Despite all the achievements of science and progress, fungi as a disease cannot be eliminated.This is due to its ability to survive and living conditions.The fungus needs moisture and heat.As long as there are, so will the mushroom.
Types of nail fungus
dermatophytes
They affect the body due to reduced 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 the mycelium.It is attached to the nail by growths (hyphae) that grow into the tissue and destroy the structure.
Subtypes of dermatophytes and characteristics of the course of the disease:
- Trichophyton red.The disease proceeds according to the standard: the tip of the nail is infected, followed by progression to the root.Fungi tend to affect several fingers at the same time.The nail changes its shape, thickens and becomes rough.Delamination is observed.The skin around the affected nail also becomes infected - it dries and peels;
- Trichophyton interdigitalis.The source of the disease is rooms with high humidity.It most often affects the nails of the big toes.Localized on the surface of the nails 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.
Yeast of the genus Candida
They are actually present on human skin and mucous membranes.It is not necessary to meet a carrier of the disease.It is enough to have a weakened immune system for the fungus to occupy the nail plate.
The peculiarity of the course of the disease is that the nail is affected not at the end, but at the base, it grows in the direction of growth, since candida does not form a mycelium and cannot attach to the surface of the edge.
Mold
The causative agents of onychomycosis are more than 40 species.It is difficult to diagnose damage from this type of fungus - the symptoms do not differ much from the symptoms of damage from dermatophytes.
However, the treatment is fundamentally different.The diagnosis of mold infection can only be made by bacteriological analysis.
The subspecies is capable of releasing hyphae and rapidly destroying the nail.In addition, in conditions of a critical decrease in the patient's immunity, mold fungi can penetrate the body and infect the organs.
There are 2 additional classifications.
Classification according to the source of the disease:
- vesicular fungi.The lower part of the foot is mainly affected.Blisters and swelling appear on the skin.This type of fungus is easily associated with a bacterial infection;
- membrane Localized in the area between the little finger and the "ring" toe - the skin cracks and peels off in large flakes.It may be accompanied by a bacterial infection;
- moccasins.The disease is localized on the heel or foot, gradually spreading upwards.
Classification according to the form of deformation of the nail layer:
- normotrophic.The nail changes color but keeps its shape.Streaks and/or spots of yellow and white shades appear;
- hypertrophic.The structure and shape of the nails are deformed: the nail becomes thick, begins to crumble and causes pain during movement;
- atrophic.The nail "weakens".The plate becomes very thin, matte, white spots and streaks appear on it.
Toenail fungus: signs of infection
Main visible and tangible symptoms:
- itching of the skin, especially after swimming;
- the appearance of an unpleasant smell;
- peeling of the skin;
- the nail has changed color.As a rule, the entire nail plate acquires a uniform shade.The color depends on the subspecies of the fungus, but is most often yellow;
- the surface of the nail becomes rough;
- separation along the tip of the nail.Occupies the entire open length of the nail and gradually deepens;
- white spots under the nail plate;
- stupidity;
- many bumps;
- detachment of the entire nail;
- destruction of the nail on a large scale;
- small notches all over the outer surface of the plate;
- the nail plate thickens and the lower layers fall apart.
Is it possible to completely cure toenail fungus?It is possible, but not always.A hereditary 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 a doctor's consultation.
How to effectively cure toenail fungus: drug treatment
In order to choose drugs, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of fungus, the stage of the disease and the type of skin.Only a doctor can do this.
Depending on the test results and the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe either local drugs - ointments or varnishes, or a complex of local and systemic drugs.
Systemic drugs suppress the pathogen, preventing reproduction.Local drugs have an effect in the area of application, destroying the fungus.
Systemic drugs put a heavy burden on the liver.You will have to give up everything that makes it difficult for the organ to work - alcohol, fatty foods.This is necessary to avoid double loading.
There are special means to remove nails without surgery.
Each drug acts only on a certain type of mycosis.Even the most modern means will not work if they are not "paired" with fungi.
How to treat toenail fungus: folk remedies
Vinegar is the most effective method in the initial stages.
Baths: a cup of table vinegar (9%) per water bath.As a rule, a basin is used in which the feet are placed.The water is up to the ankles.First, it ensures the correct concentration of vinegar in the water.
Second, the skin is exposed to a chemical burn.Before a bath, you should trim your nails and remove the upper layers of the skin with a pumice stone or a brush.This will ensure maximum "impregnation".
If there are microdamages on the legs, the procedure will cause pain.Duration – 15 minutes.
Vinegar lotions – soak a pad/cotton ball in vinegar and apply to the problem area for 10-15 minutes. It is more effective to use after baths.
Ointment: 2 portions of acetic acid (70%) mixed with glycerine, olive oil, and dimethylphtolate, one portion of each.Apply with a cotton pad for 8 hours every day on clean feet.Wash with laundry soap.
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 peroxide is applied to the problem areas, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a bandage.The duration of the compress is 40-60 minutes.
Ammonia.For a glass of water - 1 tablespoon.l alcohol Soak cotton wool or a piece of gauze and apply overnight as a compress.
Boric acid.Before going to bed, the feet are steamed, sprinkled with powder and put on clean socks.
Bicarbonate of soda.Add some water to it until it forms a paste and apply the mixture on the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
garlic.Rub the affected area with a chopped clove of garlic.Vegetable mash can be used as a compress.
iodine.Just lubricate the problem area liberally.
How to cure nail fungus fast
Complex treatment consisting of systemic antifungal drugs and topical agents will be necessary.Medicines are prescribed by a doctor.
It is recommended to combine traditional medicine and medicines.
Features of treatment of neglected fungi
First of all, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.
Complex treatment will be required, which means:
- taking broad-spectrum drugs orally;
- narrow focus directly on the nail;
- strengthening the immune system;
- taking medicines that support the body while taking essential medicines;
- follow the instructions strictly.
Medicine is structured in such a way that when treating a disease, a blow is inflicted on a healthy organ.Most often - the liver and intestines.You should be prepared for the consequences and discuss the side effects of the drugs with your doctor in advance.Some cause allergies or are unacceptable 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 getting rid of the disease.
What is the danger of untreated onychomycosis?
The disease can progress to a stage when most of the available drugs cease to work on the fungus - the spores will penetrate deep into the tissues and the drugs simply will not be able to reach them.
Deformation of the shape of the plate leads to deep ingrowth into the skin of the nail, even cutting tissue.
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 shoes that even slightly squeeze your toes will cause severe pain.Even just walking around the house barefoot will harm you.
In addition:
- general decrease in immunity;
- spread of fungi in the blood;
- the appearance of dermatitis and eczema;
- inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Prevention
Antifungal prophylaxis is based on the following factors:
- personal hygiene.You should wash your feet with soap every day.Trim your nails in a timely manner, do not pull the nails and use only personal pedicure tools.If you must take in strangers, sterilize them.Wear clean socks.Do not use used shoes;
- shoe careShoes must be dried in a timely manner, thus preventing the formation of favorable conditions for the growth of fungi.Remove the insoles and dry them separately, dry the shoes themselves with special dryers or unzip them completely and place them under the radiator;
- Of course, not visiting baths and saunas is not an option.Give preference to these establishments that have reviews.If possible, ask what and how often the floors are washed.Remember to use only your own stuff and especially replaceable rubber slippers;
- To avoid re-infection, throw away the shoes that the patient wore during the illness.If this is not possible, sterilize it from the inside;
- if your immune system is weakened or there are micro-damages on the feet, try not to walk barefoot and avoid situations where the fungus can get on you.