Any change in the shape and color of the nail plates may indicate the presence of a fungal infection.In medicine they are called onychomycosis, popularly – nail fungus.If detected at the initial stage, there is a high probability of a quick cure;Advanced forms can be treated for years and not always successfully.It is worth noting that onychomycosis is common throughout the world and in Russia it occurs in 7% to 16% of residents.Its presence is closely related to many factors, ranging from social to individual characteristics of the body.
What does nail fungus look like in the initial stage?
The initial stage of nail fungus is almost always asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only occasionally can you see small yellow spots on the surface of the nail or you can feel a slight itch on the finger.Almost always, the injury begins in the first and fifth toes and manifests itself as changes:
- Nail colors (yellow, brown shades);
- Shape of the nail plate (either thickening or vice versa – thinning is observed);
- Deformation (appearance of longitudinal and transverse yellow or white stripes).
In addition to all visible changes, subjective sensations in the form of itching and pain can be added.
Note!Onychomycosis is more common in the legs and less common in the arms.Very often it appears as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure, if the patient already has mycosis on the feet.
Classification of onychomycosis.
Today, it is customary to classify onychomycosis not only taking into account the clinical characteristics of damage to the nail plate, but also depending on the variants of fungal penetration into it.The following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distal;
- distal-lateral;
- white surface;
- proximal subungual;
- Total dystrophic.
The first two forms are the most common, since in them the pathogen enters the nail from the affected skin of the feet.They are characterized by a long course, in which the injury process slowly spreads throughout the nail in the form of an oval yellow spot or splinter.
A distinctive feature of white superficial onychomycosis is damage to the nail plates of the first finger in the initial stage.Damage to the matrix and nail bed is extremely rare;Basically, the entire process is limited to the appearance of superficial white lesions.
The last two forms are very rare and are characterized by a rapid course, in which the matrix and periungual ridge are affected.A distinctive feature is partial or complete destruction of the nail plate.
Nail fungal pathogens are also divided into three groups:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast fungi of the genus Candida;
- mold fungi.
The first two types are much more common and their clinical picture is clearly expressed by damage not only to the nail plate, but also to the feet.
Fundamental factors for the development of onychomycosis.
Many people wonder how it is possible that in the end we all visit baths, saunas, swimming pools, beaches, but only some of us become infected with nail fungus.The fact is that for the proliferation of fungi, not only a favorable environment is needed, but also weakened protective functions of the body.People who have problems with:
- vessels of the lower extremities;
- overweight;
- flat feet and foot deformities;
- increased blood glucose levels, which fungi use for metabolic processes;
Onychomycosis is common in adults and practically never occurs in children.One in two people over the age of 70 develops toenail or fingernail fungus.
How to treat nail fungus at the initial stage?
If you detect any suspicion of nail fungus, you should immediately see a dermatologist.At least to identify the pathogen and select an effective antifungal drug.Most modern medications are very harmful to the liver and tests are done before prescribing them.If problems are detected, the medication is replaced with another.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the pathogen and it is in the initial stage.Then, following the rules of disinfection (processing underwear, socks, shoes, treatment of the nail plate, etc.), you will be able to quickly get rid of the disease even without taking systemic medications.
With the treatment of advanced nail fungus, everything is much more complicated, since here you have to combat not only the external manifestations of the disease, but also expel the pathogen from the body.Here, in addition to care, the patient will need patience and time, since the therapy can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to seek help from a specialist, then when you detect the first signs of nail fungus, you can smear the affected areas with iodine and hydrogen peroxide, which are considered effective in the fight against dermatophytes and candida.It is recommended to treat the entire nail in the morning with iodine and in the evening with peroxide for a month.Before treatment, wash your feet, dry them, and cut the affected nail as much as possible.