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 an early stage, there is a high probability of a quick cure;advanced forms can be treated for years and not always with positive success.It is worth noting that onychomycosis is common throughout the world, and in Russia it occurs in 7-16% of the population.Their presence is closely related to many factors, from social to individual body characteristics.
What does nail fungus look like in the initial stage?
Almost always, the initial stage of nail fungus is asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only occasionally, small yellow spots can be seen on the nail plate or a slight itch can be felt on the finger.Almost always, the lesion starts from the 1st to 5th toe and looks like changes:
- Nail colors (yellow, brown shades);
- The 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 feelings in the form of itching and pain can also be added.
Note!Onychomycosis is more common on the legs, less often on the hands.It very often occurs as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure, if the patient is already ill with mycosis of the feet.
Classification of onychomycosis
Today, it is common to classify onychomycosis not only taking into account the clinical characteristics of damage to the nail plate, but also based on the types of fungal penetration into it.The following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distally;
- distal-lateral;
- white surface;
- proximal subungual;
- total dystrophy.
The first two forms are the most common, because in them the pathogen enters the nail from the affected skin of the foot.They are characterized by a long course, in which the lesion process slowly spreads over the entire nail in the form of an oval yellow spot or debris.
The peculiarity of white superficial onychomycosis is damage to the nail plates of the first fingers in the initial stage.Matrix and nail damage is extremely rare;basically, the whole 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 feature is the partial or complete destruction of the nail plate.
Nail fungus 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.
Basic factors for the development of onychomycosis
Many wonder how it is that we all end up visiting baths, saunas, swimming pools, beaches, but only some of us get infected with nail fungus.The fact is that not only a favorable environment is needed for the reproduction of fungi, but also weakened protective functions of the body.At risk are people who have problems with:
- veins of the lower extremities;
- overweight;
- flat feet and foot deformities;
- increased level of glucose in the blood, which the mushrooms 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 nail fungus on their fingers or hands.
How to treat nail fungus in the initial stage?
If you detect any suspicion of nail fungus, consult a dermatologist immediately.At least to identify the pathogen and choose an effective antifungal drug.Most modern drugs are very harmful to the liver and tests are done before they are prescribed.If problems are detected, the drug is replaced by another.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the causative agent and if you are in the initial stages.Then, following the rules of disinfection (treatment of underwear, socks, shoes, treatment of the nail plate, etc.), you can quickly get rid of the disease even without taking systemic drugs.
With the treatment of advanced nail fungus, everything is much more complicated, because here you have to fight not only with the external manifestations of the disease, but also to expel the pathogen from the body.Here, apart from attention, the patient will also need patience and time, because therapy can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to seek help from a specialist, then when you discover 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 the treatment, wash your feet well, dry them and cut off the affected nail as much as possible.