Fungal diseases can affect various tissues in the body, even internal organs. If the disease has affected the nail, it is called onychomycosis. Its appearance is caused by fungal microorganisms.
They are divided into different genera: candida, mold fungi, dermatophytes. The parasites literally feed on the nail plate, which leads to its early destruction. The mycosis itself does not disappear. This is possible only with the strongest work of the immune system and the first phase of the disease, when the symptoms are not visible. If signs of illness appear, you can be sure that they will not go anywhere without therapy.
Reasons for occurrence
Fungal microorganisms belong to the class of irritants. They are extremely tough. They quickly penetrate the tissues, adapting to different conditions. This is due to the complexity of treating the disease. If you use the same medicine for a long time, the parasites may stop responding to it.
The only reason for the appearance of the disease is the penetration of fungi on the nail plate. However, there are factors that favor its early introduction inside and subsequent reproduction. Microorganisms are more likely to penetrate tissues if they have corns. Even dry skin can lead to microcracks through which the fungus can easily penetrate. The microorganism "likes" humid conditions, and therefore actively spreads in people who prefer tight shoes over lean materials that do not allow air.
Often, toenail fungus occurs in the background of various pathologies:
- Endocrine diseases;
- Psoriasis;
- Varicose veins;
- Vascular disorders;
- HIV and AIDS;
- Problems with metabolic processes;
- Eczema;
- Dermatitis;
- Skin infectious processes.
Fungal microorganisms can enter the plate in the following ways:
- Contact with the vector of infection;
- Visiting public baths, saunas, showers;
- Wear someone else’s slippers (for example, at a party);
- Living with a person with mycosis;
- Shoe testing;
- Use of pedicure tools that are not disinfected;
- Visit to beauty salons.
Factors that cause mycosis are also:
- Lack of proper personal hygiene;
- Preference for synthetic articles;
- Wearing tight shoes that do not allow the skin to "breathe";
- Excessive obesity;
- Frequent alcohol consumption;
- Older age.
The disease will have more striking manifestations if a person has circulatory disorders in the area of the feet. Also, the change in acid balance observed when taking antibiotics can lead to pathological processes.
Stages of the disease
The surface under the nail is very favorable for the growth of fungal microorganisms. It contains many nutrients that parasites feed on. Gradually, due to the effect of bacteria, the nail plate is destroyed. Gaps begin to form in which the mycelium of the fungus multiplies. There are the following stages of the disease:
- Default.It refers to the type of normotrophic damage. Major damage affects the middle or edge of the board. Stains and streaks appear, which gradually begin to grow;
- Average.Represents hypertrophic changes. This phase is characterized by thickening of the nail, changes in its structure, the direction of growth. Pathological processes gradually spread across the plate;
- Dystrophy phase.Inflammation in the area of the nail fold is added to these processes. Manure discharge is possible. The lesion reaches nearby skin. Additional bacterial infections accelerate the destruction of nails. It starts to crumble, it can come off the nail.
At the very beginning, the symptoms are insignificant, so people often take the disease lightly. However, it is progressing rapidly. Very soon, the resulting spots will begin to grow. The disease can spread from the thumb to others.
If only the thumbnail is affected, it is usually mild to moderate. Therapy should be carried out immediately.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary greatly depending on the stage of the disease. At the very beginning, the signs of threat are almost impossible to notice. With the development of the disease, the following symptoms can be noticed:
- Mild itching;
- Redness in the thumb area;
- Burning sensation.
But the pathological process does not stand still. Its growth can be judged by the following characteristics:
- Fragile plate, loss of natural luster;
- Acquisition of yellow, blue or green hue (depending on the type of fungal microorganisms that have affected the nail);
- Pronounced spots and streaks appear;
- The nail grows at angles in the roller, which is proof of the deformation of its growth.
In advanced stages, the following symptoms are likely:
- Painful syndrome in walking;
- Occurrence of swelling of the finger, significant redness;
- Manure discharge below the edges.
The signs of a big toenail fungus can vary depending on the type of fungus that is causing the infection. For example, if it is a mold, the disease will be very pronounced. The nail can literally turn black. There is swelling, the appearance of silvery scales, yellow edges. The plate begins to move away from the bed, causing serious discomfort. However, in 95% of cases, the cause of the infection is dermatophytes. They are characterized by a relatively moderate course of the disease.
The disease affects not only the nail but also the whole body. This is due to the fact that toxins enter the lymphatic channels. This causes the following changes:
- Allergic reactions, skin rashes;
- Gastrointestinal problems;
- Signs of intoxication.
If nothing is done with the advanced stage of mycosis, the lesion can spread to internal organs. This is extremely dangerous.
How is the treatment carried out?
How to cure nail fungus? Pathogenic microorganisms are characterized by enviable resistance to various influences. They quickly take root from within and begin to actively reproduce. Therefore, it is desirable to conduct full-fledged antifungal therapy. This includes:
- Using local funds. These can be ointments, drops, medicinal varnishes, solutions. They are needed for the disease to be superficially defeated. Among the local remedies are varnish, serum;
- Systemic drugs. They are used for significant lesions of the nail plate. The tablets are used daily. Pulse therapy is effective. It consists of taking short-term medications with a long break from them. Then the course is repeated. It should be borne in mind that the tablets cannot be taken in all cases. Do not use them in the initial stage of the disease. These funds are quite powerful, so they have contraindications: pregnancy, childhood, kidney failure, intolerance to components.
The disease is often accompanied by bacterial complications. You can also be sure of them. Antifungal varnish is perfect for this purpose. It creates a film on the surface of the plate through which bacteria do not penetrate.
In addition, it is necessary to stimulate the body's defenses, which will be aimed at fighting infection. Vitamin complexes, immunomodulatory drugs are used for this.
Most drugs have a cumulative effect. It is not enough to take them once and forget about therapy. A complete course is required.
It does not end even if all the symptoms have disappeared. The active substances accumulate in the envelope and continue to act even after taking the medication.
Another additional procedure is nail removal. Relevant for strong pathological processes. Removal can be performed using special products that contain urea. If the board is hard, several procedures will be required to remove it completely. There is no need to be afraid of removal, because it is painless. After removal, the surface should be treated with antiseptic. Removal is convenient because local remedies after it can be applied directly to the nail. This greatly improves their efficiency.
Traditional methods
Folk remedies can not replace drugs. But they are suitable for additional help. The following components help with fungus:
- Iodine.The affected area should be lubricated with iodine twice a day. If there is a burning sensation, you must remove all excess and reduce the dosage;
- Lemon.A slice of lemon is applied to the affected area, after which it is fixed with a bandage. Cellophane is placed on top;
- Hydrogen peroxide.The cotton pad is moistened with hydrogen peroxide, after which it is fixed on the nail for 30 minutes. Those areas that have softened can be removed.
After all these procedures, treatment with antimicrobial topical agents is preferred.
Preventive measures
It is important to adhere to preventive measures not only for a person who does not want to get mycosis. They are fundamental for people who have just gotten rid of the disease. Prevention consists of the following rules:
- Adherence to personal hygiene;
- Daily foot bath;
- Lubricating the feet with moisturizers, pedicure;
- Use of personal slippers;
- Nail treatment with prophylactic agents before visiting baths, showers. You can replace a special product with lemon juice.
Prevention measures for people who have recently had mycosis are even stricter:
- Using a topical antifungal medication once a week;
- Regular use of hot foot baths with the addition of sea salt;
- Treatment of shoes with antifungal compounds;
- Hot socks, in which there is a complete destruction of microorganisms;
- You should continue to take vitamins;
- The surface of the bath is disinfected. It is desirable to treat all other surfaces in the house.
Prevention with a high degree of probability protects against mycosis. You just need to monitor the condition of your feet. If vague signs reappear, consult a doctor immediately. Self-medication is not recommended because mycosis is easily confused with other problems. In that case, the wrong treatment will be chosen, and the disease will continue to progress. All this is fraught with great problems in the future. Receipt of systemic agents, without failure, is performed under the supervision of a physician.