Onychomycosis: prevention of nail fungus

While just a few years ago fungal nail diseases were not given great importance, today it is clear to everyone that a massive contagious fungal infection caused by various dermatophyte fungi must be recognized and treated in a timely manner. Thanks to wide 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 mycoses on the feet. Since if the nail plate is deformed for no apparent reason (e. g. injury), a fungal infection is primarily suspected, self-diagnosis is crucial in this case. Therefore, any change in the nail plate is a reason to consult a dermatologist, since at least half of these diseases are due to a fungal cause, and the rest require careful diagnosis, which, in turn, is carried out by a specialist.

Factors leading to fungus:

1. In fact, a fungal nail infection is an indolent disease that does not lead to life-threatening conditions and does not cause pain or discomfort. More commonly, it affects the older population, who often associate changes in appearance with the aging process.
2. The sick themselves are often embarrassed by the disease, are not prepared for the financial costs of treatment or are convinced that the disease is incurable. Many people start self-medicating and do not see the disease as a reason to see a specialist.
3. Since the disease primarily affects the feet, medical examinations usually do not directly examine the feet without the patient specifically complaining about changes in the nails. This is facilitated by the extremely short time available for receiving patients even in specialized institutions, which, unfortunately, forces doctors to examine them only for the main reason for the visit.

A fungal nail infection lasts quite a long timeThe earlier the disease is detected, the higher the chance of a 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 possible only if the infection has affected individual nails from the distal or lateral edges to less than 1/3-1 /2the plate. Local external therapy is used to treat the initial stages of a fungal nail infection. Advanced forms of fungal infection require longer and more expensive treatment. Regular preventive examinations and medical examinations of the population play a special role in the early detection of nail mycoses.

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This seemingly harmless disease can have very serious complications:

• damage to smooth skin and secondary infection;
• Fungal sensitization with the formation of allergic reactions and microbial foci of 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 infects public places and other people and becomes a source of intra-family transmission of fungal infections in everyday life.

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 can be 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 and try to cope with the disease on their own or simply leave it without treatment.

Nail fungus develops quite slowly. Therefore, the first signs of a fungal infection usually escape the patient's attention. If changes caused by the fungus become noticeable on the nail, it means that the process has already progressed far enough and it will not be easy to defeat the fungus.

Onychomycosis is often perceived as a cosmetic problem: nails affected by the fungus look unsightly. However, fighting fungus is necessary not only to restore the correct shape and shine to the nails. If the fungus is not treated, it will continue to spread. The big toenail is usually the first to be affected. If treatment is not started, the fungus will spread to other toes and since 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 different types of fungi. First of all, these are dermatophytes. In second place are yeast fungi of the genus Candida, which are always found in small quantities on human skin (they most often attack fingernails). Infection with mold is also possible (they usually accompany other pathogens. An isolated infection with mold is not typical for our climate, but for the tropical climate).

The risk of a fungal infection increases with age. Nail fungus is very rare in children, but it is relatively common in older people. 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 over the years, while the natural defense of a young body, as a rule, suppresses the activity of fungi well and prevents 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 a fungal infection.

With fungi of the Candida genus, it is enough that there are problems with the immune system: they simply begin to actively multiply. Mushrooms of other species still have to somehow get into our body from the external environment. Some types of fungi can be transmitted by animals. Mold can be found everywhere; They can reproduce without a host. However, in most cases the fungal infection is transmitted from person to person.

Mushrooms love a moist environment. Therefore, fungal infection often occurs in places with high humidity. These are swimming pools, saunas, locker rooms, gyms. Wearing socks and shoes on wet feet can also be a trigger.

In the case of wounds and cracks, the infection can penetrate directly into the tissue, so that the protective barrier that forms the surface of our skin does not have to be attacked.

The spread of fungi is facilitated by negligence in personal hygiene: you should not use other people's slippers, soap or towels. Precisely because not every family adheres to 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 (into the subungual recess). In this case, the pathological process develops mainly in the nail bed. The second route of entry for fungi is the nail fold. Candida fungus usually first affects the posterior nail fold (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 loss of shine of the nail, 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 flake, flake, break, 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 in the form of white or yellowish spots that gradually increase in size. Over time, the color of the entire nail changes. The nail plate can detach because the connection between the nail and the subcutaneous tissue is disrupted.

It is characterized by a significant increase in the thickness of the nail plate (due to the growth of the subungual epithelium). The nail turns brownish-yellowish or gray. The nail plate usually actively crumbles. The nail is particularly damaged from the sides, creating a claw-like 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 nail fold; The nail bed is filled with a loose mass created by decaying epithelial particles. Eventually the nail may be completely lost.

Methods for diagnosing onychomycosis

Color changes and brittleness of nails should be a reason to see a dermatologist. You should not replace the doctor and diagnose yourself - you can make a mistake: changes in the nail may have another cause.

The doctor makes the diagnosis based on a visual examination (if necessary using a microscope). Laboratory diagnostics are carried out to confirm the diagnosis. It is also necessary to determine 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 off.

Microscopy is carried out in the laboratory. Culture studies are also carried out (the material is placed in a favorable environment and it is observed whether a fungal colony appears). Culture studies can be used to determine which fungi caused the disease.

To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.

Treatment methods for onychomycosis

Treating nail fungus involves removing the affected part of the nail. Treatment is then carried out with local antifungal agents (ointments, drops, sprays, varnishes). If the lesions are significant, the doctor may prescribe general antifungal drugs (tablets).

Since fungal activity increases in connection with immune problems, the proposed course of treatment may include measures to increase general immunity.

It is recommended to apply local products (ointments, creams, drops) to the open nail bed. Do not stop treating the affected area until the time prescribed by your doctor has expired. Before stopping treatment, the doctor will most likely perform another scraping so that a laboratory test can confirm that no fungus is present. Otherwise, there is a high risk of a relapse of the disease.

Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Vinegar recipes to treat nail fungus

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

Treating nail fungus with vinegar is the simplest home method of getting rid of an unpleasant disease. Simple and affordable recipes, if used correctly, will help quickly cure an incipient infection. Vinegar and eggs, as an addition to medication, provide important help in the complex therapy of onychomycosis. The product is also used to prevent and quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms.

Reviews of the folk remedy for toenail fungus with 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 onychomycosis is in a non-advanced form.

Causes and symptoms of fungus

Symptoms of the disease and photos:

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

In 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 discomfort is exacerbated by the inability to wear open sandals, as their appearance suffers. Onychomycosis is usually accompanied by a skin infection that causes the limbs to itch, peel, and peel the skin. Vinegar essence, which is available in every home, can be a real salvation at the initial stage of treating nail fungus.

The pathogens of onychomycosis are opportunistic in nature and are constantly found in close proximity to humans. 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 clothing and hygiene items - washcloths, slippers, manicure and pedicure supplies;
• disregard for hygiene regulations;
• increased sweating of the extremities;
• Visiting beauty salons with poor antiseptics.

It is easy to become infected with onychomycosis. It will take a long time to cure nail fungus with vinegar and other antifungal drugs. An infection is often recognized when the pathogen has penetrated deep into the nail plates and their destruction is obvious.

How does vinegar affect the source of disease?

The positive effect of treating nail fungus with acetic acid arises from the 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 quickly and effectively cure fungus can be prepared according to the following recipes:

1. Take glycerin and any 7 or 9 percent vinegar and mix together. The amount of components must be dosed so that a paste-like consistency is created. The finished mixture is then applied to the feet about twice a day.
2. You need to take 1 egg and dip it in 70% vinegar essence. After waiting for the shell to dissolve, you need to remove the foil and mix the egg whites and yolks with 200 g of butter. Before using the ointment, it is recommended to steam your feet well. The shelf life should be up to 8 hours, so it is better to use the product at night.

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

• Take equal parts glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate. Stir and add a double proportion of 70% vinegar essence to the resulting mixture and mix again. Apply to the nail, leave for 10 hours and then wash off with laundry soap and water;
• Take 40 g of eucalyptus essential oil, 1 large spoonful 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.

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

How do you 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 use no more than 2-4 drops. Next, you need to wait until the solution is absorbed and you can get dressed or, for example, go to bed. The procedure is carried out no more than 1-2 times a day.

What causes fungal infections?

MushroomsSpread 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.Candida) AndMold.

These fungi tend to attack already damaged nails because the fungus can penetrate more easily. Fungal infections of the toenails are very common (one in four people can be affected), while toenail fungus is less common. Both types are most common in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. A warm, moist environment encourages fungal growth and causes infections. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, toilets, or locker rooms can increase your risk of a yeast infection.

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 become thicker and become painful when pressure is applied to the inside of the shoe. Then they are difficult to trim. The sight of an infected nail, especially a fingernail, can be embarrassing. The affected nail can ruin socks and tights and also rub adjacent skin. Nearby skin can also be affected by a fungal infection; It may itch, crack, blister, or appear whitish, especially between the toes.

What do fungal nail infections look like?

Fungal nail infectionTypically start at the free edge and then spread along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Ultimately, the entire nail may be affected. Infected areas become white or yellowish and thicken and scale. More rarely, white inclusions can appear on the nail surface. The nails most susceptible to damage from fungal infections are the big and little toes. Sometimes, especially in people who regularly perform wet work such as housewives or cleaners, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen. This is called paronychia and can cause infections to easily penetrate the nail.

How are fungal nail infections diagnosed?

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

Many nail problems may just look like thisfungal infection, - for example, changes observed in psoriasis, after a bacterial infection or an old injury, but antifungal drugs do not help. The right treatment may depend on knowing which fungus is causing the problem. It may take several weeks to see results.

Can fungal nail infections be cured?

Yes. However, for successfulTreating a fungal nail infectionLong-term treatment is required, which can last up to a year. Fingernails are easier to treat.Fungal nail infectionsusually recur, especially on the toes.

How can fungal nail infections be treated?

Fungal nail infectionsare not bothersome in themselves and not all require treatment. Some people with infected toenails don't worry about it 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 nailsIf they cause embarrassment or inconvenience, they will usually be dealt with. 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 treatment is to eliminate the fungus: then the nail usually returns to normal. However, if the nail was damaged before it became infected, cleaning it will be more difficult and it may return to its previous state.Nail infectionsIllnesses caused by mold and yeast can be very resistant to treatment.

Treatment options include:

Treatments on the nails (local treatments)

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

You may not be able to clean the deeper parts of the infected nail yourself, but regularly removing the damaged part of the nail with nail clippers or sanders can help. Oral medication in combination with an antifungal increases the likelihood of recovery. They may need to be used for 4-12 months before any effect is felt.

ForHand nail infectionsthe treatment duration is shorter. The healing rate for local treatments alone is around 15-30%. Local treatment is safe. Redness and irritation may occur.

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

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

Herbal products are also advertisedTreating a fungal nail infection, but there is no convincing evidence that it is safe or more effective than standard treatments.

Surgical nail removal

Sometimes very thick nails that do not respond to pills alone can be removed by surgeons using local anesthesia. However, this is rarely done because the result does not warrant surgical intervention.

Self-care

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

If you have a fungal infection on your toes:

• Wear comfortable-fitting 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. However, effectiveness can be increased by using an antifungal spray before washing. In principle, other items of clothing cannot be contaminated.
• Maintain good foot hygiene, including treating any infections.
• Wear clean shower shoes when using shared showers.
• Pay particular attention to the hygiene of the affected feet.
• Consider seeing a podiatrist if thickened toenails cause discomfort when walking.

Conclusions

Vinegar and egg against nail fungus show 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 treatment of onychomycosis will always take a long time. With regular treatment, full recovery can take several months to a year.