Despite all the achievements of science and progress, the fungus as a disease cannot be eliminated.This is due to their survivability and living conditions.The fungus needs moisture and heat.As long as they exist, the fungus will exist.
Types of nail fungus
Dermatophytes
They affect the body due to decreased immunity.In extremely rare cases - in a person with a high level of immunity.
The source of infection is the soil, sometimes people or animals.The basis of the entire colony is mycelium.It is attached to the nail by processes (hyphae), which grow into the tissue and destroy the structure.
Subspecies of dermatophytes and features of the course of the disease:
- Red Trichophyton.The disease follows the pattern: the tip of the nail becomes infected, followed by progression to the root.The fungus tends to affect several fingers at the same time.The nail changes shape, thickens and becomes rough.Delamination is observed.The skin around the affected nail also becomes infected - it dries and flakes;
- Trichophyton interdigitalis.The origin of the disease is environments with high levels of humidity.It most often affects the nails of the big toes.Located on the surface of the nail and the skin between the fingers.Whitish spots form on the plates;
- Other types of dermatophytes affect the body against the background of other diseases in 5% of all cases.
Yeasts of the genus Candida
In fact, they are present in human skin and mucous membranes.It is not necessary to find a carrier of the disease.All it takes is a weakened immune system for fungi to occupy the nail plate.
The peculiarity of the course of the disease is that the nail is not affected at the tip, but at the base, growing in the direction of growth, since candida does not form mycelium and cannot attach itself to the surface of the edge.
Mold
The causative agents of onychomycosis are more than 40 species.It is difficult to diagnose damage caused by this type of fungus - the symptoms are not much different from the symptoms of damage caused by dermatophytes.
However, the treatment is fundamentally different.The diagnosis of fungal infection can only be made through bacteriological analysis.
The subspecies is capable of releasing hyphae and quickly destroying the nail.In addition, in conditions of a critical decrease in the patient's immunity, fungi are able to penetrate the body and infect organs.
There are 2 additional classifications.
Classification according to the origin of the disease:
- vesicular fungi.The bottom of the foot is mainly affected.Blisters and bumps appear on the skin.This type of fungus is easily associated with a bacterial infection;
- membrane Located in the area between the little finger and the “ring” finger - the skin cracks and peels off in large scales.It may be accompanied by a bacterial infection;
- moccasinopods.The disease is localized to the heel or sole of the foot, gradually spreading upward.
Classification according to the form of deformation of the nail layer:
- normotrophic.The nail changes color but maintains its shape.Stripes and/or spots appear in yellow and white tones;
- hypertrophic.The structure and shape of the nail become deformed: the nail becomes thick, begins to crumble and causes pain during movement;
- atrophic.The nail “loses weight”.The plaque becomes very thin, opaque and white spots and stripes appear.
Nail fungus: signs of infection
Main visible and tangible symptoms:
- itchy skin, especially after swimming;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- skin peeling;
- the nail changed color.As a rule, the entire nail plate acquires a uniform shade.The color depends on the subspecies of the fungus, but most often it is yellow;
- the surface of the nail becomes rough;
- separation along the tip of the nail.It occupies the entire open extension of the nail and gradually deepens;
- white spots under the nail plate;
- dullness;
- many burrs;
- detachment of the entire nail;
- large-scale destruction of the nail;
- small notches along the entire outer surface of the plate;
- the nail plate thickens and the lower layers crumble.
Is it possible to completely cure nail fungus?It is possible, but not always.An inherited disease that cannot be changed is a living example of this.It progresses over the years, deforming the shape of the nail.
The fact of a hereditary disease can only be confirmed by consulting a doctor.
How to effectively cure nail fungus: drug treatment
To select medications, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of fungus, stage of the disease and skin type.This can only be done by a doctor.
Depending on the test results and the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe local medications - ointments or varnishes, or a complex of local and systemic medications.
Systemic medications suppress the pathogen, preventing reproduction.Local medicines act in the area of application, destroying fungi.
Systemic medications put a strain on the liver.You will have to give up everything that complicates the functioning of the organ - alcohol, fatty foods.This is necessary to avoid doubling the load.
There are special means for removing nails without surgery.
Each medication only works on a specific type of mycosis.Even the most advanced remedies will not work if they are not “combined” with a fungus.
How to cure nail fungus: folk remedies
Vinegar is the most effective method in the early stages.
Baths: a glass of table vinegar (9%) per water bath.As a rule, a basin is used where the feet are placed.The water pours down to the ankles.Firstly, this ensures the proper concentration of vinegar in the water.
Secondly, the skin is exposed to chemical burns.Before bathing, you need to trim your nails and remove the top layers of the skin with a pumice stone or brush.This will guarantee maximum “impregnation”.
If there is microdamage on the legs, the procedure will cause pain.Duration – 15 minutes.
Vinegar lotions – soak a cotton pad/cotton pad in vinegar and apply to the problem area for 10-15 minutes. It is most effective to use after showering.
Ointment: 2 portions of acetic acid (70%) mixed with glycerin, olive oil and dimethylphtolate, one portion of each.Apply with a cotton swab for 8 hours every day on clean feet.Wash with washing powder.
To combat the advanced stage, hydrogen peroxide is used.The feet are steamed in a soda bath (1 teaspoon per 1 liter), then cotton wool soaked in hydrogen peroxide is applied to problem areas, covered with polyethylene and wrapped in a bandage.The duration of the compress is 40 to 60 minutes.
Ammonia.For a glass of water - 1 tbsp.I.Alcohol Soak cotton wool or a piece of gauze and apply overnight as a compress.
Boric acid.Before going to bed, feet are steamed, sprinkled with powder and put on clean socks.
Baking soda.Add some water to form a paste and apply the mixture to the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
Garlic.Rub the affected area with a cut garlic clove.Vegetable pulp can be used as a compress.
Iodine.Just lubricate the problem area thoroughly.
How to quickly cure nail fungus
Complex treatment will be required, consisting of systemic antimycotics and local agents.Medicines are prescribed by a doctor.
It is recommended to combine traditional medicine and medicines.
Features of treating neglected fungi
First of all, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.
Complex treatment will be required, which means:
- take broad-spectrum medications orally;
- narrow focus directly on the nail;
- strengthening the immune system;
- take medications that support the body while taking essential medications;
- follow the instructions strictly.
Medicine is designed in such a way that when treating a disease, a blow is dealt to a healthy organ.Most often - the liver and intestines.You need to be prepared for the consequences and discuss the side effects of medications with your doctor in advance.Some cause allergies or are inadmissible for certain diseases during pregnancy.
If the stage is critical and nothing helps, the last option remains - complete removal of the nail plate, but this does not always guarantee relief from the disease.
What is the danger of untreated onychomycosis?
The disease can progress to a stage where most available medicines fail to act on the fungi - the spores will penetrate deep into the tissues and medicines simply will not be able to reach them.
Deformation of the shape of the plate leads to deep growth into the skin of the nail, even tissue cutting.
The result is excruciating pain and inflammation in the tissues of the toes.Both the nail and the tissue around the nail will begin to rot.
An advanced stage of deformation of the nail plate makes it impossible to wear shoes.Any shoe that lightly squeezes your toes will cause severe pain.Even walking around the house barefoot can hurt.
Furthermore:
- general decrease in immunity;
- spread of fungi in the blood;
- the occurrence of dermatitis and eczema;
- inflammation of mucous membranes.
Prevention
Antifungal prophylaxis is based on the following factors:
- personal hygiene.You need to wash your feet daily with soap.Trim your nails in a timely manner, do not remove your nails, and only use personal pedicure tools.If you had to take strangers in, sterilize them.Wear clean socks.Do not wear used shoes;
- shoe care.Shoes need to be dried in a timely manner, thus preventing the formation of conditions favorable to the growth of fungus.Remove the insoles and dry them separately, dry the shoes themselves with special dryers or completely untie them and place them under the radiator;
- Of course, not going to baths and saunas is not an option.Give preference to establishments that have reviews.If possible, ask how often the floors are washed.Be sure to only use your own things, and especially replaceable rubber slippers;
- To avoid reinfection, throw away shoes that the patient wore during illness.If this is not possible, sterilize it from the inside;
- if your immune system is weakened or there is microdamage on your feet, try not to walk barefoot and avoid situations where the fungus can come into contact with you.