Nail fungus is a dermatological disease that affects more than 20% of humanity and causes not only aesthetic damage, but can also cause problems with 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 soft tissues and forming white and yellow nail spots, further causing nail deformation and death. When a nail is affected, with untimely treatment, the fungus is transferred to healthy surfaces. All this brings considerable discomfort 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 do not work well, the risk of contracting infections, viruses and bacteria increases significantly. A fungus on the toes appears more often than on the hands, due to high humidity and the lack of necessary air circulation.
Also at high risk:
- People with poor hygiene. Do not allow intense sweating of the feet, wet and dirty socks, walking barefoot without slippers;
- People with pathologies of 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. Even minor calluses, microcracks, and calluses on the feet can lead to 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 may have tried on these shoes before you.
Fungal infections love warm, moist environments, as well as open wounds and abrasions where they can instantly multiply.
Public places like hotels, gyms, swimming pools, changing rooms, showers and saunas are favorite homes for fungal infections. If a person likes to walk around barefoot, the risk of contagion 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.
Fungus stages and symptoms
Unfortunately, fungus is a rapidly developing infection. Like the roots of a tree, it grows under a person's skin, destroying tissues and surfaces. The fungus usually begins its activity on the little finger or thumb, eventually affecting all nails.
In general, there are initial, moderate and advanced stages, but we will understand a little more about the course of the disease using medical terms:
- Infection stage: The fungus attaches itself to the flakes of dead skin and eventually crawls onto the nail plate. Not accompanied by any symptoms;
- Normotrophic stage: the natural color of the nail fades and turns yellow at the edges, thickening towards the corners. Small white streaks or dots may appear. There is a specific smell and a feeling of discomfort;
- Hypertrophic stage - the nail becomes completely yellow, deformed, the surface is untidy and grooved. In most cases, the entire surface of the nail 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 then disappears. The fungus can move to neighboring still healthy nails.
The skin around the nail is usually red and scaly. The patient notes itching between the fingers, cracks accompanied by pain are observed. Often, at the last stage, the fungus, penetrating 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, then 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, accordingly, fungi of the class Candida (yeast) and mold fungi 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.
dermatophyte fungi
There are many types of this fungus. They are popular because they can adapt to any microclimate. Living on the ground cover of the earth, it can easily infect animals and humans through direct contact on the surface, as well as through the "carrier and infected" relationship. However, this type of infection occurs infrequently, and the disease is usually preceded by various factors.
The most famous types of dermatophytes:
- Trichophyton rubrum - first infects the tip of the nail, and then gently reaches the base. The nail breaks, turns yellow, thick and lethargic. The surrounding skin is unusually dry, red, and scaly;
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the main mistress of a humid and warm microclimate. They are usually 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, it will be completely lost.
candida fungus
Yeast or Candida is present in normal amounts in everyone's body but, under a number of triggers, it can multiply rapidly and cause disease.
Mainly familiar to women. Because a large part of them had to deal with a disease like thrush during their lives, caused by this particular type of fungus of the Candida class.
In cases where Candida appeared on the nails, it can be safely assumed that the infection occurred at home, through a certain thing that the infected person had previously used (towel, cloth, shoes). And it is formed, unlike dermatophytes, initially at the base and is most often found on the fingernails.
mold mushrooms
The most dangerous type of fungus. It is capable of damaging not only the skin, but also quickly affects the entire body.
Infection occurs due to 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 happened, it is very difficult to treat with conventional medicines and requires special remedies for nail mold.
Diagnosis
Since the external symptoms of nail fungus can be similar to those of 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 makes 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 a microscope. There is also a drawback to this analysis. With the help of it, it is impossible to determine the type of pathogenic fungus. Based on the results obtained, antimycotics of extensive action are prescribed;
- Cultural type study: in the laboratory, the material obtained from scraping the nail is submerged for cultivation in the Sabouraud nutrient medium, 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 treatment drugs is determined. The disadvantage is that the result of the analysis must be expected from 3 to 5 days;
- The purpose of DNA diagnosis: nail scrapings are studied for the presence of DNA cells in fungal infections of the dermatophyte or yeast class. This method cannot determine the most dangerous type of mold fungi. 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.
treatment methods
If you are wondering which doctor to contact for such a disease, there is only one answer - you need a dermatologist.
At the initial stage, if it was possible to immediately identify the infection, 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 needed. In especially severe cases of the disease, the nail plate is removed. Sometimes treatment is delayed for six months, in order to avoid this, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to disturbing symptoms in a timely manner and immediately seek help from specialists.
The type of treatment you need will be determined through diagnosis, as it is important to determine which fungus caused the infection. Medications 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 in time;
- Antifungals are antifungal drugs with a systemic effect, used orally. Available in the form of tablets and capsules that can eliminate the activity of the fungus. They have the ability to block the spread of mycosis, have a long-term effect that prevents the onset of the disease again.
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 (cloth, towel, dishes, etc. );
- Follow a personal diet prescribed by a doctor;
- Treat and ventilate the shoes so that during 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 serious and occupies less than half of the nail surface. Or in cases of individual intolerance to the components of systemic drugs. After all, drugs such as antifungal ointments do not penetrate deep enough into the tissues, and therefore do not have the ability to effectively and completely cure a person. But as additional therapy for external symptom relief and prevention, they are great.
It must be remembered that, to begin with, the affected part of the nail is cut, and then not only the nail, but also the soft tissues, the areas around it 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 tetraene polyenes). The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas, usually in a course of 2-4 weeks, depending on the stage of the disease;
- A preparation capable of penetrating deep into the skin has a storage effect. Also use in a thin layer, on dry affected areas. The course is at least two months.
special varnishes
Nail polishes for toenail fungus are the most convenient means to use, but they are also suitable only in the early stages of fungal infection. You should use them only two or three times a week, applying them to the affected nails. Here are examples of proven and effective varnishes:
- The active component of the varnish 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, pre-steaming the nails, in a course until complete remission;
- The active substance of the varnish is capable of exterminating 58 types of fungal pathogens. The course of treatment is 3 months, with a gradual decrease in the frequency of use per week (the first month, the varnish is applied every other day, then twice a week, and at the last stage only once a week).
ethnoscience
Folk remedies cope well with the symptoms of fungal infections, but they work only in combination with medication.
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, oils of tea tree and eucalyptus. But since nail fungus is a complex and long-term disease, it also requires approval from your dermatologist. After all, there is a great risk of allowing complications, and subsequently losing the nail completely and forever.
Often, to relieve symptoms, the following alternative methods are recommended:
- Rub garlic on the affected areas of the nails;
- Soak feet in water with powdered detergent;
- Lotions with baking soda, diluted with water (to achieve a thick consistency and apply to the nail for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water);
- Invest in herbal socks like: nettle, peppermint, chamomile, sage, propolis (change contents of socks daily).
Let's get to know the rest of the popular methods in more detail below.
vinegar baths
Vinegar soaks are one of the best home 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 #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 extend 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 and then clean the softened horny layer of the nail surface with a stick. After that, it is recommended to immediately apply an antifungal agent. Stretch the course of the procedure for a month, using baths daily and preferably 2 times a day.
tea tree oil
An effective antifungal agent obtained by pressing the oil from the leaves of the tea plant. It is used throughout the world for the treatment of other pathologies, 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 an amount of five to ten drops, using a cotton swab. There is no need to rinse. The course of the procedure: 3 times a day, for at least two weeks;
- Add 5 to 10 drops of oil to a liter of hot water and keep your feet in that 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 adjacent healthy nails. After about a week, a painful burning sensation will appear, this will mean that the destruction of fungal pathogens has begun. The course of treatment may exceed a month, until complete recovery;
- Method number 2:
Vaporize 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 keratinized areas with scissors and dry your feet. Then apply 3 layers of iodine solution to each affected area of the nail (apply 1 layer, wait until it dries completely, and apply the next). The course of the procedure: 1 time per day for a month.
Children can be exposed to nail fungus
As you may have guessed, such an ailment as toenail fungus can develop not only in adults, but also in children.
Children can pick up the causative agent of the fungus anywhere. Get infected through contact with an already infected person, through a household case of non-hygiene, which we discussed above, or when you are injured with dirt getting into the wound, which can then develop into 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 occur slowly, eventually spreading to the entire nail and completely changing its color. In addition, there is a deformation of the nail plate and the crumbling of the nail, accompanied by excruciating pain.
Symptoms of nail fungus in children
Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of fungal nail infection in children:
- 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 can turn dirty brown, green or yellow;
- With complications of the disease, an unpleasant odor emanates from the nail.
Causes of nail fungus in children
The cause of the 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 this parasite, where they can also get through invisible cuts.
Children are more often at risk of infection because their immune system is not yet strong enough and because they ignore hygiene rules.
Treatment of nail fungus in children.
Treatment methods for nail fungus in children are usually not much different from treating the same fungus in adults. It is recommended to pay attention to the symptoms in a timely manner and consult a doctor for a drug prescription. It is best to use topical creams, ointments and varnishes, but their effectiveness in the development of the infection will be very small. Therefore, drugs for oral use are often attached to 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 secondary infections, which can manifest themselves in the form of skin rashes and 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 very important not to self-medicate and seek a qualified dermatologist.
In general, fungal nail disease in children is not as difficult to treat as it is to prevent it. To do this, it is worth talking with children more often about the rules of hygiene.
Fungus on the nails of the feet, photo
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