
In cases where Candida has appeared on the nails, it can be safely assumed that the infection occurred in a domestic way, through a certain thing that the infected person had previously used (towel, towel, shoes). And it is formed, unlike dermatophytes, initially at the base and is most often found on the nails of the hands.
mold fungi
The most dangerous type of mushroom. It is able to damage not only the skin, but also quickly affect the entire body.
Infection occurs due to the destruction of the nail, exposure of the nail bed. The good news is that infection with this type of fungus occurs in extremely rare cases. But if this still happens, it is very difficult to treat with conventional medications and requires special remedies for mold on the nails.
Diagnostics
Since the external symptoms of the nail fungus can be similar to other diseases (such as lichen, psoriasis, keratoderma), in order to confirm the diagnosis of fungal infection and determine the pathogen, the doctor prescribes such studies:
- Microscopy of the nail plate - the laboratory assistant creates a scraper from the nail and treats it with a special substance to destroy keratin. This procedure is necessary for easier and more accurate observation under the microscope. There is also a drawback to this analysis. With the help of her, it is impossible to determine the type of pathogenic fungus. Based on the results obtained, extended-acting antifungals are prescribed;
- Cultural study - in the laboratory, the material obtained from the scraping of the nail is dipped for cultivation in the nutrient medium Sabouraud, where the fungus develops rapidly. The fungus is determined by the growth rate, color and shape of its colonies. Also, using this method, the sensitivity of antibodies to drug treatment is determined. The disadvantage is that the result of the analysis must be waited for 3-5 days;
- The purpose of DNA diagnostics: nail scrapings are studied for the presence of DNA cells in it of fungal infections of the class of dermatophytes or yeast. The most dangerous type of mold cannot be determined with this method. The diagnostic result is ready after 1-2 days, and the disadvantage is the high price of the method due to the use of special devices.
Methods of treatment
If you are wondering which doctor to contact for such a disease, there is only one answer - you need a dermatologist.
In the initial stage, if it is possible to identify the infection immediately, external treatment will suffice. But if the infection was not detected immediately and the visit to the doctor was postponed for a long time, complex therapy of a more serious nature will be required. In particularly severe cases of the disease, the nail plate is removed. Sometimes the treatment is delayed for six months, to avoid this, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to the disturbing symptoms in a timely manner and seek the help of specialists immediately.
The type of treatment you need will be determined through diagnostics, as it is important to determine which fungus is infected with. Medicines in the treatment of toenail fungus are divided into 2 groups:
- Preparations with local action - this group includes therapeutic ointments, creams, varnishes and gels. They are usually used at the initial stage of treatment, when the disease was detected on time;
- Antifungals are antifungal drugs with a systemic effect, which are used orally. Available in the form of tablets and capsules capable of eliminating the activity of the fungus. They have the ability to block the spread of mycoses, have a long-term effect, which prevents the recurrence of the disease.
These groups of drugs can be prescribed individually or can be means of complex therapy, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Doctors also give additional recommendations:
- Use only personal hygiene products and household items (towels, towels, dishes, etc. );
- Follow a personal diet prescribed by a doctor;
- Treat and ventilate the shoes so that during the treatment the fungus does not create a favorable environment for reproduction;
- Be sure to take vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system. both during and after treatment.
Antifungal ointments
In the treatment of toenail fungus, it is important to use topical preparations, only in cases where the lesion is not severe and occupies less than half of the nail plate. Or in cases of individual intolerance to the components of systemic drugs. After all, drugs such as antifungal ointments do not penetrate the tissues enough and therefore do not have the ability to cure a person effectively and completely. But as an adjunct therapy for external symptom relief and prevention, they are great.
It should be remembered that to begin with, the affected part of the nail is cut off, and then not only the nail, but also the soft tissues, the surrounding areas must be treated with ointment.
Local therapy will be effective with the participation of such remedies for toenail fungus:
- Hypoallergenic drug with a minimum of side effects, well tolerated by the body. The composition contains a non-toxic component such as a polyene antibiotic (a group of polyene tetraene). The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas, usually over a period of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the stage of the disease;
- A preparation capable of penetrating deeply into the skin has a containing effect. Also use in a thin layer, on dry affected areas. The course is at least two months.
Special paints
Nail polishes for toenail fungus are the most convenient means to use, but they are also suitable only in the early stages of the fungal infection. You have to use them only two or three times a week, applying them on the affected nails. Here are some examples of proven and effective paints:
- The active component of the paint is a derivative of morpholine, which can quickly destroy up to 10 types of infectious agents, destroying them at the cellular level. The drug is applied, after steaming the nails, in one course until complete remission;
- The active ingredient of the paint is capable of exterminating 58 types of fungal pathogens. The course of treatment is 3 months, with a gradual decrease in the frequency of weekly use (the first month the paint is applied every other day, then twice a week and in the last phase only once a week).
ethnoscience
Folk remedies cope well with the symptoms of fungal infections, but they only work in combination with drugs.
There are many natural components, natural remedies and treatment methods that do not require large expenses. It can be a variety of herbs, potassium permanganate, iodine and vinegar for baths, solutions, tea tree and eucalyptus oils. But since nail fungus is a complex and long-term disease, they also require approval from your dermatologist. After all, there is a big risk of allowing complications and subsequently losing the nail completely and forever.
Often, the following alternative methods are recommended to relieve symptoms:
- Rub the garlic on the affected areas of the nails;
- Get your feet in the water with detergent;
- Lotions with baking soda, diluted with water (to obtain a thick consistency and apply to the nail for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water);
- Invest in herbal socks such as: nettle, mint, chamomile, sage, propolis (change the contents of the socks every day).
We will get acquainted with the rest of the folk methods in more detail below.
Vinegar baths
Vinegar baths are one of the best folk remedies for toenail fungus.
Apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar are suitable for recipes. At the same time, it is important to observe the correct proportions and use only a natural product, without chemical additives.
- Recipe no. 1: Soak your feet once or twice with water mixed with apple cider vinegar in a one to one ratio. The duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes, and it is better to lengthen the course of treatment for 2 weeks with daily baths;
- Recipe number 2: dilute 5 tablespoons of 9% wine vinegar in 2 liters of hot water. Steam your feet for at least 30 minutes, then clean the softened horny layer of the nail plate with a swab. After that, it is recommended to immediately apply an antifungal agent. Extend the course of the procedure for a month, using baths every day and preferably 2 times a day.
Tea tree oil
An effective antifungal agent which is obtained by pressing the oil from the leaves of the tea plant. It is used around the world to treat other conditions, in the form of acne, scratches and abrasions. Recommended for use in the following ways:
- Steam your legs and lubricate the affected skin and nail area with tea tree oil in the amount of five to ten drops, using a cotton ball. It is not necessary to rinse. The course of the procedure: 3 times a day, for at least two weeks;
- Add 5-10 drops of oil to a liter of warm water and keep your feet in such a bath for about half an hour. The course can last 2 months.
Tea tree oil is not recommended for pregnant women.
Iodine treatment
The most famous and cheapest method recommended by dermatologists around the world. The secret of this tool is that iodine has the ability to fold proteins. And as we know, pathogens have a protein structure, because they feed on keratin, a type of fibrillar protein.
How to treat feet with iodine?
- Method number 1:
Apply a drop of 5% iodine solution to the affected nail 2 times a day and once a day to healthy adjacent nails. After about a week, a painful sensation will appear in the form of a burning sensation, this will mean that the destruction of fungal pathogens has begun. The course of treatment can exceed a month, until complete recovery;
- Method number 2:
Steam your feet in a bath with hot water, soda and salt for 30 minutes (1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of soda, 2 tablespoons of salt). Remove the keratinized areas with scissors and dry the feet. Then apply 3 layers of iodine solution to each affected area of the nail (apply 1 layer, wait for it to dry completely and apply the next). The course of the procedure: 1 time a day for a month.
Children can be exposed to nail fungus
As you may have guessed, a disorder such as toenail fungus can develop not only in adults, but also in children.
Children can pick up the causative agent of the fungus anywhere. Getting infected through contact with an already infected person, through a domestic case of non-compliance with hygiene, which we examined above, or when injured by dirt entering the wound, which can later develop as an infection.
In children, nail fungus can easily affect one or more fingers and toes. The first symptoms appear as small white or yellow spots on the nail. The infection can come on slowly, eventually spreading to the entire nail and completely changing its color. In addition, there is a deformation of the nail plate and crumbling of the nail, accompanied by unbearable pain.
Symptoms of nail fungus in children
Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of nail fungus infection in babies:
- There is a thickening of the nail plate;
- Deformation of the nail, accompanied by its fragility;
- In appearance, the nails become dull, weak, without natural shine;
- If the fungus actively develops its vital activity under the nail, the nail plate may turn brown, green or dirty yellow;
- With the complications of the disease, an unpleasant smell emanates from the nail.
Causes of nail fungus in children
The cause of infection, as in adults, lies mainly in the defeat of parasites - dermatophyte fungi. This type of fungus loves warm and humid environments and is found in large numbers in public places such as showers, bathrooms and swimming pools, where it is easy to collect. The nail bed is a comfortable habitat for such a parasite, where they can even pass through invisible cuts.
Children are more at risk of infection because their immune systems are still not strong enough and because they ignore the rules of hygiene.
Treatment of nail fungus in children
The treatment methods for nail fungus in children are usually not very different from treating the same fungus in adults. It is recommended to pay attention to symptoms in a timely manner and to consult a doctor to obtain a prescription for medication. It is best to use topical creams, ointments and varnishes, but their effectiveness in developing infection will be greatly reduced. Therefore, oral medications are often associated with treatment. Such systemic remedies must be taken for a long time, until the healthy nail completely replaces the infected one. However, such drugs have a number of side infections, which can manifest themselves in the form of skin rashes, damage to internal organs. It is forbidden to use them for children with liver pathologies, heart problems. But all this is individual, so it is so important not to self-medicate and find a qualified dermatologist.
In general, it is not as difficult to treat fungal nail disease in children as it is to prevent it. To do this, it is worth talking more often with children about the rules of hygiene.
Toenail fungus, photo
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