Onychomycosis: prevention of nail fungus

Just a few years ago, fungal nail diseases were not given much importance, while now everyone understands the need for timely detection and treatment of massive infectious fungal infection caused by various dermatophyte fungi. Thanks to the wide awareness of the public, the number of visits to specialists with this pathology has increased, which in turn has led to an increase in the detection of mycosis of the feet. Since any deformation of the nail plate without an 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, because at least half of such disorders will have a fungal etiology, and the rest will require a careful diagnosis, which will again be carried out by a specialist.

Factors that lead to fungus:

1. In fact, fungal nail infection is a slow disease that does not lead to life-threatening conditions and does not cause pain or discomfort. It more often affects the elderly population, who often associate changes in appearance with the aging process.
2. The patients themselves are often ashamed of the disease, are not ready for the financial costs of treatment or are convinced that it is incurable. Many people begin to self-medicate and do not see the disease as a reason to go to a specialist.
3. Considering that the disease mostly affects the feet, even during medical examinations or doctor's examinations, the matter usually does not come directly to the examination of the feet, without specific complaints from patients about changes in the nails. This is contributed by the extremely short time provided for examining patients even in specialized institutions, which, unfortunately, forces doctors to examine them only for the main reason for the visit.

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

Consequences

This seemingly harmless disease can have very serious complications:

• smooth skin damage and secondary infection;
• fungal hypersensitivity with the formation of allergic reactions and foci of microbial eczema;
• complications of chronic dermatoses, varicose veins of the lower extremities and foot lesions in diabetes mellitus, etc.

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

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 often (in 2% of people). This discrepancy is explained simply: nail fungus does not threaten life, and if it worsens its quality, then in most cases it is very insignificant. Therefore, people do not always consult a doctor about onychomycosis, trying to cope with the disease themselves or simply leave it without treatment.

Nail fungus develops quite slowly. Therefore, the first signs of a fungal infection usually escape the attention of the patient. When the changes on the nail caused by the fungus begin to be noticed, it means that the process has already gone far enough and that it will not be easy to defeat the fungus.

Onychomycosis is often seen as a cosmetic problem: nails affected by fungus look unsightly. But it is necessary to fight the fungus not only to return the nails to their correct shape and shine. If the fungus is not treated, it will continue to spread. Usually the nail of the big toe is affected first. If treatment is not started, the fungus spreads to other toes, and as we inevitably touch our feet with our hands, it is possible that the nails and fingernails will subsequently become infected with the fungus. The fungus also spreads to the skin surrounding the nail, causing irritation and itching.

Causes of onychomycosis

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

The risk of yeast infection increases with age. In children, nail fungus is very rare, and conversely, it is detected relatively often in the elderly. Moreover, men suffer from onychomycosis more often than women.

The age specificity of fungi is explained by the fact that our local immunity declines with age, while the natural defense of a young body usually 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 general immune system is a favorable background 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 multiply actively. Fungi of other species must somehow enter our body from the external environment. Some types of fungi can be transmitted by animals. Molds are found everywhere; they are able to reproduce without a host. However, in most cases, a yeast infection is spread from person to person.

Mushrooms like moist environments. Therefore, fungal infection often occurs in places with high humidity. These are swimming pools, saunas, changing rooms, gyms. Wearing socks and shoes on 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 break through the protective barrier that forms the surface of our skin.

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

Nail damage usually starts at the edge. Dermatophytes penetrate below the free edge of the nail plate (into the subungual recess). In this case, the pathological process develops mainly in the nail bed. Another way of fungal penetration is from the folds of the nail. The fungus Candida usually first affects the back fold of the nail (paronychia occurs), and only then does the nail itself suffer. One type of dermatophyte (T. mentagrophytes) can penetrate directly through the nail plate.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

The first sign of a fungal infection is the loss of nail shine, cloudiness 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 surface of the nail becomes rough, the nail can peel, peel, break, fall apart.

Specific manifestations depend on the pathogen, as well as on 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 in the form of white or yellowish spots, which gradually increase in size. In the end, the color of the entire nail changes. The nail plate can peel off because the fusion of the nail with the subungual tissue 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 becomes brownish-yellow or gray in color. The nail plate is usually actively disintegrating. The nail is especially damaged on the side, resulting in a claw shape.

In this form of fungal infection, the nail becomes thinner and destroyed, starting from the outer edge. The destruction goes deeper, to the back fold of the nail; the nail bed is filled with a loose mass formed by decaying epithelial particles. Eventually, the nail may be completely lost.

Methods for diagnosing onychomycosis

Changes in color and brittleness of nails should be a reason to consult a dermatologist. You should not replace the doctor and diagnose yourself - you can be wrong: changes on the nail may have a different cause.

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

During the examination, the doctor will scrape the affected nail plate. If the pathological process affected only the free edge of the nail, then scraping of the subungual epithelium is also taken.

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

For an accurate diagnosis of the disease, schedule an appointment with a specialist from the Family Doctor network.

Methods of treatment of onychomycosis

Treatment of nail fungus involves removing the affected part of the nail. Then the treatment is carried out using local antifungal agents (ointments, drops, sprays, varnishes). For significant lesions, the doctor may prescribe general antifungal drugs (tablets).

Since the activity of fungi increases in the context of immune problems, the proposed course of treatment may include measures aimed at increasing overall immunity.

It is recommended to apply local products (ointments, creams, drops) to the open nail. Do not stop treating the affected area until the time prescribed by your doctor has expired. Before removing the treatment, the doctor will most likely do another scraping to confirm the absence of fungus with a laboratory test. Otherwise, there is a high risk of recurrence of the disease.

Do not 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 professional help. Others often ignore the problem until it reaches an advanced stage. Considering the expensive drug treatment, more and more people choose folk remedies to eliminate unpleasant manifestations of the disease.

Treating nail fungus with vinegar is the easiest home way to get rid of the unpleasant disease. Simple and affordable recipes, if used correctly, will help to quickly cure the initial infection. Vinegar and eggs provide significant help in the complex therapy of onychomycosis, acting as an adjunct to medication. The product is also used for the prevention and rapid relief of unpleasant symptoms.

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

Fungus causes and symptoms

Disease symptoms and photos:

1. change in plate thickness - thickening or thinning;
2. unpleasant smell;
3. swelling, hyperemia, pain in 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. Deformed plates make it difficult to wear shoes. For women, the trouble increases due to the impossibility of wearing open sandals, because their appearance suffers. Onychomycosis is usually accompanied by a skin infection, in which the limbs itch, peel and the skin peels. Vinegar essence, which is available in every home, can be a real lifesaver in the initial stage of nail fungus treatment.

The causative agents of onychomycosis are opportunistic, they are constantly present near people. What factors contribute to the development of the disease:

• reduced immunity;
• constant contact with a sick person and his belongings;
• wearing and using other people's clothes and hygiene products - sinks, slippers, accessories for manicure and pedicure;
• ignoring hygiene rules;
• increased sweating of the extremities;
• visiting beauty salons with bad antiseptics.

It is easy to get infected with onychomycosis. It will take a long time to cure nail fungus with vinegar, 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 that comes from treating nail fungus with acetic acid is caused by 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 healing

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

1. Take glycerine and any 7% or 9% vinegar and mix it all together. The amount of components must be used in such a way that it is necessary to form a paste consistency. After that, the finished mixture is applied to the feet approximately 2 times a day.
2. You should take 1 egg and dip it in 70% vinegar essence. After waiting for the shell to melt, you need to remove the film and mix the egg whites and yolks with 200 g of butter. Before using the ointment, it is recommended to scald your feet well. It should be kept for up to 8 hours, so it is better to use the product at night.

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

• Take glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate in equal parts. Mix and add a double portion of 70% vinegar essence to the resulting mixture and mix again. Apply to the nail and leave for 10 hours, then rinse with soap and water;
• take 40 g of eucalyptus essential oil, 1 large spoon of 9% vinegar and 15 g of honey, mix everything and put it in the fridge for 3 days. After that, the finished ointment must be applied to the affected nail plate once a day.

Against toenail fungus, you can use vinegar through cauterization. The main advantage of this method is that it takes minimal 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 the toenail plates. The amount of product applied depends on the size of your plate. Usually do not use more than 2-4 drops. Then you have to wait until the solution is absorbed and you can get dressed or, for example, go to bed. The procedure is performed no more than 1-2 times a day.

What causes yeast infections?

Mushroomsspreading from the feet (known as"dermatophytic fungi"), cause most fungal nail infections. Less commonly, nail infections are caused by other types of fungus, usually fungi (egCandida) Imold.

These fungi tend to attack nails that are already damaged, because the fungi penetrate more easily. Fungal infections of the toenails are very common (1 in 4 people may be affected at some point), while nail fungus is less common. Both types are most common in the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. A warm, moist environment helps fungi grow and cause infection. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, bathrooms or changing rooms can increase the risk of fungal infections.

Are they hereditary?

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

What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection?

There are usually no symptoms at first. Later, the nails may thicken and become painful when pressed against the inside of the shoe. Then it is difficult to trim them. The sight of an infected nail, especially a toenail, can be unpleasant. The affected nail can ruin socks and tights, and it can also rub the adjacent skin. Nearby skin may also have a fungal infection; it may itch, crack, blister, or appear whitish, especially between the toes.

What do nail fungus infections look like?

Fungal nail infectionthey usually start from its free edge and then spread along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Eventually, the entire nail may be affected. Infected areas turn white or yellowish and become thickened and scaly. Less often, there may be white inclusions on the surface of the nail. The nails that are most susceptible to damage from fungal infections are the big and little toes. Sometimes, especially for those who regularly do 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 infectionsusually diagnosed clinically. Your doctor may take a piece of the infected nail and send it to a lab to see if the fungus can be seen under a microscope or grown in culture. Repeat samples may sometimes be required.

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

Can nail fungus infections be cured?

Yes. However, for successfultreatment of fungal nail infectionLong-term treatment is required, which can last up to a year. Nails are easier to treat.Fungal nail infectionsit usually recurs, especially on the toes.

How can fungal nail infections be treated?

Fungal nail infectionsare not disturbing in themselves, not all of them require treatment. Some people with infected toenails don't worry about them 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 discomfort or inconvenience, 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 aim of the treatment is to get rid of the fungus: then the nail usually returns to normal. However, if the nail was damaged before it became 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:

Nail treatments (local treatments)

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

They may not be able to clean the deeper parts of the infected nail on their own, but regularly removing the damaged part of the nail with nail clippers or sanding can help. Oral medications used in combination with an antifungal agent increase the likelihood of cure. It may take 4-12 months of use before effects are noticed.

Forhand nail infectionsthe course of treatment is shorter. The cure rate with only local treatments is around 15-30%. Local treatment is safe. Redness and irritation may occur.

Before you start taking the pills, your doctor must 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 fortreatment of fungal nail infection, but there is no convincing evidence that it is safer or more effective than standard treatments.

Surgical removal of nails

Sometimes very thick nails that do not respond to pills alone can be removed by surgeons under local anesthesia, but this is rarely done because the level of outcome does not justify surgery.

Self care

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

For fungal infections of the toes:

• Wear comfortable shoes without high heels or tight socks.
• Keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and change them daily, and use breathable shoes. Regular washing in hot water will clean most contaminated socks, but can be made more effective by using an antifungal spray before washing. Other clothing generally cannot be contaminated.
• Maintain good foot hygiene, including treating any infections.
• Wear clean shower shoes when using communal showers.
• Pay special attention to the hygiene of 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 to use folk 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 full recovery, it may take several months to a year with regular treatment procedures.