Any changes in the shape and color of the nail plates may indicate the presence of a fungal infection.In medicine it is called onychomycosis, popularly nail fungus.If detected in the early stages, there is a high probability of rapid healing;Advanced forms can be treated for years and not always with positive results.It is worth noting that onychomycosis is widespread throughout the world and in Russia occurs in 7-16% of residents.Their presence is closely related to many factors, ranging from social to individual characteristics of the body.
What does nail fungus look like in the early stages?
The initial stages of nail fungus are almost always asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only occasionally can small yellow spots be observed on the nail plate or a slight itching on the finger.Almost always the lesion begins on the 1st and 5th toes and looks like changes:
- nail colors (yellow, shades of brown);
- shape of the nail plate (either thickening or vice versa – thinning is observed);
- Deformation (appearance of yellow or white longitudinal and transverse stripes).
In addition to all visible changes, there may also be subjective sensations in the form of itching and pain.
Note!Onychomycosis occurs more often on the legs and less often on the arms.Very often it occurs as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure when the patient has already suffered from foot mycosis.
Classification of onychomycosis
Today it is customary to classify onychomycosis not only according to the clinical features of damage to the nail plate, but also according to the variants of fungal penetration into the nail plate.The following forms of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distal;
- distal-lateral;
- superficially white;
- proximal subungual;
- completely dystrophic.
The first two forms are the most common because the pathogen gets into the nail from the affected skin of the feet.They are characterized by a long course, during which the lesion process slowly spreads over the entire nail in the form of an oval yellow spot or splinter.
A characteristic feature of white superficial onychomycosis is damage to the nail plates of the first fingers in the initial stages.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 progression, affecting the matrix and the periungual ridge.A distinctive 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;
- Molds.
The first two types are much more common and their clinical picture is clearly manifested in damage not only to the nail plate, but also to the feet.
Basic factors for the development of onychomycosis
Many people wonder how it is that we all visit spas, saunas, swimming pools and beaches, but only some of us end up becoming infected with nail fungus.The fact is that for the reproduction of fungi, not only a favorable environment is required, but also weakened protective functions of the body.People who have problems with:
- vessels of the lower extremities;
- obesity;
- flat feet and foot deformities;
- increased level of glucose in the blood, which is used by fungi for metabolic processes;
Onychomycosis is common in adults and almost never seen in children.Every second person over the age of 70 develops nail fungus on their toes or hands.
How to treat nail fungus in the early stages?
If you suspect nail fungus, you should consult a dermatologist immediately.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 they are prescribed.If problems are found, the drug is replaced with another one.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the pathogen and are in the initial stages.Then, if you follow the rules of disinfection (processing underwear, socks, shoes, treatment of the nail plate, etc.), you can quickly get rid of the disease even without taking systemic drugs.
When treating advanced nail fungus, everything is much more complicated, since here you not only have to fight the external manifestations of the disease, but also expel the pathogen from the body.In addition to attention, the patient also needs patience and time, as the therapy can take years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to see a specialist, at 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 with iodine in the morning and peroxide in the evening for a month.Before treatment, wash your feet clean, wipe dry and trim the affected nail as much as possible.