Onychomycosis: prevention of nail fungus.

Just a few years ago, fungal nail diseases were not given much importance, while now everyone understands the need to timely detect and treat a massive contagious fungal infection caused by a variety of dermatophyte fungi. Thanks to widespread public awareness, the number of visits to specialists with this pathology has increased, which in turn has led to an increase in the detection of foot mycoses. Since any deformation of the nail plate for no apparent reason (for example, an injury) is primarily suspected of a fungal infection, self-diagnosis in this case is a decisive factor. Therefore, any change in the nail plate is a reason to consult a dermatologist, since at least half of these disorders will have a fungal etiology, and the rest will require careful diagnosis, again carried out by a specialist.

Factors leading to the appearance of fungus:

1. In reality, nail fungal infection is a slow disease that does not cause life-threatening conditions and does not cause pain or discomfort. It most frequently affects the elderly population, who tend to associate changes in appearance with the aging process.
2. The sufferers themselves are often embarrassed by the disease, are unprepared for the financial costs of treatment, or are confident that it is incurable. Many people begin to self-medicate and do not see the disease as a reason to see a specialist.
3. Since the disease mainly affects the feet, even during medical examinations or examinations by doctors, the matter usually does not come directly to the examination of the feet, without specific complaints from the patient about changes in the nails. This is facilitated by the extremely short time allotted for caring for patients, even in specialized institutions, which, unfortunately, forces doctors to examine them only for the main reason for the visit.

Nail fungal infection lasts quite a long time.Therefore, the earlier the disease is detected, the greater the probability of its complete cure. In addition, an earlier start of therapy allows us to limit ourselves to the use of only external preparations and nail cleanings, and this is only possible if the infection has affected individual nails from the distal or lateral edges by less than 1/3-1 /2 of the plate. Local external therapy is used to treat the initial stages of nail fungal infection. Advanced forms of fungal infection require longer and more expensive treatment. Periodic preventive examinations and medical examinations of the population play a special role in the early detection of nail mycoses.

Consequences

This seemingly harmless disease can have very serious complications:

• damage to soft skin and secondary infection;
• sensitization to fungi with the formation of allergic reactions and foci of microbial eczema;
• complication of chronic dermatoses, varicose veins of the lower extremities and foot lesions in diabetes mellitus, etc.

It is impossible not to mention the epidemiological importance of existing foci of fungal infection: a sick person will infect public places and other people, and in everyday life he will be a source of intra-family transmission of fungal infections.

Nail fungus (medically called onychomycosis) is a fairly common disease. According to doctors, it affects more than 15% of the world's population, although this pathology is diagnosed much less frequently (in 2% of people). This discrepancy is explained simply: nail fungus is not life-threatening, and if it worsens its quality, in most cases it is very insignificant. Therefore, people do not always consult a doctor about onychomycosis, try to cope with the disease on their own, or simply leave it untreated.

Nail fungus develops quite slowly. Therefore, the first signs of fungal infection often go unnoticed by the patient. When the changes in the nail caused by the fungus begin to be noticeable, this means that the process has already advanced enough and it will not be easy to defeat the fungus.

Onychomycosis is often perceived as a cosmetic problem: nails affected by the fungus have an unsightly appearance. But it is necessary to combat fungus not only to return the nails to their correct shape and shine. If the fungus is not treated, it will spread further. Generally the nail of the big toe is the first to be affected. If treatment is not started, the fungus spreads to other toes and, as we inevitably touch our feet with our hands, the nails and nails may subsequently become infected with fungus. The fungus also spreads to the skin surrounding the nail, causing irritation and itching.

Causes of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis can be caused by several types of fungi. First of all, these are dermatophytes. In second place are yeasts of the genus Candida, which are always present in small quantities on human skin (they most frequently affect nails). Infection with mold fungi is also possible (they usually accompany other pathogens. Isolated infection with mold fungi is not typical for our climate, but for the tropical climate).

The risk of fungal infection increases with age. In children, nail fungus is very rare and, on the contrary, in older people it is detected relatively frequently. In addition, men suffer from onychomycosis more often than women.

The age specificity of the fungus is explained by the fact that our local immunity decreases with age, while the natural defense of a young body, as a rule, suppresses the activity of fungi well, preventing them from colonizing the nail plate. There is a dependence not only on local immunity, but also on general immunity. A weakened overall immune system is a favorable context for the development of any fungal infection.

For fungi of the genus Candida, it is enough that there are problems with the immune system: they simply begin to actively reproduce. Fungi of other species still need to somehow enter our body from the external environment. Some types of mushrooms can be transported by animals. Mold is everywhere; They are capable of reproducing without a host. However, in most cases, the fungal infection is transmitted from person to person.

Fungi love a humid environment. Therefore, fungal infection usually occurs in places where humidity is high. These are swimming pools, saunas, locker rooms, gyms. Wearing socks and shoes with wet feet can also be a trigger.

If there are wounds and cracks, they allow the infection to penetrate directly into the tissues, avoiding the need to attack the protective barrier that forms the surface of our skin.

The spread of fungus is facilitated by negligence in personal hygiene: you should not use someone else's slippers, soap or towel. Precisely because not all families follow this rule, nail fungus often becomes a family disease.

Damage to the nail usually begins at the edge. Dermatophytes penetrate below the free edge of the nail plate (towards the subungual recess). In this case, the pathological process develops mainly in the nail bed. The second route of fungal penetration is from the nail fold. The Candida fungus usually first affects the posterior nail fold (paronychia occurs) and only then the nail itself suffers. One type of dermatophyte (T. mentagrophytes) can penetrate directly through the nail plate.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

The first sign of a fungal infection is loss of nail shine, dullness and discoloration. In cases where the infection affects the skin around the nail, itching occurs. If treatment is not started, the fungus begins to destroy the nail plate: the nail surface becomes rough, the nail can peel off, peel, break and crumble.

Specific manifestations depend on the pathogen, as well as the location, duration of the pathological process and its form. There are normotrophic, hypertrophic and atrophic forms of fungal infection.

It is characterized by the fact that the thickness of the nail plate remains unchanged. The disease manifests itself as white or yellowish spots, which gradually increase in size. Over time, the color of the entire nail changes. The nail plate can detach because the fusion of the nail with the subungual tissues is disturbed.

It is characterized by a significant increase in the thickness of the nail plate (due to the growth of the subungual epithelium). The nail takes on a yellowish brown or gray color. The nail plate usually actively crumbles. The nail is damaged especially on the sides, resulting in a claw shape.

With this form of fungal infection, the nail becomes thinner and is destroyed, starting from the outer edge. The destruction is deeper, up to the posterior nail fold; The nail bed is filled with a loose mass made up of decaying particles of the epithelium. Over time, the nail can be lost completely.

Methods for diagnosing onychomycosis.

Color changes and fragility of the nails should be reason for consulting a dermatologist. You should not replace the doctor and diagnose yourself; You can make a mistake: changes in the nail may have a different cause.

The doctor makes a diagnosis based on a visual examination (a microscope may be used). To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory diagnostics are carried out. It is also necessary to establish the type of pathogen (this will allow the most effective treatment to be prescribed).

At the appointment, the doctor will scrape the affected nail plate. If the pathological process affected only the free edge of the nail, the subungual epithelium is also scraped.

Microscopy is performed in the laboratory. Cultural studies are also carried out (the material is placed in a favorable environment and it is observed if a colony of fungi appears). Cultural studies make it possible to determine which fungi caused the disease.

To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists in the Family Doctors network.

Treatment methods for onychomycosis.

The treatment for nail fungus involves removing the affected part of the nail. Next, treatment is carried out with topical antifungal agents (ointments, drops, sprays, varnishes). For major lesions, the doctor may prescribe general antifungal agents (tablets).

Since fungal activity increases against the background of immunological problems, the proposed course of treatment may include measures aimed at increasing general immunity.

It is advisable to apply topical products (ointments, creams, drops) to the open nail bed. Do not stop treating the affected area until the time prescribed by your doctor has elapsed. Before removing the treatment, the doctor will most likely do another scraping so that a laboratory test can confirm the absence of fungus. Otherwise, there is a high risk of relapse of the disease.

Don't self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Recipes with vinegar to treat nail fungus

After discovering toenail fungus, only a few decide to seek help from a specialist. Others often ignore the problem until it reaches an advanced stage. Given the expensive drug treatment, more and more people choose folk remedies to eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease.

Treatment of nail fungus with vinegar is the simplest home way to get rid of an unpleasant disease. Easy and affordable recipes, if used correctly, will help quickly cure an incipient infection. Vinegar and eggs provide important help in the complex therapy of onychomycosis, acting as a complement to medications. The product is also used for the prevention and quick relief of unpleasant symptoms.

Reviews of the folk remedy for toenail fungus using vinegar essence and eggs are mostly positive. Many patients say that with the help of this remedy they were able to cope with the disease in just 2-3 weeks. However, this effect can only be achieved if the onychomycosis is in a non-advanced form.

Causes and symptoms of fungus.

Symptoms of the disease and photographs:

1. change in plate thickness: thickening or thinning;
2. unpleasant smell;
3. swelling, hyperemia, pain in the nail folds;
4. the appearance of stripes or spots of different colors: white, yellow, black;
5. delamination and destruction of the plate, deformation.

In the later stages, the plates move away from the bed, become mobile, and severe pain is felt when moving. Warped plates make it difficult to wear shoes. For women, problems increase due to the impossibility of wearing open sandals, as their appearance suffers. Onychomycosis is usually accompanied by a skin infection, in which the extremities itch, peel, and the skin peels off. Vinegar essence, available in any home, can be a real salvation at the initial stage of nail fungus treatment.

The causative agents of onychomycosis are opportunistic and are constantly present near humans. What factors contribute to the development of the disease:

• decreased immunity;
• constant contact with a sick person and his things;
• wear and use someone else's clothes and hygiene products: wipes, slippers, manicure and pedicure accessories;
• ignore hygiene rules;
• increased sweating of the extremities;
• visit beauty salons with poor antiseptics.

It is easy to get infected with onychomycosis. It will take a long time to cure nail fungus with vinegar, as well as with any antifungal agent. Often, the infection is detected when the pathogen has penetrated deep into the nail plates and their destruction is obvious.

How does vinegar affect the source of the disease?

The positive effect of treating nail fungus with acetic acid is due to its effect on pathogenic microorganisms. An acidic environment is harmful to dermatophytes.

With prolonged contact with acid, the fungus stops multiplying and dies.

Ointment for treatment

An ointment that can cure fungus quickly and effectively can be prepared according to the following recipes:

1. Take 7% or 9% glycerin and vinegar and mix everything together. The amount of components should be used in such a way that it is necessary to form a pasty consistency. After that, the finished mixture is applied to the feet about 2 times a day.
2. You must take 1 egg and immerse it in 70% vinegar essence. After waiting for the shell to dissolve, it is necessary to remove the film and mix the white and yolk with 200 g of butter. Before using the ointment, it is recommended to steam your feet well. It should be kept for up to 8 hours, so it is best to use the product at night.

You can prepare an ointment to treat nail fungus at home using one of the following recipes:

• Take glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate in equal parts. Stir and add a double dose of 70% vinegar essence to the resulting mixture and mix again. Apply to the nail and leave for 10 hours, then wash with water and laundry soap;
• take 40 g of eucalyptus essential oil, 1 large tablespoon of 9% vinegar and 15 g of honey, mix everything and refrigerate for 3 days. After that, the prepared ointment should be applied to the affected nail plate once a day.

You can use vinegar against toenail fungus through cautery. The main advantage of this method is that it requires a minimum of time and the efficiency is comparable to other methods.

How to prepare the mixture? Traditionally, vinegar and iodine are mixed in equal parts and applied to all nail plates of the feet. The amount of product applied depends on the size of your plate. Typically, do not use more than 2 to 4 drops. You should then wait until the solution is absorbed and you can get dressed or, for example, go to bed. The procedure is performed no more than 1 to 2 times a day.

What causes fungal infections?

Fungusextending from the foot (known as"dermatophyte fungi"), cause most fungal nail infections. Less commonly, nail infections are caused by other types of fungi, usually yeast (e. g.candid) ANDmold.

These fungi tend to attack nails that are already damaged, since it is easier for the fungus to penetrate. Toenail fungal infections are very common (1 in 4 people may be affected at some point), while toenail fungus is less common. Both types are more common in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. A warm, humid environment helps fungi grow and cause infections. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, baths, or locker rooms can increase the risk of yeast infections.

Are they hereditary?

Absolutely not. However, in some extremely rare cases, a genetic risk factor exists and other family members may also be affected.

What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections?

Initially there are usually no symptoms. Later, the nails may thicken and become painful when pressure is applied to the inside of the shoe. So they are difficult to trim. Seeing an infected nail, especially a fingernail, can be embarrassing. The affected nail can ruin socks and stockings and may also rub adjacent skin. The nearby skin may also have a fungal infection; It may itch, crack, blister, or appear whitish, especially between the toes.

What are fungal nail infections like?

Fungal nail infectionIt usually starts from its free edge and then extends along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Over time, the entire nail can be affected. Infected areas turn white or yellowish and become thick and scaly. Less commonly, white inclusions may appear on the nail plate. The nails most susceptible to damage from fungal infections are the big toes and little fingers. Sometimes, especially in those who regularly perform wet jobs, such as housewives or cleaners, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen. This is called paronychia and can allow infection to easily enter the nail.

How are fungal nail infections diagnosed?

Fungal nail infectionsIt is usually diagnosed clinically. Your doctor may take a piece of the infected nail and send it to a laboratory to see if the fungus can be seen under a microscope or grown in culture. Sometimes it may be necessary to repeat samples.

Many nail problems may seem like onlymycosis, - for example, the changes seen in psoriasis, after a bacterial infection or an old injury, but antifungal tablets will not help. Proper treatment may depend on knowing which fungus is causing the problem; It may take several weeks before you see results.

Can fungal nail infections be cured?

Yes. However, to be successfultreat fungal nail infectionLong-term treatment is required, which can last up to a year. Nails are easier to treat.Fungal nail infectionsThey often recur, especially on the toes.

How can fungal nail infections be treated?

Fungal nail infectionsThey are not disturbing in themselves, not all require treatment. Some people with infected toenails don't worry at all. In this case, they can sometimes be left alone (although the patient must be careful and try not to spread the infection to other parts of the body and nails, or to other people).

On the other hand, ifinfected nailscause embarrassment or discomfort, they are usually treated. It is important to treat people whose infections can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, to prevent potentially serious health problems.

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the fungus: then the nail usually returns to normal. However, if the nail was damaged before becoming infected, it will be more difficult to clean and may return to its previous state.nail infectionscaused by mold and yeast can be very resistant to treatment.

Treatment options include:

Treatments applied to the nails (local treatments)

Treatments applied to the nails do not work as well as treatments administered orally. They are more effective if the infection is in an early stage. The most commonly used methods are amorolfine medicated nail polish, ciclopirox and tioconazole solution.

They may not be able to clean the deeper parts of the infected nail on their own, but it may be helpful to regularly remove the damaged part of the nail with nail clippers or sanding. Oral medications used in combination with an antifungal agent increase the chance of cure. They may need to be used for 4 to 12 months before effects are noticed.

Forfingernail infectionsthe course of treatment is shorter. The cure rate with local treatments alone is between 15 and 30%. Local treatment is safe. Redness and irritation may occur.

Before you start taking the pills, your doctor should send part of the nail to a laboratory to check if the diagnosis of fungal infection is confirmed.

Laser and photodynamic therapy can be helpful, but are less effective than the topical and systemic treatments listed above.

Plant-based products are also promoted fortreat fungal nail infection, but there is no convincing evidence that it is safe or more effective than standard treatments.

Surgical nail removal

Surgeons can sometimes remove very thick nails that don't respond to pills alone with local anesthesia; however, this is rarely done as the level of outcome does not justify surgery.

Personal care

• Keep nails short, dry and clean. Use one nail clipper for infected nails and the other for normal nails.
• Don't just treat your nails; Use an antifungal cream to treat the skin on your feet.
• Avoid cutting cuticles, whether by yourself or by a nail technician, as this increases the risk of nail damage and infection.

For toe fungus infection:

• Wear comfortable shoes without high heels or narrow socks.
• Keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and change them daily and wear breathable shoes. Regular washing with hot water will clean most contaminated socks, but using an antifungal spray before washing may be more effective. Other clothing generally cannot be contaminated.
• Maintain good foot hygiene, including treating any infections.
• Wear clean shower shoes when using shared showers.
• Take special care with the hygiene of the affected feet.
• Consider seeking help from a podiatrist if thickened toenails cause discomfort when walking.

conclusions

Vinegar and egg against nail fungus give positive results when used daily. If no effect is observed during treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start drug therapy. In this case, you can continue using home remedies; They will only speed up the healing process.

It must be remembered that the treatment of onychomycosis will always take a long time. To achieve a full recovery, it may take several months to a year with regular treatment procedures.